Simple M-factor algorithm for improved estimation of the basic maximum usable frequency of radio waves reflected from the ionospheric F-region
Abstract
The equations of Milsom (1970) are evaluated, giving the ground range and group delay of radio waves propagated by way of the horizontally stratified model ionosphere proposed by Bradley and Dudeney (1973). Expressions for the ground range that allow for the effects of the underlying E- and F1-regions are used in evaluating the basic maximum usable frequency M-factors for single F-layer hops. An algorithm for the rapid calculation of the M-factor at a given range is elaborated and shown to be accurate to within five percent. The results show that the M(3000)F2-factor scaled from vertical-incidence ionograms using the standard URSI procedure can be up to 7.5 percent in error. It is noted that a simple addition to the algorithm effects a correction to ionogram values to make these accurate to 0.5 percent.
- Publication:
-
IEE Proceedings F: Communications Radar and Signal Processing
- Pub Date:
- June 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983IPCRS.130..296L
- Keywords:
-
- Algorithms;
- F Region;
- Ionospheric Propagation;
- Maximum Usable Frequency;
- Radio Echoes;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Atmospheric Stratification;
- E Region;
- F 1 Region;
- Ionograms;
- Communications and Radar