ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION EFFECTS ON PRECISION RADAR TRACKING.
Abstract
This report describes atmospheric effects on the three important radar tracking parameters; elevation angle error, range error and doppler error. The results of experimental sea-interferometer measurements using radio satellites are compared with those predicted on the basis of routine refractive index data. It is shown that observed elevation angle error usually exceeds predicted values by about 1.5 milliradians at 1 deg elevation angle and about 0.3mr at 8.5 deg elevation angle. Range error fluctuations are as much as 30 meters at 108mc. Doppler errors are of the order of a few cps at 108mc, at low elevation angles. Appendices are included, which describe in detail the computational methods for elevation angles of sea-interferometer minima, doppler frequency shift, and prediction of refractive effects using routine refractive index data. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0605140