Ionospheric Limitations on Radar Accuracy at L-Band
Abstract
For a long-range radar system the target range and bearing, as well as the signal amplitude and phase, are altered to some degree by the presence of the earth's atmosphere and ionosphere. The irregular nature of the ionosphere controls the extent to which these errors can be predicted and compensated for. The limits on radar metric accuracy imposed by ionospheric propagation effects are evaluated with emphasis on an L-band radar situated near the auroral zone. Many of the results are derived from previous progagation studies conducted at the Millstone Hill radar facility by applying appropriate frequency scaling laws. Estimates are made of elevation and range errors associated with the ambient ionosphere and with large-scale ionospheric structures (such as the mid- latitude electron density trough and traveling ionospheric disturbances). The amplitude and angle-of-arrival fluctuations produced by ionospheric scintillation are considered and models constructed which are applicable for normal ionospheric conditions and also for periods of severe geomagnetic disturbance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA013731
Entities
People
- Ronald H. Wand
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology