The Effect of Ionospheric Scintillations Fading on Aircraft-to-Satellite Communications.
Abstract
Ionospheric scintillation fading on a UHF earth-to-satellite communication link has a strong dependence on season, time-of-day, and geographic location. In the equatorial region + or - 20 deg. from the magnetic equator, 20 to 30 dB fades can be expected 1 to 2 hours after sunset during the equinox period. Airborne terminals may experience fade rates as fast as 1 fade per second to as slow as 1 fade in 90 seconds, depending on the direction of flight. The amplitude fading follows a power low distribution with a rate of F-2 to F-4 depending on fade rate. In the polar region an airborne terminal may experience ionospheric scintillation more often than near the equator but usually with less amplitude. Polar fading of 10 dB or less may occur 10 to 30% of the time. In the mid latitudes occasional random ionospheric scintillation may occur, but the fade depth and occurrence are so small as to pose only a minor annoyance to an airborne satellite communication system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA068758
Entities
People
- Allen J. Johnson
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory