Low Altitude Near-the-Horizon Propagation: A Comparison Between RPO and M-Layer

Abstract

Predictions of propagation loss made by the computer programs Radio Physical Optics (RPO) Computer Software Configuration Item (CSCI) and M-Layer are compared. The results of the high frequency parabolic equation approximation, as formulated in RPO, agree almost always with those derived from the low frequency modal computation as formulated in M-Layer. But at low altitudes in the neighborhood of the radar horizon, deviations between RPO and M-Layer become significant for some cases. RPO appears not to be able to properly account for the effects of a high altitude surface-based duct at a short range. Since the discrepancies fan in regions of importance to naval operations, a definitive resolution is an urgent task to be undertaken in the immediate future. Propagation loss, Radio Physical Optics CSCI, M-Layer, Parabolic equation, Waveguide mode, Evaporation duct, Surface-based duct.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA277358

Entities

People

  • Chi-wei Wu

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Altitude
  • Computations
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Ducts
  • Elevation
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Frequency
  • Low Altitude
  • Naval Operations
  • Procedures (Computers)
  • Radar
  • Refraction
  • Refractive Index
  • Research Facilities

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Wave Propagation and Nonlinear Chaotic Dynamics.