Radio propagation to the offshore extended area

George A. Hufford

Abstract: The extended offshore test range proposed for the Pacific Missile Range will use high altitude aircraft to relay signals for tracking, telemetry, and control. This report treats the reliability of the radio propagation paths between these relays and both the ground stations and the targets in the test range. Included are a study of past experience on simi­lar paths, estimates of expected field strengths and of their variability, and a study of how the particular meteorological conditions in the offshore area can affect the fields. It is concluded that if sea-reflected mu1tipath can be tolerated or overcome, then relay aircraft at 25000 ft. should provide high reliability to distances of about 150 nmi. Equal reli­ability to 200 nmi. would require altitudes of 40000 ft.

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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