CHAPTER 2
Skywave Propagation
An understanding of the characteristics of the ionosphere and its properties as a propagation medium for HF radio waves is indispensable for an appreciation of OTH radar system design and operation. The first purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the formation, structure, and variability of the large-scale features of the ionosphere at a fundamental level. The second is to describe the basic principles of skywave propagation for HF radio waves that impinge upon the ionosphere at vertical and oblique incidence when the transmitter and receiver are on the Earth’s surface.
Several authoritative texts ...