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Influence of coupled environmental features on propagation characteristics for an RF and IR multisensor radar system
Author(s) -
Goldhirsh Julius
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/97rs00907
Subject(s) - atmospheric duct , radiosonde , radar , radio propagation , meteorology , environmental science , wave propagation , remote sensing , computer science , geology , telecommunications , physics , optics , atmosphere (unit)
We address the question, Given a multifrequency system comprising an RF radar and an IR sensor, what is the probability of “good multisensor propagation”? We define good multisensor propagation as one in which there is no fog and/or the RF propagation conditions are at the same time superrefractive. In addressing this question, we define “good IR propagation” as that occurring in the absence of fog, and “good RF propagation” as the condition in which the propagation is superrefractive. Data were analyzed from 981 radiosondes launched during 1973 and 1974 by the U.S. Air Force at three Iranian coastal locations on and in the vicinity of the Persian Gulf. Statistics were derived which demonstrate that 98% of the time, good multisensor propagation will exist, with 99% likelihood during the summer and 94% during the winter. Ancillary statistics associated with the likelihood of occurrence of the following environmental and propagation features were derived: the potential for fog, good RF propagation, temperature inversions, extreme subrefraction, and ducting.