TABLE OF CONTENTS The general theory of wave propagation, with applications to radar and communications systems, has been the subject of several excellent books [1 4], and little has subsequently been added to the understanding of propagation phenomena. We shall survey here the material most directly applicable to radar system design, analysis, and modeling, and present the results of studies that will assist the radar engineer in solving the most common types of problem.
The effects of propagation conditions on radar performance are discussed under four general topics.
Atmospheric attenuation: Losses in radar energy due to absorption in the propagation medium: air, clouds, and precipitation. The accompanying contribution to noise temperature is also discussed.
Surface reflection: Modification of the free-space field to account for reflection of the waves from the surface beneath the direct path. These reflections cause multipath lobing effects on target detection and multipath errors in tracking and measurement.
Diffraction: Modification of the free-space field to account for interaction of the wave with surfaces or obstacles beneath the direct path or blocking that path. Diffraction affects both detection and measurement.
Refraction: Bending of the rays caused by the varying refractive index of the propagation medium. Both tropospheric and ionospheric refraction are considered. Radar detection coverage and measurement accuracy are both affected by refraction.
The basic theoretical expressions in each area are presented, along with tabular and graphic results applicable to common radar frequencies and radar-target paths.
Attenuation of radar waves in...
