Harris B. Janes and Moody C. Thompson Jr.

Abstract: A series of experimental measurements is described which was designed to study atmospheric errors in microwave baseline tracking systems such as the Mistram system. The ground-to-air tracking system configuration was simulated by laying out 300-400 m baselines on level ground east of Boulder, Colorado, and placing a fixed target antenna on a mountain top at a range of about 15 km and elevation angle of 44 milliradians. Continuous recordings of variations in apparent range, range difference and refractive index were made in 3 two-day periods. The data are analyzed in terms of their power spectra with estimates of rms variations in range (with and without correction for refractive index), and range difference (on baselines parallel to and normal to the propagation path, and for several baseline lengths). A discussion is given of the correlation between range and surface refractivity variations and the correlation of range variations on adjacent paths.

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