D.[onald] W. Patterson

Abstract:

Objective: To develop the concept for a system which will provide the Naval communication a capability for the selection of best operating frequencies for Navy HF circuits; and for predicting the time of onset, the intensity and duration of ionospheric disturbances and their effect upon Navy communications.

Progress: To achieve the objectives of this program the Central Radio Propagation Laboratory is carrying out studies and experimental tasks to develop information and techniques for improving predictions of HF radio wave propagation; to select best circuit operating frequencies; and, to improve predictions of the expected time of onset, duration and intensity of ionospheric disturbances which affect HF radio communication services. In addition to the above studies, consideration is being given to the formulation of system concepts for incorporating increased capabilities in the above areas into the Naval communications.

Four discrete system areas are under study: (I) a frequency prediction system, (2) a frequency selection system, (3) a disturbance warning system, and (4) a master frequency control center. The composite system will be termed the Radio Frequency Propagation System (RFPS). During the past quarter, effort in all tasks has been directed toward providing information to be used in establishing an initial concept for the RFP System.

Approximately a year has been spent in pre­liminary investigations to establish the overall requirements for the system, the bounds or limits within which the system must operate, and the state of our knowledge of the techniques and components which are to be considered as building blocks for the system.

Because of the complexity of the RFP System and its interface requirements with other systems both in and outside of the Navy and the short time schedule to operational employment, it is considered desirable, in fact essential, to develop a system concept as early in the program as practical. Documentation of the initial system concept started in May and was scheduled for completion by the end of June. Some unanticipated events will cause a delay of about three weeks in the schedule.

The initial concept will be directed principally to ship/ shore communica­tion circuits, but with due consideration of other Naval communication Visits were made during the quarter to discuss various aspects of the system with the U. S. Army Radio Propagation Agency; Radio Frequency Spectrum Division, CNO; Stanford Research Institute and the Navy Electronics Laboratory.

Requirements. It is expected that some reorientation of the tasks under this program will be required after an acceptable system concept has been developed. Visits were made during the quarter to discuss various aspects of the system with the U. S. Army Radio Propagation Agency; Radio Frequency Spectrum Division, CNO; Stanford Research Institute and the Navy Electronics Laboratory.

Plans for next quarter: The initial concept will be completed during the next quarter. The concept will be evaluated within NBS and by such other groups as are designated by the Bureau of Ships. Based upon the results of the evaluation, the various tasks will be carefully reviewed to assure optimum alignment with system requirements.

Program coordinator: D. W. Patterson

Keywords: ionosphere; HF propagation; Central Radio Propagation Laboratory

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.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

Back to Search Results