Climatological model of over-the-horizon radar (CMOR)

Abstract

Models of radar systems are required for a variety of reasons. The sophistication of these models is highly dependant on their purpose; for instance microwave radar models which are designed to be integrated into existing wargaming simulation frameworks will often be low-fidelity models. The development of similar models of over-the-horizon radar is particulary challenging. This is due to the highly variable propagation environment in which such systems are required to operate: even the lowest fidelity model of an OTH radar must model the environmental conditions appropriately. The “base level” environmental modelling required to accurately characterise OTH radar performance is the climatology, i.e. diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle variations. In this paper we detail a climatological model of OTH radar (CMOR) developed using high frequency (HF) radio wave raytracing techniques. We discuss how this model may be integrated into low-fidelity wargaming simulations, used to provide initial assessments of the viability of candidate OTH radar networks to meet particular missions and how it may be used in highly sophisticated radar network design methodologies. The last example is the subject of a companion paper presented in this forum.