Analysis of Surveillance Range for a Shore-based HF Radar with Multiple Propagation Paths

Abstract

This paper proposed a new shore-based High Frequency (HF) radar system with multiple propagation paths, called High Frequency Combined Sky-wave and Surface-wave Monostatic Radar (HFCSSWR). The new radar system uses the combined propagation paths of sky-wave and ground wave to surveille sea surface, including four propagation paths without considering ionospheric stratification. The surveillance range of the four propagation paths are different, and are affected by transmitted power, antenna gain, path attenuation and operating frequency etc. In order to preliminarily verify the feasibility of the new radar system and lay the foundation for the subsequent work such as frequency selection and echo propagation path judgment, this paper analyzes the surveillance range of the new radar system. Firstly, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) formula in the atmospheric background is derived and analyzed, and then the surveillance range of each propagation path is calculated by setting the detectable SNR threshold. The simulation results show that the surveillance range of the four propagation paths at low frequency is 0-1050km and have overlap. As the operating frequency increases, the surveillance range of each propagation path gradually narrows, and a partial range that cannot be detected appears.