Abstract
In considering HF propagation in a random inhomogeneous ionosphere it is necessary to take into account regular and random caustics. Regular caustics connected with regular refraction of radio waves in the ionosphere form a skip zone and determine the maximum usable frequency (MUF) and the maximum of the oblique incidence backscatter sounding (OBS) signal. Random fluctuations of ionospheric radio rays “wash out” field enhancement in the vicinity of MUF and the maximum OBS signal. The presence of random caustics results in strong intensity fluctuations of ionospheric radio waves. The above mentioned problems are considered by the interference integral method. A scintillation index formula for strong fluctuations of oblique ionospheric radio waves is obtained. Average intensity and average pulse signal which form in the vicinity of MUF are investigated. The peculiarities of oblique multihop radio wave propagation, taking into account random ionospheric inhomogeneities, terrestrial surface roughness, and caustics focusing in skip distance are discussed.
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