A semi empirical model for low latitude HF ionospheric propagation prediction

The ionospheric propagation of high frequency (HF) radio waves is strongly dependent on the varying structure of the ionosphere. It is therefore essential to look for an accurate and suitable physical model for the design and development of telecommunication links, especially broadcast links, which are affected by such variation. This enables the prediction of radio link performance with a satisfactory level of accuracy and reduced computation time. Existing models make extensive use of powerful computers to generate electron density profiles, whereas this model attempts the same on an 80486 based PC successfully. Though this affects the accuracy of the generated profiles, it is still acceptable for engineering applications. A physical model of the ionosphere is developed with empirical additions from rocket data. The associated propagation conditions are simulated and the results compared with practical data obtained from broadcast and amateur radio band usage. A high degree of correlation is obtained.