Research and evaluation of factors affecting propagation performance in high-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54939/1859-1043.j.mst.111.2026.52-59Keywords:
Surface wave radar; HF waves; Radar cross section; Ionosphere; Electromagnetic wave propagation.Abstract
High-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) systems operating in the HF band (3–30 MHz) enable the detection of targets beyond the horizon by exploiting the electromagnetic surface wave. However, the propagation characteristics of HF waves are strongly affected by environmental conditions such as ionospheric electron density, geomagnetic disturbances, temperature, humidity, atmospheric noise, and terrain and geographical features. This paper presents combined research and simulation results to evaluate the extent to which these factors influence HF wave propagation under surface wave radar operating conditions. The results show that variations in environmental conditions lead to fluctuations in propagation loss, which directly affect the detection probability and the effective operating range of the radar system. The paper presents calculation and simulation results at a frequency of 10 MHz. The research results can provide a scientific basis for proposing design, fabrication, and deployment solutions for surface wave radar systems that are suitable for the natural conditions in Vietnam.
References
[1] L.R. Wyatt and A.M. Robinson, "Wind farm impacts on HF radar current and wave measurements in Liverpool Bay,", IEEE, (2011).
[2] K.W. Gurgel, G. Antonischki, H.H. Essen and T. Schlick, "Wellen radar (WERA): a new ground-wave HF radar for ocean remote sensing,", Coastal Engineering, (1999).
[3] Bourlier Christophe, "HF ground wave propagation over a curved rough sea surface in the presence of islands,", Taylor & Francis, (2011).
[4] "Ground wave propagation curves for frequencies betwen 10 kHz and 30 MHz,", Rec. ITU-RP.368-7.
[5] "Ground wave propagation prediction method for frequencies between 10 kHz and 30 MHz,", Rec. ITU-RP.368-10, (2022).
[6] "The radio refractive index: its formula and refractivity data,", Rec. ITU-RP.453-14, (2019).
[7] "Calculation of free-space attenuation,", Rec. ITU-RP.525-3, (2016).
[8] Calvin C. Teague and Donald E. Barrick, "Estimation of Wind Turbine radar signature at 13.5 MHz,", 2012 Oceans, Hampton Roads, VA, USA, (2012).
[9] U. Abubakar, S. Mekhilef, H. Mokhlis, M. Seyedmahmoudian, A. Stocevski and M. Rawa, "The Impacts of Terrestrial Wind Turbines operation on telecommunication services,", MDPI, (2022).
[10] O.M. Yucedag, S.M. Yucedag and H.A. Serim, "Radar cross section calculation of a wind turbine modeled by PEC canonical Structures,", ELECO, (2021).
[11] A.M. Ponsford, "Persistent Surveillance of the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using land-based high frequency radar,", Raytheon technology today, (2012).
[12] T.A. Tu, L.D. Cuong, N.K. Cuong and A. Morimoto, "Distribution characteristics of temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and sound speed in the Da Nang and Quy Nhon waters,", Vietnam Journal of Marine science and technology, (2020).
[13] X. Ji, Q. Yang and L. Wang, "A Self-Regulating Multi-Clutter Suppression Framework for Small Aperture HFSWR Systems,", MDPI, (2022).
[14] D. Golubovic, M. Eric, N. Vukmirovic and V. Orlic, "High-Resolution Sea Surface Target Detection Using Bi-Frequency High-Frequency Surface Wave Radar,", MDPI, (2024).
