Refractive condition in the Caribbean Sea and its effects on radar systems

Abstract

Vertical gradients of pressure, temperature and humidity of the troposphere exert a strong influence over propagation of VHF, UHF, and SHF frequencies. These frequencies are associated with aircraft communications, radars and satellite communications, so it is important in military operations to collect precise and timely data from atmospheric conditions. In this thesis programs from EKEPS were used to assess refractive conditions in the Caribbean Sea against selected radar systems. Data given by SDS from radiosonde stations located in MS 43 and 44 were used as input for COVER and PROPR programs. Outputs from COVER are analyzed to find Optimal Altitude to Avoid Detection (OAAD) for a low-flying target. Outputs from PKOPR using climatological data given by SDS and Optimal Altitude to Avoid Detection from COVER was used to verify (OAAD) against selected land- and ship-mounted radars operating in the Caribbean Sea. Finally, a system under development, TDROP is introduced in response to requirements for timely and exact data collection, in order to enhance the tactical data collection process.