Author: John I. Videberg

Publisher:

Published: 1973

Total Pages: 70

ISBN-13:

A study was undertaken to investigate the existence and properties of waves guided under the D-layer in low-loss Whispering Gallery or earth-detached modes at MF to LF. These low-loss paths are the result of focusing of rays reflected below the curved ionosphere, together with a marked decrease in ionospheric reflection loss at the highly oblique incidence angles obtainable only from high altitudes. Theory and calculations indicated an enhancement of this phenomenon during ionispheric disturbances and suggested a feasibility test. A low-power transmission experiment lasting over 30 hr was successfully conducted between balloons separated by 1000 miles at an altitude of 35 km on 220 and 440 kHz. Signals were received on the balloon path over most of the day and night. Total path attenuations varied from 3 to 30 dB below free space. Maximum signal height gains ranging from 40 to 60 dB relative to an equivalent ground-to-ground path were measured. (Modified author abstract).