A scatter propagation experiment using an array of six paraboloids

Using an antenna system whose aperture could be varied in four-foot steps between 4 and 24 feet, aperture-to-medium coupling loss measurements have been made on a 2720-msec, 216- mile path. These measurements reveal an intrinsic variability in the scattering mechanism which is not accounted for in most current theories. Diversity and fading-rate measurements were also made. A simple mathematical model of the diffracted field yields calculated values of the normal component of the wind which agree well with the measured wind. Calculated and measured values of fading rate are also seen to be in good agreement. An estimate is made of the turbulent wind velocity.