A prediction model for multipath propagation of pulse signals at VHF and UHF over irregular terrain

A prediction model is presented that permits calculation of the probability of occurrence of distinct multipath propagation of pulse signals at VHF and UHF over irregular terrain. The model applies to terrain characterized by an irregular distribution of obstacles such as hills, buildings, trees, etc., so as to make it impractical to calculate the effect of multipath propagation by diffraction or bistatic-reflection theory. Statistical data on wave propagation over irregular terrain form the basis for the empirical model developed. Generally, the model predicts that 1) for constant transmitter-receiver separation, the amplitudes of the received echoes decrease with increasing echo delay, and 2) for constant echo delay, the occurrence of echo pulses increases as the transmitter-receiver distance increases. The results obtained from the model for rural, hilly terrain, and for a built-up metropolitan area are compared with available measured data.