Statistical studies of millimetre-wave, infra-red and optical propagation over a 500 m path

In order to improve the availability of propagation data at frequencies above 30 GHz, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory has built and operated the 500 m Millimetre-Wave Experimental Range at Chilbolton (MWERAC) in Hampshire (latitude 57°8´N, longitude 1°26´W, elevation 84 m), to undertake a variety of propagation studies in the microwave, millimetre-wave, infra-red and optical regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, together with a comprehensive set of meteorological observations. The range has been in operation for about four years since late 1982 and the measurements are being compiled into a database for propagation studies of two distinct kinds, namely, case studies of individual events, to study in detail the interaction between the atmosphere and its prevailing meteorology in order to develop and test propagation models and studies of a statistical nature, to develop and test prediction techniques and for direct application to systems design. The paper extends the earlier results to cover a more complete statistical analysis of the first year of data collected on the 500 m range, during the period from September 1982 to September 1983, together with an evaluation of some of the prediction techniques in use by CCIR, based o the results obtained