Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) in Canada

OTHRs have recently been making a comeback in Canada, as the need for accurate long-range tracking becomes more important, and less-expensive, ground based radars are once again being considered for more effective long-range surveillance of Canadian airspace. Ray-tracing is a powerful tool and is especially useful in applications requiring a detailed knowledge of radio wave propagation through the ionosphere. In this study, methodologies are developed to determine feasible radar parameters such as operating frequencies, elevation angles, and absorption for OTHR operation using a 3-dimensional ray-tracing technique. Results suggest that a 3-dimensional ray-tracing technique can be used to provide the basis for the way ahead in exploring OTHR applications in Canada.