Modeling and Optimization of V/UHF RF Propagation in Maritime Environment

Abstract

Very/Ultra High Frequency communication uses electromagnetic radio waves of frequency range, 30 MHz – 3.0 GHz (wavelength from 10m -1 mm) for voice/data communication and active/passive sensors. The electromagnetic waves experience propagation loss as they traverse in different mediums. The propagation loss is observed to be constant in vacuum but it dynamically changes with varying atmospheric conditions. The affect is more pronounced in maritime environment as compared to urban areas due to rapid variation in atmospheric/ climate parameters of oceanic weather environment. The variation in conditions cannot be predicted/ modeled through linear equations/ constant relationships. There is a need to develop a simulated environment to examine propagation losses in V/UHF spectrum for real time situational awareness. This will also give clear understanding of performance evaluation of V/UHF communication systems in the inhomogeneous maritime environmental conditions. Different environmental conditions based on available archived data set will be modeled during the proposed research work. The conditions pertaining to Arabian Sea and adjacent coastal areas will be the target conditions for the study.