Antenna gain modelling for HF radio sky-wave system performance predictions

The accurate estimation of HF radio system performance requires knowledge of antenna gain at both transmitter and receiver. The best quality of service is achieved when the optimum antenna is used for the required area of reception location. However, the choice may also be constrained by cost and by the fact that every transmitting antenna is a potential source of interference to other transmissions. In the HF band there is serious congestion arising from both the wanted and unwanted signals; reliable and accurate modelling of antenna gain is thus required. The rapid developments in computer technology in the past 25 years have enabled this task to be addressed with increasing accuracy and efficiency. The CCIR (International Radio Consultative Committee) has taken a leading role in this work