Preliminary Results from a Trans-Auroral HF Experiment

Under an independent research and development project, a trans-auroral high-frequency experiment (TAHFE) was begun in 1986 by Collins Defense Communications of Rockwell International Corporation, with technical consultation from the University of Alaska Geophysical Institute. The TAHFE goals include: 1) gain quantitative HF communications experience during auroral disturbances, 2) correlate performance of typical HF modems with measured channel parameters, 3) correlate measured HF channel parameters with available solar-geophysical data, and 4) develop knowledge for use in design and operation of stand-alone, adaptive HF communications systems. This paper describes the experiment and presents measurements made during benign and disturbed trans-auroral HF conditions.