Real-Time Frequency Management System (FMS) for Sky-Wave High-Latitude Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR)

A real-time frequency management system (FMS) is necessary for efficient operation of over-the-horizon-radar (OTHR) in high-latitude locations such as Canada’s Arctic regions. The FMS in this demonstration merges the results of an environmental monitor and a spectrum monitor in real-time. The environmental monitor uses the Assimilation Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (A-CHAIM), which at present is the most accurate model available for real-time use in high-latitude regions. A-CHAIM incorporates near-real-time data into a background model to account for the rapid changes that often occur in the high-latitude and polar ionosphere. This demonstration between a simulated transmitter and four targets in northern Canada was performed during the day and night of October 11, 2020 (fall) and June 21, 2021 (summer). The demonstration showed that the FMS successfully merged the environmental monitor and spectrum monitor results in real-time. The FMS is now ready for around-the-clock operational use.