Question
What is chordal-hop propagation?
Answer Options
- A) Propagation away from the great circle bearing between stations
- B) Successive ionospheric refractions without an intermediate reflection from the ground
- C) Propagation across the geomagnetic equator
- D) Signals reflected back toward the transmitting station
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Chordal-hop propagation is a special, highly efficient mode of long-distance communication on HF. Most multi-hop propagation involves the signal bouncing between the ionosphere and the Earth’s surface (I-G-I-G hops). This mode bypasses the signal degradation and scattering that occurs upon hitting the ground.
Chordal-hop propagation is defined as successive ionospheric refractions without an intermediate reflection from the ground. The radio wave is confined to the region between the maximum ionization level of the F-layer and the bottom side of the ionosphere, traveling along a ‘chord’ of the Earth’s circumference, providing cleaner, longer-distance communication.
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