Navigation and Ionosphere Characterization Using High-Frequency Signals: A Performance Analysis

The performance of a proposed high-frequency (HF) navigation concept is analyzed using simulated data. The method relies on pseudorange and beat carrier-phase measurements of signals that propagate in the ionosphere along curved trajectories, where signals are refracted back downwards from the ionosphere. It has been demonstrated that the location of a receiver can be determined if several signals, broadcast from beacons at different locations, are received and processed at a user receiver. A challenge of determining exact signal paths is the uncertainty in the ionosphere’s electron density distribution. This is addressed by a batch filter that simultaneously estimates the receiver position along with corrections to a parametric model of the ionosphere. A previous paper developed the theory and batch filter for this concept. The present study examines its potential performance. Total horizontal position errors on the order of tens to hundreds of meters are achieved, depending on the case’s characteristics.