Abstract: | The Brazil ionospheric study project aims to develop a new ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) ionospheric threat model to better reflect Brazil’s low-latitude conditions. Data processing from the global navigation satellite system for 123 active ionospheric days identified 1017 anomalous ionospheric gradients caused by nighttime equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). A significant number of gradients, including the largest verified gradient of 850.7 mm/km, exceed the upper bound (375–425 mm/km) of the conterminous United States (CONUS) threat model. This paper defines a series of parameters to model the geometry of EPBs. A maximum ionospheric delay drop of 35 m and a transition zone between 20 and 450 km are estimated for EPBs that move roughly eastward and parallel to the geomagnetic equator with speeds between 40 and 250 m/s. These parameters are key to the development of a GBAS ionospheric mitigation and safety case for operational approval in Brazil and other lowlatitude locations. |
Published in: | NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 64, Number 3 |
Pages: | 309 - 321 |
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https://doi.org/10.1002/navi.203 |
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