Directive Antenna Clutter Loss in Slant Paths

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the development of a clutter loss model specifically for slant paths involving directive antennas . Conventionally, clutter loss is characterized by using isotropic antennas to facilitate standard link budget calculations via single antenna gain values. Clutter loss may represent a significant excess loss relative to free‐space propagation . In scenarios such as coexistence interference between cellular and satellite systems, the former can employ highly directive, beam‐steering architectures . Since the transmitter–receiver (Tx‐Rx) link comprises multiple discrete propagation paths , each is subject to different antenna gains. This study proposes an extension to the five‐ray model (5RM) for clutter loss to account for these differential gains. The methodology effectively characterizes paths from terrestrial transmitters to elevated platforms , including satellites, airborne systems, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).