What is NVIS?

The term NVIS stands for Near Vertical Incident Skywave. It refers to a communication method that allows radio signals to be transmitted vertically into the atmosphere, where they reflect back to Earth within a relatively short range. This technique is particularly useful for achieving reliable communication over distances that are typically less than 500 kilometers and is favored in situations where conventional line-of-sight communication is not feasible.

The Near Vertical Incident Skywave method is especially advantageous for portable and tactical operations, as it allows for effective communication in hilly or mountainous terrain where other radio propagation methods may fail. By utilizing high angles of incidence, the signals can penetrate obstacles better and provide localized communication.

Understanding NVIS is crucial for operational effectiveness in field scenarios, as it determines the ability to maintain contact with units that may be out of range for standard communication setups.