Study of small-scale turbulence in the ionospheric F layer by the method of backscattering of short radio waves

The signals of radio-wave backscattering from small-scale irregularities located at the altitudes from 200 to 400 km were first recorded by the “Sura” facility radar in 2006. The experiments with the “Sura” facility were repeated in the summer of 2009. Radar signals scattered in the altitude range 300–500 km were observed in 10% of the cases. Pronounced variation in the radar-signal intensity was observed during modification of the ionosphere by high-power radio waves. We discuss the possibility of an experimental study of the spectrum of small-scale turbulence in the upper ionosphere by the modified method of backscattering of HF waves.