What Does NVIS Stand For?

NVIS stands for Near Vertical Incident Skywave

NVIS, or Near Vertical Incident Skywave, refers to a radio propagation technique that utilizes high-frequency (HF) radio waves transmitted nearly vertically into the atmosphere. This method allows for effective communication over short to medium distances, typically between 0 to 600 miles, by exploiting the ionosphere's reflective properties. NVIS is particularly useful in situations where conventional line-of-sight communication is hindered, such as in mountainous terrain or during emergencies. It is commonly employed by military, emergency services, and amateur radio operators to achieve reliable, local coverage.