Statistical study of the F3 layer characteristics retrieved from Intercosmos-19 satellite data

► We present a statistical study of the F3 layer characteristics using IK-19 database. ► The F3 layer has a maximum height near the geomagnetic equator. ► Three peaks in F3 layer occurrence probability (P) appear in diurnal variations. ► The F3 layer occurs most frequently in winter and least frequently in the equinoxes. ► The longitudinal variations in P depend on variations in the vertical plasma drift.