Oblique-incidence ionospheric soundings over Central Europe and their application for testing now casting and long term prediction models

After a first oblique-incidence ionospheric sounding campaign over Central Europe performed during the period 2003–2004 over the radio links between Inskip (UK, 53.5°N, 2.5°W) and Rome (Italy, 41.8°N, 12.5°E) and between Inskip and Chania (Crete, 35.7°N, 24.0°E), new and more extensive analysis of systematic MUF measurements from January 2005 to December 2006 have been performed. MUF measurements collected during moderately disturbed days (17 ⩽ Ap ⩽ 32), disturbed days (32 < Ap ⩽ 50) and very disturbed days (Ap > 50), have been used to test the long term prediction models (ASAPS, ICEPAC and SIRM&LKW), and the now casting models (SIRMUP&LKW and ISWIRM&LKW). The performances of the different prediction methods in terms of r.m.s are shown for selected range of geomagnetic activity and for each season.