"Introduction This prediction procedure applies a ray-path analysis for path lengths up to 7 000 km@ composite mode empirical formulations from the fit to measured data beyond 9 000 km and a smooth transition between these two approaches over the 7 000-9 000 km distance range. Monthly median basic MUF@ incident sky-wave field strength and available receiver power from a lossless receiving antenna of given gain are determined. The method includes an estimation of the parameters of the channel transfer function for use for the prediction of performance of digital systems. Methods are given for the assessment of circuit reliability. Signal strengths are standardized against an ITU-R measurement data bank. The method requires the determination of a number of ionospheric characteristics and propagation parameters at specified ""control points"". In equatorial regions@ in the evening hours (local time)@ it is possible to have distortions in the predicted results due to regional ionospheric structural instabilities which are not fully accounted for by this method."