Tests are performed over a 4300‐km path to determine the accuracy of reverse path loss estimates using the step‐frequency sounder of the Navy Tactical Sounder System. The objective is to develop computational techniques for real‐time estimates of communication channel performance. Experimental results are presented which indicate the statistical performance of several path loss estimation techniques. It is concluded that, for Navy applications, reverse path loss can be predicted to within 6 db for 90% of the