The propagation of high frequency electromagnetic waves through rain is affected by absorption and scattering, which both lead to signal attenuation on satellite or terrestrial super high frequency (SHF) acid extremely high frequency (EHF) links. Many factors govern rain effects on waves propagating in the atmosphere, namely raindrop size distribution, rain cumulative distribution, water temperature, refractive index and operating frequency. A high degree of accuracy in the calculation of specific attenuation caused by rain (attenuation per km) is of importance when planning high frequency radio communication systems. Until now, the kR(alpha) expression has been widely used for such calculations. This relationship in which R (mm/h) represents the rain rate, alpha and k parameters determined for each frequency by interpolation, can be considered to be a compromise between the complexity and a simplified approach of the Van de Hulst relationship. In this paper, we present a new theoretical model based on physical laws and allowing the calculation of specific attenuation caused by all kinds of hydrometeor particles on high frequency electromagnetic waves. This method, which we derived from the forward scattering amplitude and the Van de Hulst relationship, is governed by wave polarization, the wave incidence angle, the radio link operating frequency, and precipitation particle size distribution in the climate of interest. Its application gives theoretical results which are in very good agreement with data gathered on terrestrial or earth-satellite links in several localities around the world. This new proposed model can be easily used and will constitute a very useful tool for evaluating satellite and terrestrial radio link performances, mainly in the future which will bring an expansion of high frequency satellite systems. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.