What is the maximum distance along the Earth's surface that is normally covered in one hop using the F2 region?

The F2 region is the highest layer of the ionosphere, typically ranging from 250 to 400 kilometers above the Earth. Because of its high altitude, radio waves reflecting off this layer have the trajectory to travel the furthest distance in a single 'hop' before returning to Earth. Simple geometry limits how far a radio wave can travel in one bounce without being obstructed by the curvature of the Earth itself. For a signal refracted at the altitude of the F2 region, this geometric maximum for a single hop is approximately 4,000 kilometers. Distances beyond 4,000 km require multiple hops, where the signal bounces from the Earth's surface back up to the ionosphere. The 2,000 km option is incorrect here, as that applies to the much lower E region.