HYPERBOLIC RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION

This paper describes the relative characteristics of the three principal hyperbolic position fixing systems available today as aids to general marine navigation--these being the Decca Navigator, Loran C and Omega. The older, Loran A system, although still in widespread use is obsolescent and is not described. The relative characteristics of the three systems are related to basic hyperbolic principle and some of the salient operational and technical features are outlined and it is shown how these systems bear a largely complementary relationship to each other. Omega is a long range system which, when completed, will aid ocean navigators throughout the world which should provide useful coverage nearer land in regions not equipped with a coastal system. The Decca Navigator, a short range system, has the essential characteristics of a coastal aid but is also used in certain areas for guidance along harbour approach channels. The Loran C system, on the other hand, provides a continuation of characteristics which may be said to place it operationally between the Decca and Omega systems.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • 45 Conference Papers presented at IMAS 73, London, 4-8 June 1973, organized by the Institute of Marine Engineers. This paper is available only in a set of 5 papers in Subject Group 6: "Navigational Aids, Radio Communications" at $10.00.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Marine Engineers

  Memorial Building, 76 Mark Lane
  London EC3R 7JN,   England 
• Authors:
  • POWELL, C
• Publication Date: 1973

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Loran; Navigational aids; Omega navigation system; Position fixing
• Old TRIS Terms: Decca navigation; Loran navigation; Omega navigation; Position finding
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00048474
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Institute of Marine Engineers
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 14 1973 12:00AM