Performance of DSP-Loran/H-field Antenna System and Implications for Complementing GPS

G. Linn Roth, Dean J. Gervasi, James L. Jacoby, Paul W. Schick, Chad A. Schweitzer, and James L. Schliem

Abstract:	The FAA has an active program to investigate Loran as a potential complement to GPS, and the USCG is modernizing its Loran infrastructure. In light of the September 2001 terrorist attacks and the DOT’s Volpe Study on national vulnerabilities associated with overdependence on GPS, the importance of objectively assessing the capabilities of a modern Loran system has greatly increased. This paper reviews the development and status of a new H-field antenna and DSP-Loran receiver system undergoing assessment by the FAA. It has recently been demonstrated that H-field Loran antennas provide immunity to P-static interference, which can occur in aviation and marine applications. Tests on this new H-field Loran antenna demonstrate it also provides improved SNR and ECD performance in comparison to E-field antennas. In addition, DSPprocessing power enables this receiver to track all Loran transmitters “in view” (i.e. up to 40 stations in North America), and provide enhanced availability and accuracy. Overall, the combination of these two new technologies offers Loran performance capabilities not previously appreciated. The paper will document capabilities of this new DSPLoran/ H-field system, and will include test results from direct side-by-side comparisons with GPS and legacy Loran receivers. Finally, the paper will summarize how this new technology can be utilized to complement GPS in a variety of applications, including aviation, marine, terrestrial, and timing uses. Results indicate Loran is a logical choice to become the national complement to GPS.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2002 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 28 - 30, 2002 The Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	390 - 400
Cite this article:	Roth, G. Linn, Gervasi, Dean J., Jacoby, James L., Schick, Paul W., Schweitzer, Chad A., Schliem, James L., "Performance of DSP-Loran/H-field Antenna System and Implications for Complementing GPS," Proceedings of the 2002 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2002, pp. 390-400.
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