Loran-C: Adapting Technology to User Needs

Douglas S. Taggart

Abstract:	As stated in the 1390 edition of the Federal Radionavigation Plan (FRP), Loran-C will remain an integral part of the radionavigation mix into the next century. As the 2 1st Century plan is being developed, engineering work underway at the United States Coast Guard’s Electronics Engineering Center (EECEN) is aimed at a Loran-C system which is supportable and capable of meeting the coordinated plans of the FRP. This paper presents the overview of the U.S. Coast Guard maintained Loran-C system at present and in the near future. From an engineering outlook, this paper provides status on the redesign initiatives which may benefit the user both directly and indirectly. It provides specifics on the development and implementation of the new Automatic Blink System (ABS). The subject of Loran-C momentaries, a temporary off-air, is examined. This paper also discusses the status of Master synchronization to Coordinated Universal Time. The paper concludes with a look at improvements being considered to automate control loops and eliminate watchstander dependency for system operations. The paper maintains focus on a Loran-C System which is capable of meeting both the FRP and user demands in a mix of radionavigation systems.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992) June 29 - 1, 1992 ANA Westin Hotel Dayton, OH
Pages:	13 - 22
Cite this article:	Taggart, Douglas S., "Loran-C: Adapting Technology to User Needs," Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992), Dayton, OH, June 1992, pp. 13-22.
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