FAA Tests E- and H-field Antennas to Characterize Improved Loran-C Availability During P-Static Events

Robert Lilley and Robert Erikson

Abstract:	Loss of Loran-C guidance during flight in instrument meteorological conditions can be traced in some cases to electrical charging of the aircraft in flight and the radio noise generated by the subsequent electrical discharges. The FAA is conducting ground and flight tests to document Loran-C h-field (loop) antenna performance during p-static events. This paper describes in summary how the aircraft is charged during a p-static event, results of electrostatic ground testing, and results of flight measurements using an FAA aircraft. Comparisons among three dissimilar airplanes show consistency in corona noise amplitude and in noise reduction of greater than 20 dB using standard airframe discharger devices. With the additional performance benefit of h-field antennas, “open installation” standards may be possible, without the need for installation-specific tests on each airplane. The work was supported by FAA under Cooperative Agreement 99-G-038 through April 2004; and it continues under 04-G-040.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2005 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 24 - 26, 2005 The Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	551 - 568
Cite this article:	Lilley, Robert, Erikson, Robert, "FAA Tests E- and H-field Antennas to Characterize Improved Loran-C Availability During P-Static Events," Proceedings of the 2005 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2005, pp. 551-568.
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