LOng RAnge NavigationLORAN,

Digital Avionics : CP M S Prasad

LORAN Theory

The LORAN-C concept is based on groups or chains of stations around the world. Worldwide there are 28 chains. Each chain consists of one master station and 4 6 secondary stations in a geographic area The master station of each chain broadcasts a continuous string of Low Frequency pulses (measures in microseconds). The unique time between the start and stop of each pulse identifies the particular chain. This time is known as the Group Repetition Interval or GRI. This GRI is different for different parts of the world . They from a chain.

LORAN Theory
The GRI is entered into the LORAN-C unit in the aircraft upon startup along with the approximate LAT./Long. Position during the initialization process. This helps the unit find its position more quickly.
The LORAN-C unit then searches for that master station and the two strongest secondary signals. The master station pulse triggers a response from the secondary stations. The receiver corrects for any time lag in pulse

The receiver then calculates the time it takes these signals to reach the aircraft and essentially generates hyperbolic Lines of Position (LOP) from each station- known as a hyperbolic lines of position since the lines look like a parabola.

Time in Micro Seconds

Sample Calculation

D = distance am-dist ax

For example, if the observer above were located at point A (271.9, 200) then the distance between that observer and the secondary station (the point designated X in Figure) would be 212.5 NM. In turn, the observers distance from the master station would be 512.5 NM. The function D would simply be the difference of the two, or 300 NM. For every other point along the hyperbola passing through A, distance D has a value of 300 NM. Adjacent LOPs indicate where D is 250 NM or 350 NM.

To produce a fix, the observer must obtain a similar hyperbolic line of position generated by another master- secondary pair. Let us say another secondary station Y is placed at point (50,500). We will then have two equations corresponding to the M-X and M-Y TD pairs:

LORAN Limitations
Area of coverage limited to chains which dont give global coverage The sky wave component of the signal bounces off the ionosphere causing navigational errors when traveling greater than 1,000 NM from the farthest master or secondary station- causes errors in position of up to three miles (greater in some cases).

LORAN Limitations- sky waves

1,000 miles is significant as at ranges less than this, the ground wave is significantly greater in strength than the sky waves therefore the receiver is programmed to reject the weaker sky waves.
At distances of between 1,000 and 1,400 NM the ground and sky waves are approximately the same strength making the signals seem the same to the receiver. Since the sky waves take longer to reach the receiver than the ground waves, this leads to position errors.

LORAN Limitations- sky waves

one of two ways solution Programming the receivers to reject all sky waves thereby reducing the effective range of the unit (but maximizing the accuracy) Informing the user that nav. Data may be inaccurate between 1,000 and 1,400 NM At ranges greater than 1,400 NM, the receivers can be programmed to use the sky wave As the aircraft moves through precipitation, it generates static electricity which generates electromagnetic noise around the aircraft thereby interfering with the LORAN signal- causing the Signal Strength to Noise ratio (SNR ratio) to go to unacceptable limits. SNR ratio is a function of precip. Intensity and distance from the stations.

LORAN Accuracy
Repeatable Accuracy- ability to return to a pre-set position for LORAN-C is .01 NM or 60ft. Absolute Accuracy- ability of the receiver to determine its position independently is generally within at least 3 NM for distances up to 2,800 NM.
LORAN accuracy is also best over water during the day. Conversely it is least accurate over land masses at night (sky waves more intense at night).