North Pacific Omega Navigation System Validation.
Abstract
OMEGA is a world-wide radio navigation system based on phase measurements of synchronized time-multiplexed continuous wave transmissions in the frequency band 10.2-13.6 kHz. Seven of the eight planned transmitting stations are already operational and are being utilized for enroute navigation by a large community of marine and aviation users. The validation procedure is to establish fixed and mobile monitor receivers to collect signal phase, amplitude and noise data and to supplement such data with controlled flight tests using specially fitted dedicated aircraft. The data thus obtained are then analyzed in the context of a well-developed theoretical propagation model in order to arrive at models of signal coverage and phase error statistics which are compatible with both the controlled measurements and operational experience of the user community. The coverage and phase statistics models thus derived then form the basis of the position-fix accuracy assessments which, in turn, are compared to navigational requirements in the region and to OMEGA system design objectives. The results of this process show the North Pacific to be a region well-favored from the standpoint of OMEGA performance, with particularly good coverage and accuracy north of the Hawaiian islands. In the fully implemented system, accuracy (2 drms) is expected to range between 1 and 4 nmi over most of the region, and is 1-2 nmi north of the Yokahama-Honolulu-Seattle axis. It is concluded that OMEGA will meet the enroute navigation requirements of both the marine and aviation user community in the North Pacific on a 24-hour full time basis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA121105
Entities
People
- Paul Levine
- Ronald E. Woods