Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-g8jcs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T00:40:52.825Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Use of VLF Transmissions for Navigation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 1962

Claud Powell
Affiliation:
(Decca Navigator Company)

Abstract

The use of VLF radio transmissions as the basis of a navigation system has been under consideration for many years, and has been the subject of extensive theoretical work and field trials. Although a system of this kind has yet to reach operational status, the subject is of considerable interest in relation to marine and to air navigation. This paper indicates the main features that might be expected to characterize a practical VLF navigational aid, and outlines some of the work that has been carried out in this field. Brief reference is made to the question, so far largely unresolved, of the operational scope for VLF systems.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Institute of Navigation 1962

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1Blackband, W. T., (1961). The effects of the ionosphere on VLF navigation aids, Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards—D. Radio Propagation, Vol. 65D, No. 6.Google Scholar
2The Decca Navigator Co. Ltd., Systems Section (1951). A Very Low Frequency Decca System for long range navigation, (Memo. Plans 131).Google Scholar
3Weekes, K. (1950). The ground interference pattern of very-low-frequency radio waves. Proc. I.E.E., Part III, Vol. 97.Google Scholar
4Redgment, P. G. and Watson, D. W (1947). Very-long-wave phase differences between spaced aerial systems. Proc. I.E.E., Part IIIA, Vol. 94, No. 16.Google Scholar
5Pierce, J. A (1957). Intercontinental frequency comparison by very low-frequency radio transmission. Proc. I.R.E., Vol. 45, No. 6.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6Pressey, B. G, Ashwell, G. E and Hargreaves, J. (1961). The phase variation of very-low-frequency waves propagated over long distances. Proc. I.E.E., Vol. 108, Part B, No. 38.Google Scholar
7The Decca Navigator Co. Ltd. (1954). DELRAC: A Long Range VLF Area Coverage Navigational Aid, (Memo. Plans 154, Issue 5).Google Scholar
8U.S.A. Working Paper (1962). Appendix A and B, ICAO 7th Session Comm. Division. Omega Navigation System.Google Scholar
9Watt-Carter, D. E and Corke, R. L (1961). Letter to Nature, 23rd Sept.Google Scholar
10Wylie, F. J. Captain (1951). The requirements for radio aids at sea. This Journal, 4, 327.Google Scholar
11Powell, C.. (1959). Air and sea tests of the dectra radio-navigation system. This Journal, 12, 289Google Scholar