Loran – down but not out

Nov 03, 2009, 7:00AM EST
Loran – down but not out
Old, but reliable

The original version of LORAN (short for long-range radio navigation) was developed and utilized by the Allies during World War II. The current version, Loran-C, has been is widespread use for over 30 years. Stations transmitting Loran signals or variations thereof are located in the United States, Canada, northern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, India, Russia, and Eastern Asia. The number of users has dropped in recent years as the Global Positioning System (GPS) has become increasingly ubiquitous. As part of a budget reduction effort, the Obama Administration is pushing to shut down US participation in Loran-C. Others, though, are criticizing this as short-sighted. While Loran-C is not available worldwide and is not quite as precise as GPS, it has two saving graces. First, it is a wholly independent backup to GPS. Second, it is not nearly as susceptible to jamming as is GPS. The GPS signal is very low power, making it extremely easy for the signal to be lost through interference, whether accidental or intentional. In fact, GPS has experienced such jamming over the years. Loran-C has its own problems, but jamming is not one of them. The Loran-C signal is approximately 100 times as strong as the GPS signal. Further, enhanced Loran (eLoran) has completed its development stage and deployment has commenced in the United Kingdom. The first eLoran transmitter is located at the Anthorn transmitting station in Cumbria, UK and is operated under contract to the UK General Lighthouse Authority. Through an enhancement in receiver design and transmission characteristics, eLoran has a reported accuracy of about 8 meters, putting it on a par with GPS. It can also transmit auxiliary data, such as differential GPS (DGPS) corrections. Automation of Loran-C has also significantly reduced the manpower required to operate the system. Proponents of maintaining the Loran-C system and upgrading it to eLoran argue that we should not be putting all of our eggs into one GPS basket.  
 
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Comments
Robert Russo
Loran-C is going to be improved by E-Loranin Europe but there will still be a considerable gap from one continent to another. I believe Loran should be kept and also believe celestial navigation still has a place as a back-up system
11/4/2009 11:07:11 AM
 
Dennis Bryant
I concur. The United States, which has a policy defense in depth, should not forego Loran-C (and upgrading to eLORAN) for a miniscule budgetary savings. GPS is just too vulnerable. Meanwhile, hold onto your sextant.
11/8/2009 8:27:41 AM
 

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