Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN)

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DME/TACAN(range part) Navigation System
TACAN.png
Frequencies 1213 MHz,960 MHz
Frequency Range 960 MHz - 1213 MHz
Mode
Modulation
ACF
Emission Designator
Location Worldwide
Short Description Radio navigation technology that measures the slant range (distance) between an aircraft and a ground station
I/Q Raw Recording
Audio Sample

In aviation, distance measuring equipment (DME) is a radio navigation technology that measures the slant range (distance) between an aircraft and a ground station by timing the propagation delay of radio signals in the frequency band between 960 and 1215 megahertz (MHzMegaHertz (MHz) 10^6 Hz). Line-of-visibility between the aircraft and ground station is required. An interrogator (airborne) initiates an exchange by transmitting a pulse pair, on an assigned 'channel', to the transponder ground station. The channel assignment specifies the carrier frequency and the spacing between the pulses. After a known delay, the transponder replies by transmitting a pulse pair on a frequency that is offset from the interrogation frequency by 63 MHzMegaHertz (MHz) 10^6 Hz and having specified separation.

Frequencies[edit]

  • TACAN operates in the UHFUltra High Frequency (300-3000 MHz) aeronautical band with 126 two-way channels in the operational mode (X or Y) for 252 total
  • Air-to-ground DME frequencies are in the 1025 to 1150 MHzMegaHertz (MHz) 10^6 Hz range
  • Ground-to-air frequencies are in the 962 to 1213 MHzMegaHertz (MHz) 10^6 Hz range

Additional Links[edit]

Additional Images[edit]

Dme interr.PNG <--- Aircraft interrogator signal.