Global Radio Navigation-A Challenge for Management and International Cooperation

Abstract

It has been the navigator's dream to have available at all times an accurate all weather global navigation system. This dream has an excellent chance of being realized within the next decade using currently available technology, providing the problems of system implementation are adequately addressed on an international scale. By definition, Global Radio Navigation requires that radio transmissions can be received without interference on land, at sea and in the air no matter what the sovereignty of the reception point may be. Frequency spectrum utilization on a non–interference basis and publication of radio navigational transmission specifications are considered to be two important prerequisites for adoption of any system for global use. Differing national requirements and conflict between navigation for national security and for civilian purposes pose a significant challenge for national decisiveness and international cooperation. Two land based long range navigational systems, Loran–C and Omega are currently being implemented and in the future there exists a possibility for an operational global satellite navigation system, all of which suggest that now is the time for action. This paper addresses the need for publication of firm technical specifications of the Loran–C and Omega System and the need for definition of the frequency spectrum required by these navigational signal transmissions. The paper discusses specific technical areas needing attention prior to the World Administrative Radio Conference to be held in Geneva in 1979 under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union.

The Soviet VLF Navigation System

“…At this time, there appear to be several relevant questions regarding the potential worldwide civil use of the system. It is well known that the military significance of the Omega system to the U.S. Department of Defense has decreased [8], and one could assume a similiar situation exists within the Soviet Union. First, has the combination of a changing world political climate and this presumed decrease in the military significance of the system now made it possible to publish system specifications and operate the system for worldwide civil use?…”