Long-range Navigation Techniques for the Supersonic Transport

Abstract

In this paper, presented by the International Air Navigators Council, and written by its Executive Vice Chairman, the navigation of the S.S.T. is considered from the practising navigator's point of view. Extrapolating from present procedures the conclusion is drawn that navigation system verification should continue to be the responsibility of flight-deck management, that self-contained D.R. systems should be monitored by an externally referenced aid, that raw navigational data should continue to be available to the flight crew and finally that simplicity and reliability in navigation systems should be preferred to finite accuracy.Consideration of an environment in which operational data and experience are limited to the military is a difficult assignment at the best of times. In order to discuss, with some degree of intelligence, the long-range navigation system considered desirable in the supersonic environment, we have relied mainly on the process of extrapolation using existing data and operational ‘know how’ to formulate practical guidelines.