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The Game Plan for Loran-C Modernization. John J. Macaluso U. S. Coast Guard Mitchell J. Narins U. S. Federal Aviation Administration International Loran Association Boulder, Colorado November 4, 2003. Introduction. Purpose of Loran-C Modernization Overall Enhanced-Loran Context
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The Game Plan for Loran-C Modernization John J. MacalusoU. S. Coast Guard Mitchell J. NarinsU. S. Federal Aviation Administration International Loran Association Boulder, Colorado November 4, 2003
Introduction • Purpose of Loran-C Modernization • Overall Enhanced-Loran Context • Loran Recapitalization Project • Status • Plans (Order of Lorsta Conversion) • Modernized Coverage in 2004
Purpose of Loran-C Modernization • GPS and GPS augmentation services • Volpe Vulnerability Study, 1998-2001 • Timing, multimodal transportation • Intentional and unintentional interference • Consequences of loss of GPS • Mitigation strategies & technologies • Loran-C has potential as GPS back-up
Potential of Loran-C • Loran-C and GPS are complementary • Both provide timing, positioning & nav info • GPS is worldwide • Loran-C operates where concerns are greatest • Different strengths & weaknesses • Loran-C requires modernization
“Enhanced Loran” • Antenna technology • Blink • Communications using the Loran signal • Differential Loran • Early skywave & other integrity issues • Time-of-Transmission Control • Calibration of Loran System • Loran Recapitalization Project
Loran Recapitalization Project • 24 Coast Guard-operated Lorstas • CONUS & Alaska Lorstas operating • Vacuum-tube transmitters (TTX) • Solid State transmitters (Legacy-SSX) • Control & Monitoring System (LCCS) • New Equipment • Solid State Transmitter (NSSX) • Timing & Frequency Equipment (TFE) • Control & Monitoring Equipment (NLCCS)
Paths to Modernization • Legacy-SSX Lorsta Conversion (13 each) • Install new TFE & integrate with Legacy SSX • Vacuum-tube Lorsta Conversion (11 each) • Construct new transmitter building • Build/install new transmitter (NSSX) • Install new TFE • Control Station (2 each) • Install new LCCS at Navcen East & West
First Modernized Lorsta • Lorsta George, WA • Vacuum-tube transmitter • Converted to NSSX on 23 Oct 2003 • Casualty - reverted to TTX on 29 Oct 2003 • Troubleshooting currently underway • Signal can be monitored by NIST, TSC • Involves Canadian government early
Chain-by-Chain Conversion • Great Lakes Chain (GLKS) • US West Coast Chain (USWC) • Northeast US Chain (NEUS) • Southeast US Chain (SEUS) • South Central US Chain (SOCUS) • North Central US Chain (NOCUS) • Gulf of Alaska Chain (GOA) • North Pacific Chain (NORPAC)
Conclusion • Lorsta George – First converted Lorsta • GLKS – First converted Loran chain • Chain-by-chain conversion • CONUS Lorstas • Alaskan Lorstas • Several other “Enhanced Loran” initiatives • Loran-C positioned to serve the nation
Questions John J. MacalusoUSCG Loran Support Unit (609)523-7248 Mitchell J. NarinsU. S. Federal Aviation Administration (202)493-4336