Omega-Applications to On-Station Positioning

Abstract

Omega is a very long-range VLF navigation system generating hyperbolic lines-of-position by phase difference measurements. Omega system applications described herein are based on results obtained from transmissions on the primary frequency of 10.2 kHz. Equivalent results with lane identification will be available through use of other frequencies in the multi-signal format; 13.6 and 11.333 kHz. Results from the experimental system have demonstrated an absolute rms accuracy of one-half to one mile in areas of good geometry and a relative accuracy for at-sea station keeping of one-third mile, or less. A system consisting of eight suitably sited stations is expected to yield the same absolute accuracy and a relative accuracy of the order of 200 yards (within 100-mile range; area 20,000 square-mile) over the entire surface of the earth. This paper describes applications of Omega to areas where other navigation systems would be nonexistent for positioning of instrumentation ships.