The Game Plan for Loran-C Modernization

1
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

2
Introduction

• Purpose of Loran-C Modernization
• Overall Enhanced-Loran Context
• Loran Recapitalization Project
• Status
• Plans (Order of Lorsta Conversion)
• Modernized Coverage in 2004

3
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

4
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

5
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

6
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)

7
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

8
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

9
Expected Coverage of Lorsta George
10
Coverage Adding Dana, Seneca, Baudette
11
Coverage Adding Malone Boise City
12
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)

13
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

14
Questions

• John J. MacalusoUSCG Loran Support Unit
• [phone]
• Mitchell J. NarinsU. S. Federal Aviation
  Administration
• [phone]