South Korea has successfully completed the installation of a new, domestically developed Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system at 13 air bases across the country. 

The completion of the project, valued at 30.7 billion won (approximately US$21.5 million), was announced on December 11 by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The new TACAN system replaces outdated navigation technology at these key air bases to bolster the country’s air operations support infrastructure. 

The system provides crucial bearing and distance information for military aircraft and is vital for air operations to ensure safer and more efficient navigation for pilots.

Described by DAPA as a “lighthouse in the sky,” the system allows military aircraft to determine their position relative to a fixed base accurately. 

Unlike the previous foreign-supplied systems, the new setup is fully developed using homegrown technology to offer greater flexibility and control over its operation and maintenance.  

This shift to domestic production is expected to streamline the logistics and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical air navigation components. 

DAPA did not disclose the specific details and name of the new system. However, it is known that Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) is one of the few global manufacturers of TACAN.

According to the KAC’s website, its TACAN 400G, based on modern digital technology and a modular design, meets international standards, including compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and various military standards. 

KAC’s TACAN system has undergone rigorous testing, including a successful German flight inspection in 2016, to certify that it meets global quality benchmarks. 

Additionally, KAC collaborates with Rantec Corporation of the U.S. for TACAN antenna production, combining advanced technology and user-friendly features for easy operation and maintenance. 

This latest development highlights South Korea’s continuously growing self-reliance in defense technology and reinforces its ability to support and maintain critical air navigation infrastructure independently. 

Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) System

The Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system is a vital radio navigation aid primarily used by military aircraft. It was developed in the 1950s by the United States military to provide accurate navigation and positioning information for aircrews. 

The system is crafted to help pilots determine their position and navigate both en route and during approach phases. 

The system operates in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range to offer pilots two key pieces of information: the aircraft’s bearing to the TACAN station and the distance to that station. 

This information is important for precise navigation in complex and challenging environments where traditional navigation aids, such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) or NDB (Non-Directional Beacon), might be less effective.

The system consists of two main components: the ground station, which transmits the navigation signals, and the aircraft receiver, which processes these signals to provide distance and bearing data.

The range of the system typically extends to hundreds of miles, depending on the power and location of the ground station. 

At its core, TACAN works by emitting a signal from a ground station that the aircraft can detect and use to calculate both bearing and distance. The ground station broadcasts a directional signal, which the aircraft’s TACAN receiver processes. 

The receiver then determines the bearing, which is the angle between the aircraft and the station, and the distance, which is calculated based on the time it takes for the signal to travel from the station to the aircraft.

Unlike other navigation systems that provide either azimuth (direction) or distance data, TACAN simultaneously provides both, making it a more precise and reliable system for military aircraft. 

Additionally, the system operates in the UHF frequency range (between 962 and 1213 MHz), which allows for better penetration in environments with obstacles like mountains or dense urban areas.

While originally developed for military use, TACAN is also used in shared civil and military environments, especially at airports where both civilian and military aircraft operate. 

The system is particularly beneficial in low-level flight operations, where visual references might be limited, and during missions such as air-to-air refueling, search and rescue, and long-range navigation.  

Compared to VOR/DME, TACAN offers several advantages, such as the ability to provide both distance and direction simultaneously. This makes it more accurate for military operations. 

VOR systems, by contrast, usually require an additional Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) system to determine distance. Furthermore, TACAN operates in a higher frequency range (UHF), making it more suitable for military operations, which often require greater signal clarity and range. 

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