Image: Copilot AI
What’s new: We understand the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) recently awarded a contract to a UK-led team to create a deployable PNT solution based on eLoran to be delivered over the next two years. The intent is that, once delivered, the system can be rapidly deployed worldwide.
Why it’s important: The UK appears to be the first western nation to be implementing, on a wide scale, a navigation system to complement and backup GNSS.
What else to know:
- Note that the system is to be “based on” eLoran. Our understanding of this pulse-based technology is that there is room between pulses for other things. And we are sure there are other possibilities for creative adaptation.
- “Loran-D” (“D” for deployable) was developed by the US Air Force in the 1970’s. It was used to establish remote bombing and practice ranges. So, while it has undoubtedly been improved, this is not brand new technology.
- Britain has also committed to establishing a network of six fixed eLoran transmission sites to provide service to the entire nation and its contiguous waters. We find it interesting that the MOD contract has proceeded first. Perhaps because it is lower cost? Maybe the funding source is different? Maybe this is a learning opportunity as they move toward the larger project?
- More details to follow if, and when, they become available
