Flight Test of a Pseudo Ranging Signal Compatible with Existing Distance Measurement Equipment (DME) Ground Stations

Distance measuring equipment (DME) and its military counterpart tactical air navigation (TACAN) has been a cornerstone of aviation navigation since its development in the 1950s. It is still one of the most commonly used aviation navigation aid. However, future airspace will need to accommodate increased traffic levels, more precise operations and autonomous air vehicles which will increase demands on aviation navigation systems. While global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) will provide many of these improvements, terrestrial navigation systems will continue to play an important role in a robust aviation navigation infrastructure.