Constanta Maritime University’s Annals Year XIV, Vol.

19

MODERN HYPERBOLIC NAVIGATION SYSTEMS. PRESENT AND FUTURE

1Associate professor Romeo Boșneagu, Lecturer Sergiu Lupu

1
Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy, Constanta

ABSTRACT

Hyperbolic navigation systems are systems designed to provide long distance positioning information.
LORAN C system is operating and provides position information for ships and land vehicles, too. Today,
there are some modernization programmes called Eurofix, eLoran, which aim to increase the positioning
accuracy, high reliability, and independence from satellite navigation systems. Theoretical accuracy of these
modern systems is compatible with navigation satellite systems accuracy.

Keywords: hyperbolic navigation systems, LORAN C, accuracy.

1. INTRODUCTION
LP2

Hyperbolic navigation systems are designed to

provide long distance positioning information. They sh1
have their origin in the third decade of the twentieth
emax
century, when they began the first research study in the 
N N'
realization of such a system, the precise control of
aircraft and ships motion, besides opportunities of sh2
visual orientation. One such system is the LORAN
LP1
system (Long Range Navigation), which is a time
differential hyperbolic system. The first series of Loran
transmitters (repeaters) was set to work in 1943; these
would further become the hyperbolic system called Figure 1. The Loran point
LORAN A.
A chain of LORAN A series was composed of a The maximum error of the Loran fix is calculated
main station (master) and several secondary stations using the ratio:
(slave) located at a distance of 600 nautical miles from e max  cos ec sh12  sh 22  2sh1sh 2 cos  (1)
one another, with a range of 800 ... 1200 nautical miles,
where:
at daytime, and 1200 ... 1500 miles, at night time. This
emax is the maximum error of a Loran fix;
system worked until 1980, when it was replaced with the
sh1 and sh2 – the errors in determination of Loran lines
hyperbolic LORAN C system. The Loran C hyperbolic
of position;
navigation system is an advanced variant of the Loran
system, being a being a time and phase differential  - the angle of intersection of Loran lines of position.
system. The main Main features of Loran C system are: Table 1. The value of the maximum error of LORAN C fix
working frequency 100 KHz; power output 250 ... 400
KW; 1000 nautical miles range of direct wave, and up The The The The The
to 2300 nautical miles range of reflected wave . This error error error error error
The point point point point point
system is currently in service as Loran C1: chains of angle sh1,sh2 sh1,sh2 sh1,sh2 sh1,sh2 sh1,sh2
stations: the Saudi Arabia northern chain the China Sea  [0] 5 cbl 4 cbl 3 cbl 2 cbl 1 cbl
southern chain, the East China Sea chain, the Korean emax emax emax emax emax
[cbl] [cbl] [cbl] [cbl] [cbl]
chain, the Pacific north-western chain, the Russian
0 10 8 6 4 2
eastern chain, the Russian western chain, and the 1 9,999 7,999 5,999 3,999 1,9999
European chains [1]. 2 9,998 7,998 5,999 3,999 1,9996
3 9,996 7,997 5,997 3,998 1,9993
2. LORAN C POSITIONING ACCURACY 4 9,993 7,995 5,996 3,997 1,9987
5 9,990 7,992 5,994 3,996 1,9980
Loran line of position is a hyperbole which 10 9,961 7,969 5,977 3,984 1,9923
represents the locus of all points of equal time difference 15 9,914 7,931 5,948 3,965 1,9828
from two Loran transmitters, located the focal spots of 20 9,848 7,878 5,908 3,939 1,9696
30 9,659 7,727 5,795 3,863 1,9318
the hyperbole.The Loran point of accuracy depends on 40 9,396 7,517 5,638 3,758 1,8793
the angle of intersection of the lines of position, and the 50 9,063 7,250 5,437 3,625 1,8126
accuracy with which they were determined (Fig. 1) [2]. 60 8,660 6,928 5,196 3,464 1,7320
70 8,191 6,553 4,914 3,276 1,6383
80 7,660 6,128 4,596 3,064 1,5320
90 7,071 5,656 4,242 2,828 1,4142
Constanta Maritime University’s Annals Year XIV, Vol.19

positioning; telecommunications and other areas

(Internet, etc..), by providing UTC reference time
signals, with an accuracy of 50 ns (Table 2).

Table 2. The eLoran system performances

Accuracy Availability Integrity Continuity

0,004-0,01 nm 0,999999 0,999-0,9999

0,999-0,9999
(8…20 m) (1x10-7) over 150 sec
Figure 2. The errors of the Loran fix according with the
angle of LOP intersection The eLoran system is a hyperbolic independent
system, distinct and at the same time to complementary
The errors of the Loran fix depinds on the angle of the Global Satellite Navigation System (Global
LOP intersection. The error is maximum when the LOP Navigation Sattelite Navigation System-GNSS). The
intersection angle tends to zero and minimum when the system, still under observation, will be developed by
angle is 90 degrees. 2020.
The first eLoran station was built in Anthor,
3. LORAN C HYPERBOLIC NAVIGATION England (54055'N; 03015'W). This station has been
SYSTEMS PERSPECIVES transmitting eLoran messages with Group Repetition
Interval (GRI), GRI = 67310 s value and delay of
There are two directions to hyperbolic navigation
emission of 27300 s value since [8]. The eLoran
systems evolution: integration with other positioning
messages sent by this station are EUROFIX type
systems; establishing a new, independent, modernized,
messages and contain differential Loran, differential
system compatible with present – day satellite
GPS, information, as well as integrity data with
navigation systems, which are also in a continuous
reference to UTC.
process of modernization [3-6].
The main advantages of the eLoran system are:
- civilian control;
Integrated LORAN C - DGPS Eurofix
- eLoran signal is not intentionally degraded;
The European EUROFIX navigation system is a
- UTC synchronized transmission by a method which is
modern integrated system, encompassing possibilities of
independent of the satellite systems method;
the LORAN C hyperbolic system and the GPS - DGPS
- if the eLoran emission source is synchronized with the
differential satellite system. This system is developed in
same UTC time source as the one of satellite systems,
western Europe where it uses the Loran C chains of
the eLoran signal can be used in combination with the
transmitters on the northwestern coasts of Europe, and
satellite navigation signal;
the chain DGPS transmitters in the area, ensuring
- the eLoran signal can be received in areas where the
coverage of over 1000 km, with a positioning accuracy
satellite signal has no coverage;
which goes lower than five meters, and with the
- sending a signal, in real time (less than 10 sec), about
possibility of determining the position in three
possible damage, or loss of signal integrity;
dimensions using information from three satellites only.
- repeatable positioning accuracy is good;
The Eurofix system can work as a DGPS system using
- in addition to the Loran C system, teh signal contains
data from LORAN C corrected through GPS. Both types
a data channel that provides specific corrections about
of position information may be received together or
the state of the system and information integrity;
separately, to the same receiver : these LORAN C, and
- the implementation and maintenance costs are much
DGPS items of information, which are compared for
lower than those of satellite systems;
determining the ship’s position; there exist the
- it can be used to provide differential corrections for
possibility to replace each other in the event of failure of
satellite systems.
one of the systems components.
The eLoran system ensures safe and low-cost
services for government and private institutions, and
eLORAN System
also for users in the aviation, maritime field, by:
The upgraded eLoran (Enhanced Loran - eLoran)
- ensuring all the flight phases (take-off, free flight,
is an international standard positioning service, in 2D
approching and landing);
(two dimensions), navigation and time (Positioning,
- providing information for eNavigation, including the
Navigation, and Timing - PNT), on the frequency of 100
use of temporary and permanent means for ensuring
kHz, for different transport modes and other civilian
maritime navigation (Aids to Navigation - AtoNs) to
positioning applications [7]. eLoran is an improved
mark dangerous water areas;
version of hyperbolic navigation system Loran C
- identification of land vehicles;
answers the requirements of performance, precision,
- maintenance and synchronization of
integrity, and availability necessary for: air navigation
telecommunications wired and wireless.
during approach to landing; coastal navigation in intense
traffic areas, during the operations of port entry, in low
visibility conditions; land navigation; terrestrial
Constanta Maritime University’s Annals Year XIV, Vol.19

eLoran is designed as a complete and complex continuously. eLoran time is provided by high
formed off: (Fig. 3) control centers; broadcasters; performance cesium clocks or other technology of the
monitoring points; eLoran receivers. same accuracy class with them.
Anomalies in the work of eLoran transmitter
eLoran stations are signaled in a very short time, as in Loran C
Broadcasting
stations system, warning the user not to use eLoran information
until the problem is solved.
The eLoran control centers ensure rapid resolution
Monitoring Monitoring
of faults and provide conditions for maintenance,
eLoran
points
control center
points continuity, availability of signal in accordance with the
announced performance.
The system’s maintenance is planned in such a way,
eLoran users :
aviation
so as to minimize the impact on transmitter stations
marine
terrestrial transport
work.
time service
telecommunications
Monitoring points are designed to ensure signal
integrity for all users of eLoran system. The receivers in
Figure 3. eLoran design these points permanently monitor the eLoran signal
quality, throughout the area of responsibility. Some
eLoran services are provided by a primary center monitoring stations are used as reference stations to
by specialized applications. Main distributor provides generate eLoran messages. Also, some monitoring
original and accurate eLoran information under the stations will provide real-time differential corrections for
operational specifications of the Loran C signal. onbord ships receivers, as well as warnings for aviation.
Specialized applications for aviation, maritime and The eLoran receivers provide acquisition and signal
navy,etc. provide specific information by eLoran data tracking of eLoran messages received from several
channel (eg differential eLoran messages). eLoran stations, in order indicate a more accurate
positioning and time. Also, the eLoran receivers can
eLoran
maritime system ensure the correctness of each eLoran signal alone. The
Naval receivers eLoran receivers receive and decode eLoran messages
eLoran
differential reference
eLoran
differential corrections
eLoran signal based on specific applications.
stations eLoran differential corrections
eLoran integration signal The exchange of information between the eLoran
Control Center, eLoran emmiters, and monitoring points
differential corrections eLoran signal
are shown in Fig.5.
eLoran differential corrections Broadcasting Monitoring points
Control center eLoran broadcasting stations eLoran control station
stations - validate the corrections received
from control stations and format - transmite the corrections from the - receive the eLoran signals and applies
broadcasting station the necessary corrections to ensure the
them for transmission
integrity of information
- transmit the eLoran signal / / - validate and stores the corrections
eLoran corrections received from monitoring stations - receive the eLoran signals and
eLoran integration signal eLoran signal generates the corrections

Figure 5. The exchange of informations

Monitoring
points eLoran
main system

An eLoran receiver determines its position (latitude

Figure 4. The eLoran main system and longitude) and UTC time by measuring the times of
receiving impulses from the last three eLoran stations
The eLoran signal is a complex signal that contains within its range of visibility.The eLoran signals passing
the following information: identification data of eLoran over various relief forms produce deviations of reception
transmitter; The Almanac of eLoran transmitters and of times called additional secondary factors (Aditional
monitoring points; UTC time scale reference; time Secundary Factors - ASF) as compared to theoretical
difference between the eLoran time and the UTC reception times, and hence, decreased accuracy in the
time;the eLoran signal; warnings about abnormal radio point. However, by using differential information –
propagation conditions due to specific atmospheric eLoran the accuracy is growing ; it becomes very good,
conditions; message identifying the emission eLoran of about 10 meters. An ASF error of 1 s can produce,
users; differential -satellite corrections. in time, an error in distance of 300 m. An ASF chart
The eLoran signal for naval users has a circuit for contains the nominal values of ASF factors for a certain
elaboration, evaluation, verification and updating, which area and for a specific transmitter.
comes from the Main eLoran System and reaches the ASF value in μs, depending on the relief forms is
eLoran onbord receivers by the Maritime eLoran System. as follows:
The eLoran receiver picks up eLoran signal and also the 0.00 - surface of the sea;
integrity signal of eLoran data, as well as the eLoran 1.65 - clay soil;
differential corrections. 2.36 - marsh and sea ice;
The eLoran signal emission is done automatically. 4.94 - land with shrubs;
For eLoran signal modern SSX transmitters (Solid 6.12 - dry;
StateTransmitter) are used with continuous energy 6.62 - sand (desert);
sources, equipped with systems of time and frequency 5.61 - snow and ice.
control. The eLoran signal phase corrections are made
Constanta Maritime University’s Annals Year XIV, Vol.19

The modern integrated eLoran receivers type - potential increase in the quality of voyage monitoring,
eLoran – GPS LORADD can receive signals having the and safe ports entry .
following technical characteristics: individual reception
of an eLoran positioning message; for areas where there 5. REFERENCES
are ASF maps (using ASF corrections) the accuracy of
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voltage; 90% humidity accepted; UTC reference; ortodromică, Editura DHM, Constanţa, 2013
antenna used: type E - for eLoran signal reception, type [3] BOŞNEAGU, R., Navigaţia maritimă, Editura DHM,
H - for receiving combined eLoran and GPS signals [9- Constanţa, 2011
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The eLoran applications system are based on Systems, vol.1, The Nautical Institute, 2008
minimum operational performance standards. For [5] NORRIS, A., ECDIS and POSITIONING, Integrated
aviation, eLoran provides information for guiding in a Bridge Systems, vol. 2, The Nautical Institute, 2010
horizontal plane and not so much information about [6] TETLEY, L., CALCUTT, A., Electronic Navigation
latitude, for all phases of flight (takeoff, free flight, Systems, Third Edition, Editura Elsevier, 2004
approach and landing). Maritime eLoran system will [7] International Loran Association, Enhanced Loran
provide positioning information and time with high (eLoran), Definition Document, 2007
accuracy, to meet the provisions of IMO Resolution [8] http//www. commissionersofirishlights.com
A.953/23/2003 related to global navigation system [9] ILA-40, eLoran System Definition and Signal
(navigation systems System-Wide World WWRNS). Specification Tutorial, 2011
These performance standards apply to the approach [10] ITU-International Telecommunication Union,
and entry into ports, navigation in coastal areas with Timing Characterists of Primary Reference Clocks,
heavy traffic and high risk (Table 3). G.811/1997
[11] http//www.reelectonika.nl
Table 3. The eLoran performance sdandards
Confidence
Accuracy Availability Time alarm
level
10m 0,998 0,9997
10 sec.
(95%) over 2 years over 3 ohours

By applying differential - eLoran corrections, in

real time, these performance standard are fulfilled. For
time information,the eLoran system comes under ITU
G.811/1997.
In addition, if a suitable antenna is attached to an
eLoran receiver this can be used as a eLoran compass,
with which eLoran bearings to the emissions stations
can be measured; also, the ship’s course can be read at a
precision lower than 10, independent of the ships’s
position and movement.
It also envisages coupling the eLoran receivers
coupled with ECDIS and AIS systems.

4. CONCLUSIONS

An eLoran system will also provide the following

for the maritime navigation :
a. enhanced safety: it can be used with high accuracy
compared to other methods and visual navigation aids,
as a backup system of a satellite navigation system;
b. security: provides the functionality of collision
warning systems, when satellite navigation systems, or
traffic control systems – VTS are not working,
c. econony of resources:
- potential reduction in the number of collisions and
groundings and hence, reducing the number of cases of
oil pollution;
- assist in monitoring marine pollution;
- potential reduction of cost with the aids to navigation;