Analysis of a proposed differential Omega system.

Abstract

Omega, a world-wide, VLF, CW, all-weather navigation system offers one mile resolution, but suffers in accuracy due to propagation anomalies which have been found to be relatively constant over differential areas. Differential Omega is the process of disseminating propagation-produced error to users in the differential area. Accuracy improvements of 5 to 1 are possible. A system of Differential Omega using a Coast Guard Radio-beacon was proposed by Goodman. His system has been reviewed and improvements suggested. The correction message format was reviewed and changed to include line of position (LOP) identification. A revised transmitting scheme using a master oscillator controlled frequency synthesis process with digital readout is evaluated. Using the frequency synthesized master oscillator controlled Differential Omega system, accuracies of 30 yards can be realized for idealized Omega receiver inputs.