Evaluation and updating of LORAC navigation system on Monterey Bay

Abstract

A LORAC system of navigation has been established at the Monterey Bay area and is intended for use in the field of ocean sciences research. It operates on a phase comparison principle and provides highly accurate navigational fixes without complex timing circuitry. Short-term phase stability of the system was studied and methods of remote control and lane identification were investigated. Some equipment modifications were made to incorporate desirable features in the system, but further modernization may be necessary if long periods of continued use are expected. A general plotting program for the CALCOMP-563 plotter was written to product chart overlays for existing navigational charts and is included in Appendix B. The overlays can be tailored to fit any scale chart in the area of intended operation and the inputs to the grid generation program can be varied if the system parameters are changed.