First post!
I noticed this out the window on my last trip through ATL. What is this red-topped round object on a grid?
http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=e...4.435048&spn=0.001474,0.00284&z=19
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What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
DH84 E135/145/175/190 CR2/7/9 A319/20/21 A332/3 D95 M80/83/88/90/95 73W/8/9 752/3 763/4 772/L
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- corey07850
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RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
It's a VOR (a navigational aid)
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- Starlionblue
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RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
I'm going to guess at some kind of navigation aid.
"There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots." - John Ringo
RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
Technically it is a VORTAC which is a combination of VOR and TACAN. VOR is the traditional VHF navigational aid used by civilian pilots. TACAN is a military system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHF_omnidirectional_range#Operation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHF_omnidirectional_range#Operation
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are
RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
| Quoting AKiss20 (Reply 3): Technically it is a VORTAC which is a combination of VOR and TACAN |
To be more precise, it's a Doppler VOR with TACAN or D-VORTAC. The "grid" is part of the antenna. A doppler VOR is more accurate and is less affected by terrain and buildings so it's preferred for built up areas.
The TACAN antenna is the small white dome about 200ft south of the VOR.
Here is another view.
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.asp...yn7yxc91&scene=7175116&lvl=2&sty=b
"I love mankind. It's people I can't stand." - Charles Shultz
RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
Just to add to dairbus; it's a doppler VOR (iirc 50 transmit antennas, 1 monitor antenna) as compared to a conventional VOR (1 transmit antenna, 15 mailbox monitor antennas)... the "grid" is a counter-poist; which is apart of the reflection plane.
Also; the TACANs are slowly being phased out and they are becoming normal VOR/DMEs...
Also; the TACANs are slowly being phased out and they are becoming normal VOR/DMEs...
ILS = It'll Land Somewhere
RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
Little side question,
Does anyone know why pure TACANs are marked on the Low-Enroute charts? I assume the military has its own charts and doesn't use NACOs (this is a WAG, I might be wrong). Are there any civilian A/C that can use TACAN?
Does anyone know why pure TACANs are marked on the Low-Enroute charts? I assume the military has its own charts and doesn't use NACOs (this is a WAG, I might be wrong). Are there any civilian A/C that can use TACAN?
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are
RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
| Quoting AKiss20 (Reply 6): Little side question, Does anyone know why pure TACANs are marked on the Low-Enroute charts? I assume the military has its own charts and doesn't use NACOs (this is a WAG, I might be wrong). Are there any civilian A/C that can use TACAN? |
The military does use NACO charts, and that is why they are charted on there. Its also the same reason TACAN channels are noted on VORTAC labels.
Pilots are idiots, who at any given moment will attempt to kill themselves or others.
RE: What's This Object On The Field At ATL?
| Quoting nbgskygod (Reply 7): Quoting AKiss20 (Reply 6): Little side question, Does anyone know why pure TACANs are marked on the Low-Enroute charts? I assume the military has its own charts and doesn't use NACOs (this is a WAG, I might be wrong). Are there any civilian A/C that can use TACAN? The military does use NACO charts, and that is why they are charted on there. Its also the same reason TACAN channels are noted on VORTAC labels. |
Well there ya go, my assumption was false. I assumed the military would have its own charting office (it seems the military enjoys making its own version of everything) but that is not the case.
Good to know!
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are
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