US goes firm on eLORAN

On 4 February, the US finally took a positive decision on enhanced LORAN (eLORAN). The key evidence is given below in the President's FY09 budget language for 2 organisations within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD).

The full text is given below, but the following points are important:

• In 2008, the DHS was named Executive Agent for development of a national backup for critical systems used in position, navigation and timing (PNT). Enhanced LORAN (eLORAN) has been identified as the primary candidate for this backup. In 2009, the administration of the LORAN-C programme will migrate to the NPPD in preparation for conversion of LORAN-C operations to eLORAN. The USCG is expected to continue operation of the system throughout 2009.
• NPPD will undertake development of eLORAN as a backup for GPS in the homeland. NCS will oversee LORAN-C modernisation as a first step toward providing back-up capability for critical infrastructure that depends on GPS for position, navigation and timing.

This is excellent news for those (including the Institute) who believe that there should be a terrestrial back-up for GNSS, and it will have a significant impact worldwide. The UK and Ireland are already covered by eLORAN, thanks to the initiative of the General Lighthouse Authorities (see previous news).

Details from Dr Sally Basker, Trinity House (who leads the Institute's new eLORAN Special Interest Group - contact admin@rin.org.uk if interested in joining the SIG).

USCG FY 09 Budget:

Funding requested in this account supports the operations of the Coast Guard as it carries out its duties as a maritime, military, multi-mission operating agency and one of the 5 armed forces. To fulfill its mission, the Coast Guard employs multipurpose vessels, aircraft, and shore units, strategically located along the coasts and inland waterways of the United States and in selected areas overseas.

In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security was named Executive Agent for development of a national backup for critical systems used in position, navigation and timing. Enhanced LORAN (eLORAN) has been identified as the primary candidate for this backup.

In 2009, the administration of the LORAN-C program will migrate to the National Protection and Programs Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security in preparation for conversion of LORAN-C operations to eLORAN. Coast Guard is expected to continue operation of the system on a reimbursable basis in 2009.

DHS/NPPD FY 09 Budget:

National Communications System (NCS).--The NCS provides mission-critical national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications for Federal, State and local governments, and private industry through the following functions:

• 1) administering the National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications to facilitate the initiation, coordination, restoration and reconstitution of NS/EP telecommunications services or facilities
  under all circumstances;
• 2) developing and ensuring the implementation of plans and programs that support telecommunications infrastructure hardness, redundancy, mobility, connectivity and security;
• 3) serving as the focal point for industry and government NS/EP telecommunications planning and partnerships;
• 4) enhancing the use of cyber and telecommunications infrastructures by providing the information, concept of operations, and unified interoperable capabilities which enable governments to accomplish their command and coordination essential functions. In addition, the Department, acting as Executive Agent, will undertake development of enhanced Long Range Navigation (eLORAN) as a backup for the Global Positioning System (GPS) in the homeland. NCS will oversee LORAN-C modernization as a first step toward providing back-up capability for critical infrastructure that depends on GPS for position, navigation and timing.