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A DME/DME RNAV Future?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Heavy corporate and airline aircraft achieve resilient navigation through multi-sensor Flight Management Systems (FMS) that integrate GPS with traditional sources like DME and VOR.
  • These FMS resolve positional ambiguities by combining data from multiple terrestrial navigation aids, allowing them to maintain accurate positioning even during GPS outages.
  • Current GPS systems are vulnerable due to single-frequency operation, but future multi-frequency, multi-constellation receivers are expected to offer significantly improved resilience against jamming and hacking.
  • The FAA's Minimum Operating Network (MON) is a current solution designed for general aviation's reliance on GPS, bridging the gap until more advanced, certified multi-sensor FMS or resilient satellite navigation technology becomes widely available.
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The FAA’s Minimum Operating Network (MON) focuses on serving general aviation. Why? How will the airlines and heavy corporate birds survive a significant GPS outage, and why can’t we have that same resiliency?

To answer that question, we need to start by exploring how the “airlines and heavy corporate birds” navigate. But, before we go any further, note that this is a theoretical discussion and tech exploration; we’re not aware of any particular plans to move in this direction, or of any plans to exclude the possibilities explored here. We’re merely exploring how things could work.

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