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A DME/DME RNAV Future?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Modern Flight Management Systems (FMS) in larger aircraft integrate multiple navigation sensors like GPS, DME, and VOR, utilizing traditional VHF aids by scanning multiple stations to provide resilient and accurate positioning, independent of sole reliance on GPS.
  • This multi-sensor capability explains why the FAA's Minimum Operating Network (MON) is primarily intended for general aviation, which often lacks such sophisticated systems and relies solely on GPS.
  • While future multi-frequency, multi-constellation satellite navigation receivers promise enhanced resilience against jamming and hacking, they are not yet available or certified, making MON a crucial and practical interim solution for general aviation.
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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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