Loran and ILA Move into New Era
The December 2004 release of the extensive US Loran evaluation
study, "Loran's Capability to Mitigate the Impact of a GPS Outage
on GPS Position, Navigation, and Time Applications," marked the
beginning of a new era for Loran and the ILA. This report verified
the performance capabilities of a modern Loran system, specifically
identified how Loran can backup GPS in multiple applications,
and hopefully, finally eliminated antiquated perceptions about
Loran. No longer is the new enhanced or eLoran a question: it
is well on its way to becoming a reality.
In turn, the ILA must now direct itself to making a broad audience
aware of the substantial benefits Loran can provide each nation
in personal safety, economic opportunity, and national security.
In this regard, I am extremely pleased to announce that Langhorne
Bond will succeed me as president, and most importantly, that
he is just the man for this job. As a former FAA administrator,
he certainly has the knowledge, ability, and dedication to accomplish
this goal. I look forward to supporting Langhorne’s efforts
and am sure all ILA members do so as well.
France and the UK Take European Loran Leadership Roles
On July 1, the French government sponsored a GNSS/Loran Information
Day in Paris, to increase Loran awareness in numerous user communities
and to clarify its formal, long-term commitment to Loran. Overlapping
this event, the UK was moving ahead with its new Rugby transmitter,
which is now broadcasting 24 hours a day, and distributing an
informational pamphlet on Loran. Clearly, France and the UK are
taking leadership roles for Loran in Europe. The ILA has held
conferences in France and the UK, has good relationships with
the UK and French governments, and has had excellent interactions
with the Royal Institute of Navigation for years. I believe the
ILA will seek to expand and strengthen such ties in the future.
Loran Modernization Will Continue in the US
In the United States, the House of Representatives has made the
first step in the FY2006 budget process, passing a bill, H.R.
3058, that includes $25 M for the continuation of the Loran modernization
process. This is not the final figure because the Senate has not
acted on its version of the Transportation Appropriations bill,
and all differences between the House and Senate will have to
be reconciled before FY 06 funding legislation is enacted. However,
it certainly acknowledges ongoing support for continued funding
for FY2006 Loran modernization. Additionally, I can report to
you that the Senate Commerce Committee has also taken a positive
step in support of Loran, approving a bill, S. 1280, that authorizes
$25 M in annual Loran recapitalization expenditures for FY 2006
and $25 M for FY 2007. We will keep you posted on future developments
on both of these bills.
US Loran Decision
As summarized in the December 2004 ILA Perspective, the new US
GPS policy identifies the need for backups, and today, there is
a growing awareness that Loran is the best complement to GNSS
systems for numerous technical, economic, and political reasons.
Because of the inability of US agencies and departments to settle
funding differences regarding this national asset, the US Loran
decision has not been clarified, despite uniformly positive technical
and economic reports, ongoing, bipartisan Congressional support,
and endorsements from user groups. The US government has an obligation
to its citizens and to the world to adhere to its commitments
and to issue a positive Loran policy statement. On behalf of its
members and constituent countries, the ILA will continue its advocacy
role to ensure the US government meets its commitments and the
world’s citizens can look forward to a more safe and secure
future.
G. Linn Roth, Ph.D., FRIN
President
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