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What is VOR in radar?
VOR stands for very high frequency omnidirectional range, which is a navigation aid used in aviation. It operates in the VHF (very high frequency) band of the radio spectrum, typically between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz. VOR is not radar technology but rather is a radio navigation system that provides pilots with directional information relative to a VOR station on the ground. Unlike radar, which uses reflected radio waves to detect objects, VOR broadcasts radio signals that aircraft receive to determine their position and navigate specific routes or approach paths.
What is VOR and how it works?
VOR works by transmitting two types of radio signals from a ground station: a variable signal that rotates 360 degrees around the station (known as a “course” or “variable” signal) and a constant omnidirectional signal (known as “Signal Reference” or “Omni”). Airplanes equipped with VOR receivers interpret these signals to determine their position relative to the VOR station. The receiver compares the phase difference between the two signals to establish the radial (roll) of the station plane. Pilots use this information to navigate along designated airways, perform instrument approaches, and maintain course accuracy during flights.
What is the meaning of VOR?
The term VOR represents a very high frequency omnidirectional range. “Very high frequency” refers to the range of radio frequencies used by VOR systems, which are in the VHF band. The “omnidirectional range” aspect means that VOR stations transmit signals in all directions from the station, allowing aircraft equipped with VOR receivers to receive and interpret signals regardless of their position relative to the station. This omnidirectional capability allows pilots to determine their position and orientation relative to the VOR station and navigate accurately in various directions and distances.
VOR and VHF (very high frequency) are closely related to aviation navigation. VOR operates in the VHF band of the radio spectrum, specifically between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz. VHF is a range of radio frequencies characterized by relatively short wavelengths and good propagation characteristics, making it suitable for both aviation communications and navigation purposes. VOR uses VHF frequencies to transmit directional signals from ground stations to aircraft, enabling precise navigation, approach procedures and air traffic management. The combination of VOR and VHF technology ensures reliable navigation capabilities for pilots across various flight operations and environments.
VOR signals are amplitude modulated (AM) rather than frequency modulated (FM). This means that VOR transmissions vary the amplitude of the radio carrier wave to encode information, such as the rotating course signal and the constant omnidirectional reference signal. VOR aircraft receivers are designed to demodulate these amplitude modulated signals and interpret the encoded directional information to provide precise navigation guidance to pilots. The use of AM modulation in VOR signals ensures efficient transmission and reliable reception of navigation data, supporting safe and accurate navigation in aviation.
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