FYI to all on the Krnet. Loran is not dead. KRron
The ILA Perspective - August 2005 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
