radio beacon
Quick Summary
A radio beacon is a device that transmits special radio signals to indicate a geographical location or direction, primarily for ships and aircraft. These beacons help in navigation, such as guiding aircraft to landing fields.123
Early radio navigation systems used radio-beam technology. These systems employed loop antennas that broadcast signals in specific directions. By listening to the combination of signals, pilots could determine their position relative to the beacon and follow designated "beams" or courses. While older systems like the four-course beacon have been replaced by more advanced technologies like VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) and ILS (instrument landing system), the fundamental principle of using radio signals for precise navigation remains.4
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