Alpha (radio navigation)

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Alpha (also called RSDN-20 ) is a Russian system for long range radio navigation. It works similar like the former Omega Navigation System in the VLF-range. The alpha system consists of three transmitters, which stand in the proximity of Novosibirsk, Krasnodar and Seyda. These transmitters radiate 3.6 seconds long signals on the frequencies 11.905 kHz, 12.649 kHz and 14.881 kHz. From the phase difference of the received signals the location can be determined.

Similar like the masts used for the Omega Navigation System, the masts of Alpha must be, because of physical reasons, very tall. Unfortunately no data are available of their height.

[edit] Transmitters

• Alpha transmitter Novosibirsk: (55°45′22″N, 84°26′52.4″E)
• Alpha transmitter Krasnodar: (45°24′18″N, 38°09′29″E)
• Alpha transmitter Khabarovsk: (50°04′24″N, 136°36′24″E)
• Alpha transmitter Revda: (68°02′8″N, 34°41′00″E)
• Alpha transmitter Seyda: (39°28′16″N, 62°43′07″E)

[edit] See also

• OMEGA, the Western counterpart of the Alpha Navigation System, no longer in use.
• LORAN, low frequency terrestrial radio navigation system, still in use.
• CHAYKA, the Russian counterpart of LORAN

[edit] External links

• http://www.vlf.it/alphatrond/alpha.htm
• http://www.rirt.ru/onas/ist-e.htm