VORTAC

VORTAC symbol used on aviation cartography

A VORTAC is a navigational aid for aircraft pilots consisting of a co-located VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) beacon and a tactical air navigation system (TACAN) beacon. Both types of beacons provide pilots azimuth information, but the VOR system is generally used by civil aircraft and the TACAN system by military aircraft. However, the TACAN distance measuring equipment is also used for civil purposes because it is built to civil specifications. Most VOR installations in the United States are VORTACs.

When created, VORTAC was intended to be 9 times better than a regular VOR. When installed it only proved to be 3 times better.