LORAN

Acronym for long-range radio navigation . A long-range radio navigation position-fixing system consisting of an array of fixed stations that transmit precisely synchronized signals to mobile receivers. Note: A loran receiver measures differences in the times of arrival of the signals from the various stations. A fixed difference in the time of arrival of the signals from any two stations will define a hyperbolic arc on which the receiver must lie. Three or more stations are needed to remove ambiguities in the position of the receiver. Synonyms long-range aid to navigation system, long-range radio aid to navigation system.