Which option best describes the TACAN transmit/receive operation?

Which option best describes the TACAN transmit/receive operation?

• A. It measures altitude
• B. It provides range and bearing to the ground station
• C. It processes voice communications
• D. It computes a GPS fix

Answer: (B)

TACAN is designed to give you both where the ground station is and how far away you are from it. The ground TACAN transmitter sends a signal that the aircraft’s TACAN receiver uses to determine azimuth, or bearing, to the station. At the same time, the system includes a DME function: when you interrogate the station, it replies and the time delay between transmission and reply is converted into slant range, usually shown in nautical miles. Put together, you get the range and bearing to that ground station, which is exactly what TACAN provides for navigation. It isn’t about measuring altitude, handling voice communications, or computing a GPS fix, which are tasks for other systems.

TACAN is designed to give you both where the ground station is and how far away you are from it. The ground TACAN transmitter sends a signal that the aircraft’s TACAN receiver uses to determine azimuth, or bearing, to the station. At the same time, the system includes a DME function: when you interrogate the station, it replies and the time delay between transmission and reply is converted into slant range, usually shown in nautical miles. Put together, you get the range and bearing to that ground station, which is exactly what TACAN provides for navigation. It isn’t about measuring altitude, handling voice communications, or computing a GPS fix, which are tasks for other systems.