VORbased

VORbased is a term used in discussions of navigation approaches to describe a positioning and flight guidance concept that relies primarily on VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) beacons and associated distance measuring equipment (DME) rather than satellite-based systems such as GPS. In a VORbased framework, a receiver uses radial information from multiple VOR stations combined with DME ranges to determine position, track, and course intercepts, supporting conventional instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures.

The concept builds on established VOR/DME infrastructure, extending its use from simple bearing and distance references to a more integrated navigation solution. Practically, a VORbased system would ingest VOR radials from several stations and fuse that data with inertial sensors or other onboard measurements to estimate an aircraft’s velocity, heading, and position. Accuracy and coverage depend on the geometry and quality of the VOR network, terrain, signal interference, and the performance of the onboard sensors and fusion algorithms.

Applications for VORbased are primarily envisioned in GNSS-denied or degraded environments, backup navigation scenarios, and in regions with dense VOR networks undergoing modernization. It may also complement RNAV and conventional approaches during transitions or in legacy airspace where VOR/DME remains primary.

Challenges include limited spatial accuracy compared with modern GNSS-based systems, dependence on ground infrastructure, evolving regulatory acceptance, and the need for robust calibration, maintenance, and interoperability with existing avionics. As aviation infrastructure evolves, VORbased concepts are typically discussed as part of broader discussions about resilience and redundancy in navigation systems.