TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) System

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Bearing and range information to transmitting stations is provided by the TACAN system. The TACAN system can receive information from ground stations as far as 390 miles, and air-to-air TACAN equipped aircraft to 200 miles. The TACAN system provides the identity of the transmitting station and the dependability of the signal received. Course deviation is calculated and displayed on navigation systems set in TACAN mode. If a TACAN signal is invalid, a warning is displayed. In the event of a signal loss, the system continues providing range tracking for 15 seconds, and bearing tracking for 3 seconds. The system will perform a self-test after a signal loss to confirm function on the control panel. Two TACAN antennas are provided, and signal switching is automatic to maintain the best signal.

TACAN Controls

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TACAN controls are found on the navigation control panel in each cockpit.

The NAV CMD button and indicator performs a command authority switch between the two cockpits, and are found in the upper right corner of the Communication Control Panel. A green light illuminates to the left of the button in the cockpit that has control of the navigation system.

  • Mode Selector Knob,
  • BRG/DIST Selector Switch, and
  • Navigation Function Selector

As detailed in the Flight Director Group section, the Mode Selector, BRG/DIST Selector, and Navigation Function Selector determine the presentation of TACAN information on the HSI, the ADI, and the BDHI.

On the TACAN Control Panel beneath the channel window, a pair of knobs (7, 4 and 3) set the desired TACAN channel. The left knob (7) controls the tens and hundreds digits of the channel. The right knob (4) selects the units of the operating channel, and the outer knob (3) sets the X or Y channel; both X and Y have 126 available channels. While the indicator can show 127, 128, and 129, these values are nonfunctional.

TACAN Function Selector Knob

  • OFF: the TACAN system is de-energized
  • REC: only the receiver is energized, and the system receives and decodes bearing signals from the TACAN station and provides bearing information for the HSI, BDHI, and ADI displays.
  • T/R: the TACAN generates distance information along with bearing; the distance is then added to the HSI and BDHI, provided in nautical miles.
  • A/A REC: the TACAN receives and displays bearing information for the HSI, BDHI, and ADI steering display from an aircraft providing a TACAN beacon signal. The channel selected must be 63 channels above or below the transmitting aircraft beacon, on the same X or Y channel range; for example, a tanker transmitting on 83X will be received on 20X.
  • A/A TR: the TACAN interrogates the equipped aircraft beacon to add range information to the HSI and BDHI. The channel selection method remains the same as A/A REC.

The NAV VOL knob (2) controls the headset audible volume of the received TACAN station.

TACAN Test Button

The Tacan test button (6) may be used to test the TACAN System. For a detailed procedure see the Navigation Test Procedure.