Definition
A ground-based navigation facility that combines a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), which provides bearing information from the station, with co-located DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), which provides slant-range distance to the station. Together they allow an aircraft to determine both its radial from the station and its distance, giving a complete position fix from a single facility.
Plain English
A navigation station that tells the pilot two things at once: which direction they are from the station, and how far away they are.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronyms, facility listings, charts, and NOTAM-style information about radio navigation aids.
Derivation
VOR stands for VHF Omnidirectional Range — a station that broadcasts signals in every direction (omni = all) so an aircraft can determine its bearing. DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment. The combined label VDME simply means a VOR that also has DME built in.
Why Pilots Care
Gives accurate position fixes without needing an additional navigation aid, supporting precise routing and instrument approaches.
Intuition Check
Do not read VDME as a separate type of navigation system from VOR and DME. It means a VOR facility with DME capability included or associated with it.
Example Sentence 1
The approach used a VDME on the field, so the pilot could track inbound on the radial while watching the distance count down.
Example Sentence 2
Chart symbols indicate whether a VOR is a VDME facility or provides only bearing information.