Plain English Meaning

Radio stations on the ground that send out signals an aircraft can use to figure out which direction it is from the station. A VOR gives direction only. A VORTAC gives direction plus distance, so a properly equipped aircraft can also tell how far it is from the station.

Full Definition

Ground-based radio navigation aids that transmit signals pilots use to determine their bearing to or from the station. A VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) provides azimuth (direction) information only. A VORTAC is a co-located facility that combines a VOR with a TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) station, providing both azimuth information for civil aircraft and azimuth-plus-distance information for military and civil aircraft equipped to receive it. For civil pilots, the practical is that a VORTAC also provides () signals, while a VOR does not.