Plain English Meaning

A single ground station that gives both civilian and military aircraft the navigation signals they need. Civilian pilots get direction from the VOR part and distance from the TACAN's distance signal. Military pilots get both direction and distance from the TACAN part.

Full Definition

A ground-based navigation facility that combines a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and a TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) station at the same site, sharing a common location and identifier. The VOR component provides bearing (azimuth) information to civilian aircraft, while the TACAN component provides distance information that civilian aircraft receive as DME (Distance Measuring Equipment). Military aircraft use the TACAN component for both bearing and distance.

Context Anchor

Seen on IFR charts, , and descriptions where a may tune, , and using a named ground station.