The NELS network: (Northwest European Loran C System)

A large number of people know of the GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS is entirely under the authority of the American military. At any time, non-aware users can be misled about their real positions. This is the reason why it is advisable not to have a complete reliance on the GPS system. Thus, a second system of navigation assistance is available in many areas of the Northern Hemisphere: LORAN C. There is a widespread belief that this system is going to disappear because of the notice which came out in the Federal Radio-Navigation Plan (FRP). In fact, all the LORAN chains located outside American territory will not be operated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) after December 31st 1994. Some countries have decided to join together in operating, modernizing and extending the networks given up by the USCG. After a review of LORAN characteristics, the authors discuss the future networks to be set up in Europe; the utilization prospects of the LORAN wave; and the position of LORAN in the European Union policy