International Loran Association (ILA)
"The International Loran Association (ILA) advocates the use of enhanced or eLoran as a back-up for and complement to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) in multiple navigation and timing applications as well as the integration of eLoran and GNSS systems to improve the safety and security of individuals and nations. The ILA fosters the international growth of eLoran as the most complementary, only multimodal, and most cost effective backup to GNSS systems, and promotes coordination between nations and institutions to increase cooperative activities, to establish uniform standards, and to optimize benefits to all users.
Through its annual meetings and ongoing activities, the ILA functions as an international forum for the exchange of ideas and information regarding eLoran and its integration with GNSS. The ILA also serves as a repository of information documenting those individuals and efforts that have contributed to the evolution of eLoran. The ILA began in 1971 and its members are from user, industry, and government groups throughout the world."
Staff members of R&RNAV currently serve on the Board of Directors of the ILA, and representatives of the GLAs attend the ILA's annual convention.
Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM)
eLoran receiver standards are currently being produced through RTCMÂ Special Committee 127. The GLAs have a representative on this standards committee, which typically meets at convenient navigation conferences.
PhDs Sponsored by the GLAs
The GLAs currently sponsor three eLoran based PhDs:
The first is aimed at establishing a definitive and up-to-date service volume coverage prediction tool. This tool will allow the GLAs to establish the optimum service in terms of eLoran transmitters and differential-Loran reference stations given accuracy, integrity, availability and continuity requirements.
The second PhD is concerned with the integrity of the Loran Data Channel, specifically Eurofix. With the advent of mini-Loran stations, and the possibility of multiple dLoran reference stations positioned around the GLAs' service area, it is important to understand the channel loading of the Loran Data Channel and its effect on the integrity of the service.
Far East Radionavigation Service (FERNS)
FERNS (Far East Radio Navigation Service) is an agreement that establishes a joint radionavigation service in the waters of the Far East. It consists of a mix of Loran-C and Chayka chains. Members of FERNS are: the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. FERNS was originally operated under a memorandum of understanding, but in 2000 the memorandum was formalised by the creation of an intergovernmental treaty.
FERNS' aim is to develop international cooperation in radionavigation in the Far East, not only to operate and coordinate the services of Loran-C/Chayka, but also other radionavigation systems through the annual Council Meeting and Technical Working Group that has been established to deal with technical matters.
FERNS understands the importance of the joint use of Loran-C and Chayka systems and aims to strengthen and broaden international cooperation to ensure safe navigation in the interests of users from all the countries involved.
