Abstract: A system for the relative navigation of aircraft and spacecraft is disclosed which uses a series of short duration, unmodulated radio pulses transmitted from a phased array antenna. The aircraft or spacecraft whose position is to be determined from another is called as the local station, whereas the other craft with the phased array antenna system is called as the transmitting station. The local station transmits a radio query pulse to the transmitting station. In response to the radio query pulse, the transmitting station transmits a series of unmodulated radio pulses, where each radio pulse is transmitted with a three dimensional radiation pattern that is different than the three dimensional radiation patterns of the other radio pulses transmitted by the transmitting station.

Abstract: A system for the relative navigation of aircraft and spacecraft is disclosed which uses a series of short duration, unmodulated radio pulses transmitted from a phased array antenna. The aircraft or spacecraft whose position is to be determined from another is called as the local station, whereas the other craft with the phased array antenna system is called as the transmitting station. The local station transmits a radio query pulse to the transmitting station. In response to the radio query pulse, the transmitting station transmits a series of unmodulated radio pulses, where each radio pulse is transmitted with a three dimensional radiation pattern that is different than the three dimensional radiation patterns of the other radio pulses transmitted by the transmitting station.