THAKUR INSTITUTE OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY

(Instructor: Vinay Singh, Email: v.l.singh320@gmail.com , Mo: 08108304735)

 SYNOPSIS : NON-DIRECTIONAL BEACON (NDB)

Introduction:
 NDB is Non-Directional beacon and it is so called because the signal transmitted by NDB
does not include directional information, but ADF automatically searches for NDB
signal.
 NDB and its associated Automatic Direction Finding(ADF) equipment is primarily a
short distance navigational aid.
 The ground station NDB radiates vertically polarized signal in all directions around the
transmitter and the aircraft receiver (ADF) when tuned to this frequency determines
the direction from which signal is being radiated. By following the direction indicated
by ADF instrument, the aircraft will fly over the NDB.
 ADF & NDB is the one of the older types of radio navigation system that is still in use
today because of its simplicity and low cost to set up and operate plus decent accuracy

Principle of ADF: Bearing by Loop theory/Bearing by Null Method

Diagram:

Fig.1. To/From MB’s & RB’s Fig.2.Fixed Card ADF(RBI) Fig.2.Movable Card ADF Indicator

Operation of ADF:
 The Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) consists of:
− AM receiver
−Sense Antenna(omni-directional antenna)
−Loop Antenna (directional antenna)
−Indicator (fixed or movable card)
 Loop antenna is mounted on a loop drive motor while sense antenna is fixed. Loop
antenna can be simplistically described as 2 insulated coils of wire wound
perpendicular to each other onto a ferrite core.
 The bi-directional antenna is horizontally polarized, and couples with the magnetic
component of the beacon signal. The maximum voltage is induced when the antenna
coil is perpendicular to the transmitter. As the antenna pattern contains two nulls, it
cannot determine whether the signal is from the 0 or 180 position, hence the need for
the sense antenna.
 In a typical ADF receiver, the signals received by the loop and sense antennae are
combined to create the equivalent of a cardioid pattern, as shown in Figure 1.

Loop
Sense
Composite

Figure 1 – ADF Antenna Patterns

 As is often the case, the resultant signal null is more discrete than the maximum zone.
Therefore, the ADF equipment can be positively and accurately tuned to the null. The
ADF electronically and/or mechanically aligns the null with the transmitter station by
rotating a goniometer. If the goniometer coil is not exactly in the null, a loop voltage will
be generated which is applied to a bi-phase motor which rotates the goniometer until it
is in the null. Since the phase of the loop antenna signal either leads or lags that of the
sense antenna depending upon which side of the null the rotor is positioned,
goniometer can be rotated in the correct direction to achieve the null. The output from
the goniometer is then used to drive the needle on the ADF display in the cockpit.
 Fig. Goniometer
Uses:
 As an en-route navigational aid
 Holding
 Homing
 Position fixing with the help of two NDB’s
 Used as markers for an ILS approach
 Area Navigation (usually within 25NM)

Advantages:
 NDB signals follow the curvature of the earth, so they can be received at much greater
distances at lower altitudes, a major advantage over VOR
 NDB also can be used as the Back-Up system. For example, during no signal given by the
VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) system.
 Low cost and simplicity

Disadvantages:
 Limited Signal because of several factors including:
1. Interference Effect
2. Thunderstorm Effect/Electrical storm Effect
3. Mountain Effect
4. Night Effect
5. Coastal Refractions

Accuracy: Accuracy of NDB is +/-5⁰ for approach and +/-10⁰ for En-route navigation.
Other Useful Information:
 The system operates in medium frequency band.(190-1750 kHz). In India it operates
between 200-450kHz. In isolated cases, NDB’s are operated in higher frequency band
(typically frequency- 1666 kHz) to lessen the reflecting influence of mountainous
country.
 Range i)10-25NM - Locator Beacons
ii)50NM or more - Enroute NDB’s
iii)1000NM - Marine NDB’s
 Emission Characteristics: There are two types of emissions
NON A1A: Unmodulated carrier wave, requires BFO for reception.
NON A2A:Amplitude modulated which can be heard on a receiver
Note:BFO is provided in the receiver itself which when selected produces a frequency within
the receiver which when combined with the received frequency produces a tone of say 400Hz.
Hence NON A1A beacons are identified, monitored and tuned only when BFO is in operation.
NON A2A beacons require BFO only for manual tuning but not for identification and monitoring.
 Inbound Tracking Outbound Tracking

R-180⁰ R+180⁰ R=HDG R=HDG

R-180⁰ R+180⁰ R=HDG R=HDG

 QDM= Magnetic Heading + Relative Bearing =Bearing to the station. If the total is
greater than 360 degrees, then 360 must be subtracted.
 Mode of propogation is Ground wave propogation.
 The power of NDB range from 100 watts 3KW. Locator Beacons(Low Power NDB’s) are
usually in 100 watt class while 3KW beacons are sited to provide assistance to major
over-water crossings(Marine NDB’s).
 Problem: If heading is 345⁰, find Magnetic bearing to the station?

Fig. Fixed Card RBI