GPS back-up 'needs more research'

Ministers say further research is needed before a navigation system dating back to the Second World War can be used as a widespread back-up to GPS.

MPs were warned this week about the vulnerability of GPS to jamming by terrorists intent on crippling vital infrastructure.

They were told LORAN, a radio-based maritime navigation aid, could be used as a more robust back-up.

The government said Loran had potential in this role but needed research.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport (DfT) said: "Enhanced LORAN (eLORAN) has the potential to be used by non-maritime applications but further research needs to be done if benefits are to be realised.

"Following the successful trials, the DfT has agreed to contribute around £0.5m to the General Lighthouse Authorities' procurement of an eLORAN service."

Higher accuracy

Satellite navigation underpins much of the world's infrastructure, including financial markets, telecoms, power generation and distribution as well as transport and the emergency services.

But the signal from the satellite is weak and easily jammed and is vulnerable to interference.

Some experts are now pressing for LORAN to be developed as a back-up.

Dr Sally Basker, research director of the General Lighthouse Authorities, which operates a radio navigation station in Cumbria, said Europe was the only part of the world not now developing enhanced LORAN to protect infrastructure.

In February, the US Homeland Security department announced it was investing in it was developing an eLORAN system to back-up GPS.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7459213.stm