Federal Radionavigation Plan (FRP) for 2001 was released Tues. af...

(GPS) and its modernization as primary means of navigation in support of U.S. transportation infrastructure. Transition to GPS from current systems and determination of what part of current radionavigation infrastructure to retain is complex matter involving govt., industry and users, Mineta said: “We are seeking a sensible transition to satellite-based navigation services as our primary means of navigation, while recognizing the need to maintain backup navigation aids where required.” FRP includes revised schedules for phasing down most land-based radionavigation systems to allow more time to transition to GPS. DoT is building on capabilities of constellation defined in 1960s and 1970s, DoT Radionavigation Dir. Michael Shaw said. System augmentations are being fielded, he said, “to improve on the system’s integrity, accuracy and availability.” GPS will provide performance needed for aviation and other safety-of-life applications, Shaw said. Signed FRP “institutionalized DoT’s March 7 announcement that it would implement action plan to maintain adequacy of backup systems for each area of operation in which GPS is being used for critical transportation applications,” Shaw said. Announcement followed DoT review of study assessing vulnerability of national transportation infrastructure that relies on GPS. Study by Volpe National Transportation Systems Center said GPS was susceptible to unintentional disruption from atmospheric effects, signal blockage from buildings, and interference from communications equipment and potential deliberate disruption. FRP is joint product of DoT and DoD and is required to be revised and updated at least every 2 years. On news that funding for European counterpart system Galileo had been approved, Shaw said U.S. preferred that new system be used “in conjunction” with GPS and that govt. would continue to consult with European leaders to convince them to build “complementary system that would support interoperability.”