During the summers of 1980 and 1981, NAVSTAR‐GPS Z‐SET receiver was operated aboard the Texas AM University Research Vessel GYRE for oceanographic research cruises as part of a combined Coast Guard/MARAD evaluation. During this time the GYRE traversed much of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Z‐SET is a single‐channel, sequential, clear/access code receiver designed for use in low‐dynamics Air Force aircraft, but which can be used aboard ship. The Z‐SET has been compared with other radionavigation systems, including Transit, Loran‐C, and Omega. In all of these comparisons, the Z‐SET has presented itself favorably. During the period that its satellite constellation is useable, it provides a definite improvement over these systems in the oceanic and coastal regions. Shortcomings of this equipment that may preclude its use in harbor regions are addressed in this paper. Experience with the Z‐SET and analysis of the data provide some interesting similarities among the systems and some useful conclusions regarding marine receiver configurations and navigation techniques.
展开▼
