In a move that could potentially reshape the way aircraft navigate, researchers are exploring the shift from Magnetic North to True North in aviation, mirroring a transition that maritime navigation has already completed. This shift, if implemented, would bring significant benefits in terms of accuracy and stability, but it’s not without its challenges. At the heart of this discussion is Octavian Thor Pleter, a researcher from the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest in Romania, who has been delving into the intricacies of this potential transition.
Pleter, the lead author of a recent study published in ‘Engineering Proceedings’ (translated from Romanian), explains that while aviation currently relies on magnetic compasses or magnetic sensors for azimuth sensing, maritime navigation has already made the switch to True North. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has taken notice and established the True North Advisory Group (True-AG) to explore the feasibility of this transition in aviation.
The benefits of switching to True North are clear. “The transition to True North would bring significant improvements in accuracy and stability,” Pleter states. However, the transition is not straightforward. One of the main concerns is the need for an inexpensive basic sensor for True North. Currently, the main True North sensors are the inertial reference system and the GNSS receiver. For a basic navigation sensor, the resilience of the GNSS is essential, and this is currently being challenged in many parts of the world, particularly in regions proximate to conflicts.
For the maritime sector, this shift could have significant implications. Maritime navigation has already completed this transition, and the lessons learned could be invaluable for aviation. Moreover, the development of inexpensive and resilient True North sensors could have applications beyond aviation, potentially benefiting maritime navigation as well.
Pleter’s study comprises both general aviation and commercial aviation and concerns the integrity, accuracy, availability, and continuity of the azimuth flight parameter. The study is a comprehensive analysis of the azimuth sensing technology with a view to the transition to True North.
As the aviation industry grapples with these challenges, the maritime sector watches with interest. The transition to True North could bring about a new era of precision and stability in navigation, benefiting both industries. However, as Pleter notes, “the transition itself is a major change at the scale of the history of aviation,” and it will require careful consideration and planning.
In the meantime, the maritime sector can continue to reap the benefits of True North navigation, while keeping an eye on the developments in aviation. The potential for cross-industry collaboration and knowledge sharing is significant, and could lead to advancements in navigation technology that benefit both sectors.