Which system provides distance information when paired with TACAN?

Which system provides distance information when paired with TACAN?

• A. VOR
• B. DME
• C. IFF
• D. ECS

Answer: (B)

Distance information is provided by the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). DME works by sending a radar pulse to a ground transponder and measuring the round-trip time; that time is converted into a distance in nautical miles. When TACAN is paired with DME, you get the bearing from the TACAN plus the distance from the DME, giving you both azimuth and range to the station. This pairing is common in VORTAC/VOR-DME setups, where the facility can offer azimuth information (from TACAN or VOR) and distance (from DME). The other options don’t provide distance: a VOR gives directional information, IFF is for identification, and ECS is a climate control system.

Distance information is provided by the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). DME works by sending a radar pulse to a ground transponder and measuring the round-trip time; that time is converted into a distance in nautical miles. When TACAN is paired with DME, you get the bearing from the TACAN plus the distance from the DME, giving you both azimuth and range to the station. This pairing is common in VORTAC/VOR-DME setups, where the facility can offer azimuth information (from TACAN or VOR) and distance (from DME). The other options don’t provide distance: a VOR gives directional information, IFF is for identification, and ECS is a climate control system.