NDB stands for Non-Directional Beacon. It is a navigational aid used in aviation and maritime operations to provide pilots and sailors with a radio frequency-based locator signal.
An NDB is a ground-based transmitter that emits a low-frequency radio wave in all directions, allowing receivers on board aircraft or vessels to detect the beacon's signal. This signal is received by the aircraft's or vessel's radio navigation equipment, which can then calculate its bearing to the NDB.
The NDB signal is non-directional, meaning it does not indicate any specific direction of the beacon. Instead, it provides the bearing of the aircraft or vessel relative to the NDB, allowing pilots and sailors to navigate using the beacon's reference point.
Non-Directional Beacons are primarily used for short-to-medium-range navigation, typically up to a few hundred kilometers. They are commonly employed in areas where other forms of navigation aids, such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), may be limited or unavailable.
NDBs are particularly useful during poor visibility or at night, as they provide a simple and reliable means of determining position and orientation. However, they are also subject to interference from various environmental factors, including weather conditions and geographical obstacles, which can impact the accuracy of the received signal.
In summary, NDBs are ground-based radio transmitters that emit a non-directional signal, allowing pilots and sailors to determine their bearing relative to the beacon's location, aiding in navigation over short-to-medium distances.
