RADIO FIX Meaning and
Definition
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Radio fix refers to a navigational term commonly used in aviation and maritime navigation. It pertains to the determination of an aircraft or vessel's position using radio signals provided by navigational aids. The term "fix" denotes a specified location or point on a map or chart. A radio fix enables pilots or navigators to establish their position accurately in relation to fixed navigational aids.
Using radio fix, an aircraft or vessel intercepts and receives signals transmitted from radio beacons, such as very high-frequency omnidirectional radio range (VOR) stations or non-directional beacons (NDBs). These radio beacons emit radio waves in specific directions, carrying unique identification signals. By intersecting signals from at least two radio beacons, the pilot or navigator can obtain a precise bearing, enabling them to establish a radio fix.
A radio fix can be determined through various methods, including triangulation, where two or more navigational aids intersect to pinpoint the position, or by using a single navigational aid with known bearing and distance, known as the distance measurement equipment (DME) fix. Additionally, global positioning system (GPS) technology, which relies on a network of satellites, enables accurate determination of a radio fix.
Obtaining regular radio fixes during a journey is crucial for navigation, route planning, and ensuring safety. By continuously updating their position, pilots or navigators can keep track of their course, verify their progress, and make adjustments as needed. Overall, radio fix serves as a vital tool for precise navigation in the air or at sea.
Etymology of RADIO FIX
The word "radio fix" originated from two separate sources:
1. "Radio": The term "radio" comes from the French word "radio-" meaning "radiant energy or rays". It was derived from the Latin word "radius" which means "ray" or "spoke of a wheel". The term was first used by French physicist Édouard Branly in 1890 and was later popularized by Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor, in the context of wireless telegraphy.
2. "Fix": The term "fix" has its roots in Old English as "ficsian" or "fixian" meaning "to fasten, attach, or make firm". Over time, it was borrowed from Old French as "fixer" and adopted into English.
