TACAN and DF Systems Integration in the Colombian Oceanic Patrol Vessel: Challenges and Solutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25043/19098642.274Keywords:
colombian patrol vessel (POC), direction finding (DF), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), tactical air navigation system (TACAN)Abstract
This article discusses the installation of TACAN and DF navigation systems on the Colombian Ocean Patrol Vessel to enhance operational and safety capabilities, especially for helicopter operations. It outlines the technical challenges of integrating these systems due to limited space and potential electromagnetic interference, detailing the analysis and planning process from 2017 to 2022. In 2023, naval commands confirmed the critical importance of the TACAN system. The main technical issue that has been identified pertains to optimizing both systems’ antennas within the mast’s confines to ensure optimal functionality and mitigate interferences. The article examines a range of technical solutions and integration strategies that have been devised to address these challenges.Downloads
References
Navy of the Republic of Colombia, «Documento Necesidad Operativa Patrullera Oceánica Colombiana (DNO POC),» Bogota D.C., 2022.
Directorate of Naval Weapons and Electronics, «Concepto Técnico para la instalación del Sistema TACAN,» Bogota D.C., 2017 y 2018.
Directorate of Naval Engineering, «Verifi cación avance instalación sistema TACAN y posibles cursos de acción,» Bogota D.C., 2018.
Naval Base No. 1, «Estudio de viabilidad Electromagnética Instalación TACAN,» Cartagena D.T. y C., 2022.
Naval Aviation, «Intención de CAVNA y pertinencia de efectuar instalación del sistema TACAN a/b unidades aeronavales,» Bogota D.C., 2023.
Naval Command, «Offi cial Communication No. 062/MDN-COGFM-COARC-SECARJEMAF-JONAV-COFNA-29.25,» pertaining to the Relevance of the Installation of the TACAN System on the POC, Bogota D.C., 2023.
Moog Incorporated, "Operation and Organizational Maintenance Instructions with Illustrated Parts Breakdown TACAN System, MM-7000 with AS-3240A/ URN Antenna, 1 kw, 29 "rack version" MRM33653 Rev C, 2017.
J. HERNÁNDEZ SÁNCHEZ, «Sistemas de Comunicación por Satelite utilización de los sistemas de navegación aeronáuticos,» Madrid, 2000, pp. 79-85.
Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, Radar and Electronic Warfare Pocket Guide, Munich, Germany, 2022.
D. MITCH, «Naval Analyses,» March 7, 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.navalanalyses.com/2015/03/durand-dela-penne-class-destroyers-of.html.
charly015, «Análisis Militares,» November 5, 2014. [Online]. Available: https://charly015.blogspot.com/2014/11/buques-para-comparar-actualizado.html.
Electronic Signal Intelligence Department (DESET), «Acta Verificación y aprobación diseño TACAN y DF a/b POC por fabricante Megalitec S.A.S.,» Bogota D.C., February 12, 2024.
V. TORBEN, «Evolution and Usage of EM Simulation in the Naval Industry,» Altair Feko, 12 09 2017. [Online]. Available: https://altair.com/resource/evolutionand-usae-of-em-simulation-in-the-navalindustry. [Last accessed: 17 02 2025].
ALTAIR FEKO, «Large Platform Cosite Interference Mitigation,» Altair Feko, [Online]. Available: https://altair.com/resource/large-platform-co-siteinterference-mitigation-doc?lang=en. [Last accessed: 18 02 2025].
S. PILLAI, S. DHAVALKAR, R. JOGA, D. POOJARI, C. REDDY, S. VENKATESAN and S. RAMAGIRi, «Webinar: Evolution Usage of Electromagnetic Simulation in the Naval & Shipbuilding Industry,» Altair Feko, 10 07 2020. [Online]. Available: https://altair.com/resource/evolution-usageelectromagnetic-simulation-in-the-navalshipbuiding-industry. [Last accessed: 17 02 2025].
Naval Sea Systems Command - NAVSEA, «NAVSEA OP 3565/NAVAIR 16-1-529 VOLUME 2. Technical Manual Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards (U) (Hazards to Ordnance ) (U) Eighteenth Revision,» 2011.
Naval Sea Systems Command - NAVSEA, «NAVSEA OP 3565/NAVAIR 16-1-529 VOLUME 1. Technical Manual Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards (U) (Hazards to Personnel, Fuel and other Flammable Material) (U) Sixth Revision,» 2003.
ALTAIR FEKO, «Full Wave and Asymptotic Solution Methods,» [Online]. Available: https://help.altair.com/feko/topics/feko/user_guide/solver_method_general_feko_c.htm.
COTECMAR Design and Engineering Management, «Consultoría para análisis de CEM a fin de validar un diseño de arreglo de antenas para proyecto POC (COTECMAR). Informe ejecutivo V1,» Cartagena de Indias, 2023
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Cotecmar

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The authors who publish in this Journal certify that:
- The work submitted for publication in The Ship Science and Technology (Cartagena) journal, was written by the author, given that its content is the product of his/her direct intellectual contribution.
- All data and references to material already published are duly identified with their respective credits and are included in the bibliographic notes and quotations highlighted as such.
- All materials submitted for publication are completely free of copyrights; consequently, the author accepts responsibility for any lawsuit or claim related with Intellectual Property Rights thereof, Exonerating of responsibility to The Science and Technology for the Development of Naval, Maritime, and Riverine Industry Corporation, COTECMAR.
- In the event that the article is chosen for publication by The Ship Science and Technology journal, the author state that he/she totally transfers reproduction rights of such to The Science and Technology for the Development of Naval, Maritime, and Riverine Industry Corporation, COTECMAR.
- The authors retain the copyright and transfer to COTECMAR the right of publication and reproduction of the work which will be simultaneously subject to the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC -BY) , which allows the license to copy, distribute, display and represent the work and to make derivative works as long as it recognizes and cites the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor.
- For more information about the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC -BY) and his use and scope, please visit the following web page https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode


