Flight navigation has a rich history. It evolved from basic celestial navigation to advanced GPS systems. Some key milestones include:
- Celestial Navigation: Early aviators relied on stars and landmarks for orientation.
- Radio Navigation: Radio beacons and VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) stations improved accuracy.
- Inertial Navigation: Developed during WWII, inertial systems used gyroscopes and accelerometers.
- GPS: The Global Positioning System, developed by the U.S. military, became the foundation of modern aviation navigation.
- Flight Management Systems: Advanced computers integrated navigation, flight planning, and automation.
- NextGen: Ongoing modernization efforts aim to improve efficiency and safety using advanced technology.
These advancements have made air travel safer and more efficient over the years.
