The Indian Navy’s INS Hansa has achieved a significant aviation technology milestone by becoming the first Joint-User International Aerodrome in the South-Asia Pacific region to be augmented with the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach. The RNP approach will enhance flying operations even when ground-based equipment such as the Very-High Frequency Omni Directional Radio (VOR) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) are under maintenance.
What is RNP Technology and How Will it Help?
The Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technology uses satellite-based navigation to enable aircraft to fly precisely along predetermined flight paths without relying on ground-based navigation aids. The use of RNP technology will reduce the reliance on traditional ground-based navigation equipment such as the Very-High Frequency Omni Directional Radio (VOR) and Instrument Landing System (ILS), making it an ideal solution for unhindered flying operations. The technology will enhance the safety of air operations during adverse weather conditions and improve the accuracy of landings.
How did INS Hansa Achieve the Milestone?
The achievement was made possible through a concerted effort between the Indian Navy and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). A team of AAI officials visited the INS Hansa Air Station last month towards the formulation of Letters of Agreement (LOA) between INS Hansa and Mopa International Airport. The station deputed one Instrument Procedure Design Course (IPDC) qualified officer to AAI and revised all the Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) of INS Hansa with the help of Aeronautical Charts prepared by Survey Department of the AAI.
What Benefits will INS Hansa’s Achievement Bring to the Region?
The adoption of the RNP technology by INS Hansa will benefit not only the Indian Navy but also the civil aviation sector in the South-Asia Pacific region. The technology will significantly improve flight safety, reduce flight delays and cancellations, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This development is a step towards making the Indian aviation sector more robust and in line with global aviation standards.
The successful implementation of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technology by INS Hansa is a significant milestone in the aviation sector and highlights the Indian Navy’s continued efforts to modernize and upgrade its aviation technology. The achievement will benefit not only the Indian Navy but also the civil aviation sector in the South-Asia Pacific region, improving flight safety, reducing flight delays and cancellations, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is INS Hansa?
INS Hansa is a naval air station located in Dabolim, Goa, India. It is the largest naval aviation base in Asia and the only tri-services operational command of the Indian Navy. -
What is Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach?
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach is an advanced navigation technique that allows aircraft to fly precisely-defined paths without relying on ground-based navigation aids, such as Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Very High Frequency Omni Directional Radio (VOR). -
What is the significance of achieving RNP approach for INS Hansa?
The achievement of RNP approach for INS Hansa will reduce dependency on ground-based equipment and provide near Category-I ILS accuracies, thereby aiding unhindered flying operations even when the aforementioned equipment are unserviceable/ under maintenance. It will enhance the operational capability of the naval air station and provide greater flexibility and safety in adverse weather conditions. -
Who are the organizations responsible for achieving the RNP approach for INS Hansa?
The achievement of RNP approach for INS Hansa was the result of dedicated and concerted efforts of the Indian Navy and Airports Authority of India (AAI). A team of AAI officials visited the Air Station towards formulation of Letters of Agreement (LOA) between INS Hansa and Mopa International Airport, and revised all the Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) of INS Hansa, designing Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches for both the runways.
