Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB)
An NDB is a radio transmitter that emits radio waves equally in all directions, without preference for any specific direction. As a ground-based navigational aid, it plays a crucial role in providing location information for pilots navigating in areas where visual navigation is not possible due to poor weather conditions or for aircraft operating in remote areas with no ground-based navigation aids. The radio signal transmitted by the NDB is received by the plane’s equipment, enabling the pilot to determine the bearing to the NDB station and navigate accordingly. The use of NDBs has declined in recent years with the advent of more accurate and reliable satellite-based navigation systems that provide better guidance to pilots. However, the NDB remains an important option for use in areas with limited resources or where other navigational aids are not available.
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