The DME, or Distance Measuring Equipment, is a radio navigation system that enables aircraft to measure their distance from a ground station. It operates by transmitting a radio signal to the DME station and calculating the time taken for the signal to return. This precise distance information helps pilots determine their position and plan each stage of an approach or flight.
Within a GNSS environment, the DME continues to serve as a complementary navigation aid, providing redundancy and accuracy in case of satellite signal loss. However, DME signals may sometimes interfere with GNSS signals on the L5 frequency band, requiring careful frequency management to ensure optimal performance.
Related terms:
GNSS
ILS
