How does TACAN differ from VOR, and what is a VORTAC?

• A. TACAN uses VOR signals as well.
• B. TACAN is for civil use only; VORTAC is military.
• C. TACAN provides bearing and distance for military use; VORTAC combines VOR with TACAN for civil use.
• D. TACAN provides only distance; VOR provides only bearing.

Answer: (C)

TACAN is a military navigation aid that provides both azimuth bearing and distance to the station (the distance is obtained through the DME-like function on UHF channels). A VOR, used widely in civilian aviation, gives only the bearing to the station and does not provide distance. A VORTAC is a single installation that combines a VOR with a TACAN, so civilian aircraft can use the VOR for bearing and also get distance information from the TACAN/DME portion. This combination is why the statement describing TACAN as giving bearing and distance for military use, with VORTAC combining VOR and TACAN for civil use, is correct.