What information does TACAN provide?

• A. A navigation system that only provides time.
• B. A navigation aid for civil aviation.
• C. An electronic navigation system used by military aircraft, providing both distance and direction information.
• D. A ground-based beacon that provides only distance.

Answer: (C)

TACAN is a military electronic navigation aid that provides both distance and direction information to a ground station. The system gives you the bearing (azimuth) to the station and the range (distance) to it, so a pilot knowing both can determine where they are relative to that beacon. The distance comes from a DME-like range measurement, while the azimuth is the directional signal that tells you which way to fly to line up with the station. While TACAN can be used in civilian contexts when paired with VOR (as VORTAC), on its own it’s a military tool. The other options don’t fit because TACAN doesn’t just provide time, isn’t primarily a civil aviation aid, and doesn’t offer only distance.