Thales has announced the commercial launch of its next-generation Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Radio ranging system, the DVOR 532. Austro Control — the air navigation services provider for Austrian air space — will be the launch customer for DVOR 532, following the signature of a framework contract for deployment in Austria.

The DVOR 532 is a ground-based radio navigation aid for short and medium range for en-route and technical guidance. It transmits an omni-directional signal that enables an aircraft to determine its bearing relative to the location of the beacon. The Doppler version of the VOR system provides a highly precise azimuth signal, suitable for difficult geographical conditions.

Thales says that the DVOR 532 delivers superior navigation signal performance and reduced lifecycle costs in an easy to maintain package. Though aviation is increasing  its reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the VOR remains a critical aviation infrastructure system due to vulnerability of GNSS signals and nearly universal equipage of aircraft to use VOR signals for navigation.

Thales will deliver, install and provide training for up to eight new DVOR systems. Austro Control will begin to take over operation of the systems as flight checks for the new systems are completed, with the first to take place before the end of 2017.