What is the main function of TACAN?

The primary function of TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) is to provide a homing frequency for aircraft, which allows them to determine their distance and bearing to a TACAN ground station. This system is essential for navigation, particularly in military operations where precise location and guidance are crucial for aircraft to reach their intended destinations, such as aircraft carriers or airfields, especially in poor visibility conditions. TACAN enables pilots to accurately navigate and maintain situational awareness during flight by offering course guidance and distance information.

While other systems exist for directing maritime traffic, providing GPS coordinates, or enabling communication between ships, these are not the specific roles of TACAN. The absence of GPS functionality, the focus on traditional navigation rather than maritime traffic control, and the lack of direct communication capabilities underscore why homing frequency determination is the core objective of TACAN.