Which polar coordinate type radio air-navigation system provides an aircrew with distance and bearing information?

The Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system is designed specifically to provide aircraft with both distance and bearing information relative to a ground station. This polar coordinate system operates on a principle that enables aircrews to determine their aircraft's location in relation to the TACAN transmitter. By utilizing the angle (bearing) and the distance (range), pilots can navigate accurately toward or from the station, which is crucial for effective route planning and approach to airfields.

In contrast, the Global Positioning System (GPS) provides precise positioning data using satellite signals but does not focus specifically on the polar coordinate format of bearing and distance from a ground station. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) primarily aids in landing procedures by providing lateral and vertical guidance but does not furnish direct distance measurements. The Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) helps determine the direction to a radio beacon but does not provide specific distance information, relying instead on relative bearing only. Each of these systems serves vital navigation functions, but TACAN is uniquely suited to the question’s requirements.