What is the main difference between a VOR and a VORTAC?

The distinction between a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and a VORTAC (VHF Omnidirectional Range and Tactical Air Navigation) lies primarily in the services they provide. A VORTAC combines the capabilities of both VOR and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation), making it versatile for both civil and military aviation. This means a VORTAC facility offers not only the standard navigational signals provided by a VOR, which allows aircraft to determine their position and navigate along specific courses, but also the TACAN signals, which provide distance measuring capabilities that are particularly useful for military aircraft.

In practical terms, this dual function means that pilots flying with TACAN-compatible equipment can receive additional navigational data, enhancing situational awareness during flight. The inclusion of both systems in a VORTAC makes it a comprehensive navigation aid, catering to a broader range of aircraft operations than a VOR alone, which is specifically focused on civilian navigation. This integrated service makes VORTAC stations critical infrastructure in both military and civilian air traffic management and enhances overall efficiency and safety in the airspace.