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DFS is modernising its radio navigation aids, making a contribution to the expansion of wind energy in Germany

Published on February 12th, 2026
2 Minute Read
DFS is modernising its radio navigation aids, making a contribution to the expansion of wind energy in Germany

DFS has implemented a major modernisation project on schedule: Together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), four older CVOR radio navigation aids were replaced with DVOR systems, which are less susceptible to interference. These navigation aids are less sensitive to interference from wind turbines, which facilitates the further expansion of wind energy in Germany. 

Exposed locations such as hilltops or elevations as well as open spaces offer ideal conditions for technical air navigation services facilities for communication, navigation and surveillance. Wind turbines benefit from the same geographic conditions and can sometimes interfere with these facilities.  

Following technical and operational approval, all of the more robust DVOR navigation aids are now in operation in Nürnberg, Cologne Bonn, Düsseldorf and Nienburg. No further conversion is required for the Frankfurt, Rügen and Magdeburg facilities. The VOR components there have been switched off and DME (distance measuring equipment) systems, which are less susceptible to interference, are in operation instead.  

The renewal of the four navigation facilities was financed by the BMWE and implemented by DFS in the period from mid-2021 to the end of 2025. The conversion of the facilities at the Nürnberg, Cologne Bonn, Düsseldorf and Nienburg sites was completed on schedule.  

In detail: 
Radio navigation aids are ground stations that enable aircraft to navigate using radio signals. They also include VORs. Aircraft receivers process the VOR signals for use as directional information. There are conventional VOR and Doppler VOR facilities (CVOR and DVOR). 

You can find more information here:  
Wind energy | DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH 

Vincent Lambercy
Vincent started working in ATM in 2000 and brings his Air Traffic Management experience to the team. Having founded FoxATM after working 17 years with ANSPs in technical and sales roles; within ANSPs and the ATM industry. He has strong technical and commercial experience in international projects.
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