TOUCAN will complement efforts to reestablish a UK Enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran) system, which will serve as a terrestrial backup to satellite-based services. A critical goal is to ensure that this system operates independently of the more vulnerable Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

The project’s primary objective is to establish an accurate, independently verifiable TWSTFT link between the eLoran transmitter and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s official timekeeping authority. This new link will address GNSS-dependence within eLoran, maintaining a time traceable to UTC(NPL). In addition, the system will provide a TWSTFT connection to a facility that operates an R&D timescale, a secure reference that will one day be essential for synchronising operations, maintaining communication integrity, and supporting mission-critical systems.

GMV will lead the design, development, and testing of a Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) system under the TOUCAN (TWSTFT Capability Demonstration) project, building on its proven track record in delivering secure national timing infrastructure. Project partner Viasat will contribute in supplying satellite bandwidth, as well as supporting GMV in analysing some innovative TWSTFT technology evolutions.