A submarine launched expendable radio navigation system (SSXRN) buoy method and
apparatus. According to one embodiment, a method for determining a submarine geographic
position using a SSXRN buoy system is disclosed. The method comprising launching
a radio navigation-enabled buoy and recording a launch time and DRNS submarine
position. The method further comprises recording a buoy breach time and searching
for radio navigation RF signals. Then, recording a radio navigation position acquisition
time and an initial radio navigation position. Further, recording a subsequent
radio navigation position data and a subsequent time. Moreover, determining a DRNS
correction factor using a DRNS position error, a buoy drift, radio navigation position
data and DRNS position data. In addition, estimating the submarine geographic position
using the DRNS correction factor and a DRNS geographic position. In another embodiment,
a SSXRN buoy system is disclosed.