<p>The need for an aviation navigation system is established from examining the phase out of current systems and the delay in the development of replacement systems. The systems engineering approach has been applied to ensure that a capable system is developed. After establishing the need, two GPS based methods of creating an aviation navigation system are examined. A system based on the differential GPS method is chosen as the most feasible.</p> <p> The functional analysis, operational requirements and maintenance concept are defined based on the differential GPS choice. A conceptual system design is then described for each system element, the ground beacon element and the aircraft element. The allocation of requirements, element architecture and element reliability are examined in the conceptual design.</p> / Master of Science