Final answer:
Homing is a navigation technique where a craft continuously adjusts its direction to move directly toward a station, while tracking involves following a predetermined path or track to the station, accounting for external forces like wind or current.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between homing and tracking inbound to a station refers to two navigation techniques used in aviation and marine operations. Homing is a navigation process where a craft moves directly toward a station or signal source, making continuous adjustments to its heading to compensate for drifts caused by wind or current.
In contrast, tracking is a more sophisticated method where the craft follows a predetermined “track” or path that leads to the station, often making use of onboard navigational instruments for guidance and maintaining a constant angle with the station's signal, known as the track angle.
When an aircraft or ship is homing to a station, it simply adjusts its heading to keep the receiving equipment pointed directly at the station. This method does not account for crosswinds or currents that may cause the craft to drift off course.
On the other hand, tracking requires more precise navigation, often maintaining a specific course that has been calculated to correct for any side forces and keeps the vehicle on a straight path towards the station.