What purpose does the Instrument Landing System (ILS) serve for landing aircraft?

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is primarily designed to provide precise guidance to pilots during the landing phase of flight, particularly in low visibility or adverse weather conditions. It consists of two components: the localizer, which helps determine the horizontal position of the aircraft relative to the runway centerline, and the glide slope, which provides vertical guidance, indicating the correct descent angle.

The correct choice focuses on the system's capability to provide exact speed and location information in relation to the runway, which is crucial for a safe and accurate landing. The ILS enables pilots to align the aircraft properly on approach, ensuring that they maintain the correct path both horizontally and vertically until touchdown. Accurate location and speed data facilitate a controlled descent and prevent situations that could lead to accidents.

While the other options may relate to aspects of aviation, they do not accurately describe the primary function of the ILS. Wind speed and direction are important for overall flight planning and approach, but they are not directly indicated by the ILS itself. Similarly, while the system does play a role in helping pilots determine altitude during approach, it does not focus solely on signaling altitude. Lastly, although the ILS aids in navigation during bad weather, its defining function is the precise lateral and vertical positioning it