Zulu time is the name for the coordinated universal time (UTC) when it is used in aviation and other fields where precision timing is critical. It is also known as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Zulu time is represented by the letter "Z" and is pronounced "Zed-ulu time".
UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is analogous to GMT, which is the time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) in Greenwich, England. UTC is calculated by adding or subtracting an offset from GMT, and is therefore also relative to GMT. The offset is usually expressed in hours and minutes, and can be positive or negative.
Zulu time is the same as UTC and is therefore also relative to GMT. The offset from GMT is always zero, so Zulu time is always written as GMT+00:00 or GMT-00:00.
Aviation is one field where Zulu time is used extensively. In order to avoid confusion due to time zone differences, pilots and air traffic controllers use Zulu time when coordinating flights and communicating with each other. Zulu time is also used in meteorology, astronomy, and some other sciences.
Some people use Zulu time to mean UTC+0, which is the same thing. Others use the term "Zulu time" to mean the time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), which is different Is Zulu time 24-hour? Zulu time is a 24-hour timekeeping system used by the military and aviation communities. It is also known as "Universal Coordinated Time" (UTC). How do you calculate Zulu time? Zulu time is calculated by subtracting the number of time zones between the local time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For example, if the local time is 3:00pm in New York (UTC-5), then the Zulu time would be 8:00pm (UTC+0).
Why do military say zulu time? Zulu time is the term used to refer to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) which is the international standard for timekeeping. UTC is the time standard upon which all other time standards are based, so it is sometimes referred to as "GMT" (Greenwich Mean Time). Military organizations use UTC to avoid confusion caused by time zone differences. How many hours is Zulu time? Zulu time is the time zone that falls in line with the Greenwich Mean Time. It is also known as Coordinated Universal Time or UTC. The time zone is often abbreviated as "GMT" or "Z". Why do pilots use Zulu time? Pilots use Zulu time to ensure that they are coordinating their activities with other pilots and air traffic controllers who may be in different time zones. Zulu time is based on the time at the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude), which passes through the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Sudan.