The latest in LED aviation lights

LED lights for aviation mainly comprise aviation obstacle lights that play an important role in marking high-rises to prevent accidents occurring when aircrafts fly close to them. One of the innovations in this field is the low intensity aviation obstacle light, which is also used for marine navigation and is suitable for telecommunication towers and other high-rise structures.

Only a few top global LED manufacturers offer aviation lights. Given below are some of the new LED aviation lights launched in the last seven months. However, big players like Osram Sylvania, Philips

Lumileds, Orga have not launched any new product for this market segment in the last seven months. Even Indian companies like InstaPower have not introduced any new aviation lights during this period.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Model: L-856/L-864, Brand: Dialight, Manufacturer: Dialight Plc, UK

Launched in April 2013, these two models are the industry’s first FAA-certified obstruction light, according to the company. The high-efficiency system not only reduces the cost of maintenance and the associated safety risks, but also lowers energy consumption and costs.

Key features

• The dual-system operates in three modes—day (270,000 candela at 220W), twilight (20,000 candela at 40W) and night (2,000 candela at 40W), plus night red (2,000 candela at 30W)—with all wattage levels, including the controller
• The lower energy load reduces the level of EMI/RFI compared to Xenon systems to minimise communication signal interruption
• The rugged system is designed to perform optimally in harsh environments and at temperatures ranging from -40F to +131F

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Model: Horizon series, Brand: Hughey and Phillips, Manufacturer: Hughey and Phillips, USA

Launched in March 2013, the Horizon dual-medium intensity strobe system provides day time white and night time red lights in one unit. Its self-contained power supply, with available GPS sync and day/night sensor, simplifies wiring but also accepts external signals if desired. This system is typically used on structures above ground level to provide aviation safety.

Key features

• Average power: 26 W during the day and 15 W at night
• Supply voltage: 95-227 V AC 50/60 Hz
• Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 55°C

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Model: VLB-2, Brand: Vega, Manufacturer: Vega Industries Ltd, New Zealand

Launched in March 2013, the VLB-2 LED navigation light provides up to 2NM performance at 0.74 T. The light is available with optional GPS synchronisation. It is a high-capacity LED marine light specifically designed for use in high latitude applications.

Key features

• Comprises four solar panels, battery, battery housing, regulator, electronic controls and light source in a single, self-contained package
• Its compact design allows it to be easily fitted onto fixed structures as well as a range of navigation buoys
• The light is available with 246 flash characters and in five colours, all of which comply with IALA chromaticity requirements
• Energy efficiency optics, coupled with a 9Ah or 18Ah battery capacity, significantly increases the energy efficiency of the light, giving it a design life of up to 12 years

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Model: OPT series, Brand: Obelux, Manufacturer: Obelux Oy Kutomotie, Finland

Launched in March 2013, the new medium-intensity Type B/C 2 000cd red LED obstruction light has an integrated photocell and flasher, so it can easily be set to operate as Type B (flashing) or Type C (steady) by a customer. The use of photocells ensures that the light gets automatically turned off when day light arrives (if needed). The light is ideal for the marking of aviation obstacles, typically, communication and broadcast towers, power transmission lines, chimneys, bridges, wind turbines and high-rise buildings.

Key features

• Has an integrated fault monitor relay, which can be connected to the customer’s own monitoring system
• The light has the RS-485 data communication interface as a standard. Thus, several Obelux lights can be connected within the same network. One of them can operate as master and the others as slaves, providing both lux (day/night) and flash synchronisation data between the lights
• Has support for an Ethernet connection, and the lights are dimmable down to 30 per cent and 10 per cent with visibility sensors
• Operates with 115V AC, 230V AC, or 12-60V DC input voltage

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Model: HIA-DX-200KCD-W, Brand: Binay Opto, Manufacturer: Binay Opto Electronics Pvt Ltd, India

Launched in December 2012, the HIA-DX-200KCD-W LED aviation obstruction light is a flashing white PowerLED light designed to meet the intensity requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for high intensity Type A. This model conforms to the ICAO and US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type L-856 requirements for luminous intensity of 200,000 candela in flashing white mode of 20-60 flashes per minute.

Key features

• Has a long life of 100,000 hours, thus enabling a minimum lifespan of 10 years
• Low-power consumption
• Maintenance-free, reliable operation on tall structures
• Ability to withstand a wide variation in input voltage
• Robust, solid-state construction
• Enhanced light intensity without compromising on the lifespan

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Model: Sunbeam, Brand: AeroLEDs, Manufacturer: AeroLEDs, USA

Launched in October 2012, Sunbeam landing/taxi/recognition lights require only 25 W of power to produce over 100 W or 60,000 candela, which amounts to 1600+ lumens. With a 50,000 hour lifespan, the Sunbeams are produced in a rectangular format to fit the Cirrus SR-22.

Key features

• Featuring ‘wig-wag’ capability, these lights on any aircraft can be seen in hazy day light long before people can make out the airframe; because of their long life they can be active at all times
• The Sunbeam is completely sealed and is very rugged. It is protected against overheating with a built-in protection circuit and is also secured against lightning, voltage spikes, reverse voltage and under voltage conditions
• The Sunbeam is 7.11 cm high, 10.23 cm wide and 3.45 cm deep