Spotlight on signal light guns
The new SLG has been designed for simple and practical use at Air Traffic Control Towers, Helipads, Heliports and Offshore Helicopter Platforms where it is essential to have a fail-safe communication capability in case of a failure in conventional ground to air and ground to ground radio communications.
Presently a good many airports still use signal lamps designed back in the 1950s which are heavy, need mains power and some needing manual change of the coloured lenses.
The new SLG light gun has been specifically designed to be lightweight (2.5kgs), battery operated and simple to use. The illuminated light selection push button panel in front of the operator ensures the correct colour is selected, the two position light trigger allows it to be used in continual mode or flashing for Morse code.
The LEDs have a minimum life 50,000 hours, and have been designed in an array to reach a minimum of 3 miles/ 4.8km in clear daytime conditions and has been tested at an eight mile range. The brightness of the new light allows it to be used from inside the tower through the tinted glass. At a recent trial at Exeter International Airport, the new SLG light could be clearly seen from inside the tower by a vehicle operating on the airport boundary.
There are no mains cables attached to operate the SLG as it is powered by a rechargeable Lithium battery that is charged in three hours from flat. To enable the user to pick up and operate the SLG quickly, it is stored in a specially designed heavy duty easy access holder/cradle that can be placed on or near the controller’s desk. The storage unit has space for the charger in the base so the unit can be left on charge if required when not in use.
A simple sight, designed for operation with both eyes open, allows the operator to easily locate the approaching aircraft or ground movement.
