Development of the Precision Approach Path Indicator Light Unit,

Abstract

The Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) is a simple visual aid that has been developed to assist pilots during their approach to landing. The development of the system by the RAE was reported in Ref 1 and the operational trials and technical evaluation by ICAO were reported in Ref 2. The PAPI system uses a set of four two-colour high intensity light projectors. Each beam consists of a white upper half and red lower half. The transition from one colour to the other occurs over a very small angle. This sharp transition is an essential feature of the PAPI system and it is therefore important that all units should exhibit this characteristic. Similarly, operational considerations dictate the minimum beam-spread and intensity requirements for the light projectors. It is essential that the correct isocandela specification is adhered to in all PAPI units. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA123117

Entities

People

  • A. J. Smith

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Boundaries
  • Condensation
  • False Signals
  • Filaments
  • Foreign Languages
  • Heat Energy
  • Indicator Lights
  • Indicators
  • Intensity
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Observers
  • Specifications
  • Standards
  • Test Methods
  • Transitions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Systems Analysis and Design