Heliport Lighting - Technology Research

Abstract

This document reports on the initial phase of a program to develop a cost-effective heliport lighting system for Global Positioning System (GPS) helicopter approaches. The investigation into lighting technologies shows that many of the currently available technologies would be effective. These include: electroluminescent panels, light pipes or bars, strobes, cold cathode strobes, identification beacons and point light sources. Results showed that furture experiments with helicopter GPS approach lighting arrays should refine the geometric pattern of the light sources, the spacing of the light sources, the direction of the light line, the intensity of the light source, the color of the light source, the pulse duration for any strobing lights, and the potential use of special types of lights and filters. Additionally, the light sources should contrast with background lights. Line-up and glideslope lights should provide a sufficient visual angle disparity to cue off-course conditions and the required correction.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA359316

Entities

People

  • J. P. Sims
  • Ralph D. Kimberlin
  • Thomas E. Bailey

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Aircraft Landings
  • Aircrafts
  • Fiber Optics
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Governments
  • Guidance
  • Landing Aids
  • Lasers
  • Light Sources
  • Navigation
  • Standards
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Transportation
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Visual Approach Slope Indicators

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Space