Application of solid state lighting in aerial refueling operations

Scott Mangum; Jeffrey Singer; Richard Walker; Joseph Ferguson; Richard Kemp

doi:10.1117/12.617532

14 September 2005 Application of solid state lighting in aerial refueling operations

Scott Mangum, Jeffrey Singer, Richard Walker, Joseph Ferguson, Richard Kemp

Proceedings Volume 5941, Fifth International Conference on Solid State Lighting; 59411A (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617532
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Operating at altitude and often in turbulent, low visibility conditions, in-flight refueling of aircraft is a challenging endeavor, even for seasoned aviators. The receiving aircraft must approach a large airborne tanker; take position within a "reception window" beneath and/or behind the tanker and, dependent upon the type of receiving aircraft, mate with an extended refueling boom or hose and drogue. Light is used to assist in the approach, alignment and refuel process of the aircraft. Robust solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs) are an appropriate choice for use in the challenging environments that these aircraft operate within. This paper examines how LEDs are incorporated into several unique lighting applications associated with such aerial refueling operations. We will discuss the design requirements, both environmental and photometric that defined the selection of different LED packages for use in state-of-the-art airborne refueling aircraft Formation Lights, Hose Drum/Drogue Unit lights and Pilot Director Lights.

Citation Download Citation

Scott Mangum, Jeffrey Singer, Richard Walker, Joseph Ferguson, and Richard Kemp "Application of solid state lighting in aerial refueling operations", Proc. SPIE 5941, Fifth International Conference on Solid State Lighting, 59411A (14 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617532

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