Formation Lights

Formation Lights Formation lights are thin film Electroluminescent (EL) technology based devices. The lights are used in aircraft to help pilots navigate aircraft safely at night while flying in formation. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. World Class EL Lighting Astronics is the leader in the design and manufacture of formation navigational lighting for military aircraft, helicopters, ships, and for approach and landing guidance lighting systems. Their 30 years of experience in satisfying unique customer lighting requirements with fiberglass encapsulated EL lights has resulted in Astronics being a world class supplier in the EL formation lighting market. Astronics Formation Lights are capable of operating in extremely severe environments. The EL phosphor provides for a solid state device that emits a uniform luminance over its entire surface. Since EL lamps have no filaments or bulbs they do not experience catastrophic failures and are the ideal light source to withstand the extreme shock and vibration common to the rugged environment of military aircraft. In addition to our superior EL formation lights, Astronics now has LED formation lights available for custom design. exterior lighting system ASTRONICS highly visible area light source provides excellent distance recognition and orientation clues. Fighter and Helicopter pilots utilize formation lights to safely fly in close proximity. Helicopter pilots also use these area light sources to assist them when landing in tight locations. EL lighting is preferred as it is very uniform and non irritating to the dark adapted eye. Dual mode formation lights can be used for normal visual operations and / or NVIS viewable operations where Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) are employed. The light unit consists of an Aviation Green portion and a near infra-red portion. The near IR red emitting section of the formation light provides, to night vision aided personnel, the same benefits of our normal visible light to the naked eye. When in the covert mode individuals not wearing night vision aids cannot easily detect these light sources, however they are readily recognized through Night Vision Goggles. These light sources thus allow for a higher level of safety when operating at night in a darkened covert mode. They are also adjustable to meet operational or mission goals. In general, the larger the lit area, the more easily it can be acquired at distance.