Evaluation of Arctic Test of Improved Tritium Radioluminescent Lighting.

• Main Authors: Haff,K W, Tompkins,J A, Hult,L J, Bupp,C L
• Other Authors: OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LAB TN
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1984
• Subjects: Terminal Flight Facilities; Air Condition; Heating; Lighting & Ventilating; *RUNWAYS; *MARKER LIGHTS; *RADIOLUMINESCENCE; SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION; ACQUISITION; PANELS; PILOTS; ALASKA; ILLUMINATION; WINTER; DARKNESS; VISIBILITY; ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS; RATINGS; LIGHTING EQUIPMENT; VISUAL PERCEPTION; AIRCRAFT LANDINGS; ACCEPTABILITY; ARCTIC REGIONS; TWILIGHT; TRITIUM; APPROACH INDICATORS; Runway lights; VASI(Visual Approach Slope Indicator); Tritium lighting equipment; Radioluminescent panels; WUAFESC26730034; PE62601F; Arctic; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA148215; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA148215

This test was conducted to determine if the improved generation of tritium radioluminescent runway lighting could effectively support aircraft operations in the Alaskan winter environment. The lighting system was unidirectional and consisted of threshold and touchdown zone lights (each end), edge lights, and Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights. The primary lighting layout tested was similar to that required by Military Airlift Command regulations for C-130 operations. Nearly all pilots rated the runway lights satisfactory for use at tactical operating locations. Visual acquisition range was 3 to 5 miles under dark conditions. This distance was decreased by ambient lighting conditions. Pilots landing into the twilight of a setting sun reported as little as 1 mile acquisition range. The VASI system was rated marginal by pilots. Increasing the number of radioluminescent panels used and the distance between the panels significantly improved acquisition and usable ranges. The tritium lights were extremely durable throughout the test. They required no maintenance except an occasional 'wipe off,' and there were no failures or security violations.