The S4GA Solar Runway Threshold End Light is a state-of-the-art, solar-powered airfield lighting system designed to meet the rigorous demands of both civil and military airports. This elevated, medium-intensity light provides red/green bidirectional output and is ideal for permanent installations as well as backup lighting for airports equipped with traditional wired systems. Engineered to perform reliably in any environment, it is fully compliant with global aviation standards including ICAO, EASA, FAA, CASA, DGAC, AFAC, TP312, CZ CAA, and NATO STANAG. The system features wireless mesh network control, up to 816 hours of autonomy at reduced intensity, and year-round operation powered entirely by solar energy.
Built to meet ICAO Annex 14 Volume I specifications, the light delivers an average intensity of at least 280 cd for red and 400 cd for green, tested and verified by accredited laboratories. The LED optics offer a lifespan of over 100,000 hours and can optionally include infrared LEDs for NVG compatibility, making them suitable for covert operations. A replaceable PMMA lens and replaceable optical head ensure the unit is field-serviceable. The built-in microcontroller with plug-in radio transceiver, combined with an external antenna, supports long-range wireless communication over non-licensed frequencies (868 MHz standard, with options for 915 MHz and 2.4 GHz), offering a range greater than 10 km in a robust mesh network topology.
Energy autonomy is achieved through a high-efficiency 25W solar panel, which is installed externally and connected via a dedicated power port. The panel is polycrystalline by default with optional monocrystalline versions, tilted at approximately 33° to optimize energy collection. The panel can be directed toward the optimal sun path and replaced easily if damaged. The lighting unit is equipped with dual power ports that allow charging via the solar panel or a conventional 24V DC electrical grid, ensuring flexibility in power management.
Battery options include VRLA lead-acid, Li-ion, LiFePO4, and Cyclon configurations, all air transportable and user-replaceable. Battery autonomy ranges from 240 to 816 hours depending on the type and usage intensity. The standard battery system consists of two 12V batteries connected in parallel, offering a total capacity ranging from 120 Wh to 408 Wh. Even if one battery fails, the light remains operational, emphasizing the system’s built-in redundancy. Battery replacement is tool-free and takes under 15 minutes, with all batteries conforming to globally available standards. Each light includes a status LED indicating both battery level and charging source.
Mechanically, the light is built for durability and harsh environments. The unit is constructed with a polycarbonate body and borosilicate glass dome, engineered to withstand jet blast and wind speeds up to 240 kph. It features ingress protection rated at IP68 and an impact resistance rating of IK10, both certified by third-party testing facilities. The dome and optical components are field-replaceable, and the unit incorporates a waterproof pressure-stabilizing valve for internal environmental stability. The total height of the unit does not exceed 360 mm and weighs less than 15 kg, offering a compact yet rugged form factor.
Mounting can be performed on a wide variety of surfaces including grass and concrete, using frangible couplings and corrosion-resistant stainless steel components. Lights are fully functional immediately upon delivery, requiring only basic setup involving solar panel attachment and antenna threading. No additional assembly is needed. The lighting system includes a manual on/off button and can be activated individually or in groups via radio signal, with near-instant response times across the network.
Control and monitoring are integrated via S4GA’s Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS). Lights can be activated and monitored using the UR-201 control unit, a handheld UR-101 controller, or a computer interface. Operating modes include steady, flashing, and dusk-till-dawn, with options for visible, infrared, or combined output. Firmware updates are supported over the air, ensuring future-proof performance.
Safety and reliability are core to the light’s design. It includes five layers of system failure protection, secondary power backup, real-time monitoring, and an emergency on/off function. Photometric and chromaticity compliance is documented per ICAO Annex 14 and confirmed through certifications by STAC, Intertek, and other third-party bodies. The unit also complies with jet blast and frangibility standards per ICAO and FAA documentation.
The system’s electronics support advanced battery management, including temperature-compensated maximum power tracking (MPPT), low-voltage cutoffs to avoid deep discharge, and temperature sensors with compensation logic for battery performance. The battery system supports operating temperatures from -40°C to +80°C and offers a lifespan of 1,200 to 3,000 cycles depending on chemistry. The unit must operate continuously at minimum intensity for at least 170 hours, regardless of external charging conditions.
Wireless communication adheres to mesh protocol for resilience and network redundancy. The external antenna is detachable and helps extend the wireless signal, which is not restricted in the number of devices it can support within range. The system operates effectively even in RF-dense airport environments, using non-licensed frequency bands without interfering with GSM or other regulated signals.
For quality assurance, the lights (excluding batteries) come with a two-year warranty, while batteries are covered for one year. All lights are manufactured in ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, guaranteeing adherence to international quality standards. As a turn-key solution, each light is delivered pre-assembled and ready for deployment, offering unmatched reliability, flexibility, and regulatory compliance for airfield operators worldwide.
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