The SP-401 Solar Taxiway Edge Light is a state-of-the-art, solar-powered, medium-intensity lighting solution engineered for consistent and reliable omnidirectional blue illumination along airport taxiway edges. Designed to function autonomously, it operates using solar energy and features robust, user-replaceable batteries. The SP-401 supports wireless control through a mesh-type network, enabling individual light status monitoring, real-time diagnostics, and various activation modes via an ALCMS interface, handheld remote, or control and monitoring unit. This versatile lighting system is fully compliant with international aviation regulations including ICAO, EASA, FAA, CASA, DGAC, AFAC, TP312, CZ CAA, and STANAG for NATO countries, making it suitable for both civil and military aviation environments.
The optics of the SP-401 feature blue-colored LEDs with a verified output of 11 candela, tested by accredited laboratories. These optics provide omnidirectional coverage and boast an LED lifespan of 100,000 hours with a maximum power consumption of just 0.6 watts. For tactical operations, optional infrared LEDs are available, making the lights compatible with night vision goggles. The optical LED head is field-replaceable, and the dome is made of borosilicate glass, ensuring resilience and serviceability.
The SP-401 offers multiple battery options, each designed for extended operational autonomy and long service life. The standard VRLA lead-acid battery configuration includes two 12V/9Ah batteries offering a total capacity of 216 Wh and an autonomy of 1080 hours at 30% intensity. Optional configurations include Lithium-Ion (2x 12V/17Ah, 408 Wh, 2040 hrs autonomy), LiFePO4 (2x 12V/12Ah, 288 Wh, 1440 hrs), and an Arctic Pack using a single Cyclon battery (12V/10Ah, 120 Wh, 600 hrs). All battery types are air-transportable, user-replaceable within 15 minutes, and globally available, eliminating dependency on proprietary battery systems.
The light’s power is supplied by a 25-watt polycrystalline solar panel mounted separately and connected via power ports. Optional monocrystalline panels are available, and all are tilted optimally at approximately 33 degrees to ensure maximum energy collection. These panels have a projected lifespan of 15 years and are easily replaceable in the event of damage. Additionally, the light unit can also be energized via a 24VDC electrical grid, drop-in charging ports, or backup charging stations. The lighting system incorporates temperature-compensated MPPT charging and protection features including low-voltage cut-off and battery capacity compensation logic. Even in battery failure scenarios, the unit can continue to operate when connected to an external power source.
Constructed from high-durability materials, the SP-401 is built to endure extreme airfield conditions. Its body is made of polycarbonate and features a waterproof, pressure-stabilizing valve, with an ingress protection rating of IP68 and an impact rating of IK10—both confirmed by independent third-party testing. The complete unit, excluding the external antenna and solar panel, stands under 360 mm tall and weighs no more than 15 kg. It has been wind tunnel-tested for resistance to wind speeds up to 240 km/h and complies with ICAO and FAA jet blast and frangibility standards. Mounting options are designed for universal compatibility with surfaces such as grass or concrete and include frangible couplings. All mounting hardware is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel.
The SP-401 supports up to 99 brightness levels and includes features such as manual on/off buttons, LED indicators for battery level and charging status, and the ability to operate during daylight when required. A unique feature is its rapid mesh-triggered activation: pressing the manual button on one unit will activate surrounding lights within radio range in under one second. The wireless mesh network operates on non-licensed frequencies—868 MHz (with optional 915 MHz or 2.4 GHz)—with communication ranges exceeding 10 km through signal relays. Each unit includes a replaceable external antenna to maximize connectivity and can operate reliably amid typical RF noise present in airport environments.
In terms of optical performance, the SP-401 meets or exceeds ICAO standards for taxiway edge lighting. Specifically, it provides a minimum of 2 candela from 0° to 6° vertical and 0.2 candela between 6° and 75°, with third-party certification available from Intertek, Bureau Veritas, STAC, TUV Rheinland, or other recognized agencies. Additional infrared capability can be integrated into the optics for covert operations, ensuring full functionality in both visible and NVG-compatible formats.
Every component of the SP-401—from solar panels and electronics to optics and mechanical assemblies—is covered by a minimum two-year warranty, with batteries guaranteed for one year. The product is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2008 certified facility, ensuring consistent quality and traceability. Firmware updates for the light and controller are supported to enhance functionality and future-proof the system.
The SP-401 is shipped fully assembled, requiring minimal installation effort. The process includes connecting the external antenna, activating the light with a single press, and mounting the unit along with the solar panel. This plug-and-play design, combined with its regulatory compliance, durable construction, and advanced power management, makes the SP-401 a turnkey solution ideal for permanent, temporary, or backup taxiway edge lighting across all types of airfields.
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