The S4GA LED PAPI Light is a cutting-edge, single-projector Precision Approach Path Indicator designed for airfields requiring high-precision approach guidance. This modern LED-based PAPI stands out due to its ease of maintenance—comparable to traditional halogen systems—while offering superior longevity, reliability, and efficiency. Its modular construction, combined with premium optics, ensures that it not only meets but exceeds the performance of halogen systems, reducing the need for frequent servicing and enhancing operational uptime.
The S4GA LED PAPI is globally compliant with all major aviation authorities, including ICAO, FAA, EASA, CASA, AFAC, and TP312 standards. It has also been approved under NATO STANAG regulations and by various national aviation authorities such as the Czech Republic’s CAA. The unit’s design meets the specifications outlined in key regulatory documents like ICAO Annex 14 (Volume I), FAA AC 150/5345-28H, and EASA CS ADR-DSN. Certified by third-party accredited laboratories, the S4GA LED PAPI satisfies photometric and chromaticity standards required for international deployment.
The PAPI projector is engineered for exceptional visibility and operational performance. Featuring a multi-lamp configuration, each projector offers a visibility range exceeding 10 km, ensuring clear guidance for approaching pilots even in low-visibility conditions. The system is NVG-compatible and includes options for infrared (IR) operation, making it ideal for both civilian and tactical military applications. Users can opt for a single or dual projector configuration per light head assembly (LHA), allowing for enhanced redundancy or greater brilliance.
A core strength of the system is its optics. The unit delivers a seamless transition sector of less than 3 minutes of arc, an azimuth range of ±8° (ICAO) or ±10° (FAA), and vertical adjustability between 0° and 10°. With adjustable intensity settings ranging across five or more levels, the LED PAPI can adapt to different ambient lighting conditions. LED modules have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours and can be replaced without needing to realign the unit, significantly simplifying maintenance.
Each LHA is constructed from marine-grade stainless steel and aluminum components, fully weatherproof and resistant to rain, snow, and temperature extremes ranging from -35°C to +55°C, or optionally -55°C for arctic environments. A borosilicate glass dome and optional lens heater further ensure visibility under severe weather. An integrated tilt sensor automatically shuts down the unit in case of misalignment beyond specified tolerances—over ¼° downward or ½° upward vertically, and over 1.75° horizontally. This fail-safe design ensures operational safety at all times.
Power flexibility is another advantage of the S4GA PAPI. Power input options include standard 110–230 VAC, 24 VDC with solar power bank, or 6.6A constant current systems. The unit includes a dedicated Power Control Unit (PCU) per projector, which can be optionally configured with dual power supplies for redundancy. The system's power consumption does not exceed 80W per unit without heating, and up to 120W with the Arctic Kit (lens heater).
The system includes a robust control suite. Manual controls through the local control box offer ON/OFF switching, intensity adjustment (1%, 3%, 10%, 30%, 100% or customized), visible/IR mode switching, and activation of the tilt sensor and lens heater. It also features a night setting mode compliant with FAA requirements, offering 5% and 20% intensities. Additionally, wireless control is enabled via a mesh network operating on 868 MHz (with optional 2.4 GHz or 915 MHz frequencies), capable of reaching up to 1.5 km. Control can be exercised using handheld devices (UR-101), base station units (UR-201), VHF radio activation, and ALCMS computer systems. Remote monitoring and fault detection can also be carried out via Modbus or radio communication.
Environmental sensors measure both internal and external temperature and humidity, supporting adaptive performance. The S4GA LED PAPI supports advanced diagnostics with 4 types of critical fault detection and 16 types of standard fault indicators. Faults are displayed via onboard status LEDs or transmitted via remote interfaces for real-time maintenance alerts.
Each system package includes everything needed for full deployment: projectors, PCUs, control boxes, signal cables, adjustable mounting legs with frangible connectors, and mounting bases. For instance, a typical L-880 configuration includes four projectors, while an L-881 uses two. Installation kits and both printed and digital versions of installation and maintenance manuals are also provided.
The LHA dimensions are compact at 669 x 305 x 225 mm and weigh under 47 kg, simplifying handling during installation. Each unit is mounted on a stainless steel frame with adjustable aluminum legs and anchored using stainless steel bolts and a frangible coupling. All PAPI units are installed on concrete foundations, vertically aligned using precision alignment tools such as a supplied inclinometer.
The installation process requires all components—including cabling, connectors, conduits, and fittings—be installed to full operational readiness. The system must undergo a 24-hour continuous operation test prior to acceptance, during which each control function is tested at least ten times to validate performance and reliability. The test confirms functionality of tilt switches, intensity settings, and all manual and remote control mechanisms.
Photometric performance is outstanding. The red beam produces a minimum of 19,000 cd over a horizontal spread of ±6° and vertical beam angle of 3.5° below transition. The white beam offers at least 47,000 cd over the same horizontal range and 3.5° above transition. The intensity ratio between white and red sectors for ICAO-compliant setups remains within the specified 2–6.5x range, ensuring pilot recognition of correct glide paths.
Optional features include IR LEDs with manual selectors, Bluetooth for local communication via a dedicated app, and full integration with remote control software. Emergency override switches allow operators to bypass faulty sensors to maintain operational control in critical scenarios.
In summary, the S4GA LED PAPI is a technologically advanced, standards-compliant airfield lighting system offering unmatched ease of use, adaptability, and long-term reliability. It meets the strictest international aviation requirements while offering features traditionally found only in more complex systems. The combination of field-replaceable components, multiple power options, advanced fault detection, and versatile control systems makes it ideal for both civilian and tactical military airfields seeking a high-performance approach lighting solution with minimal maintenance demands.
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