The newly redesigned second-generation LED Runway End Identifier Light (REIL) represents a major advancement in airfield lighting, offering pilots a highly visible indication of runway thresholds during approach. This latest version is not only the most energy-efficient and durable model in the series but also the most versatile. One of the key improvements is the reduction in the size of the flash head for FAA styles A, C, and E. These styles now share a compact PAR56-sized flash head powered by just 12 LEDs, while still maintaining industry-leading photometric output. This streamlined design offers significant benefits to airports by reducing power consumption and operational costs. Fewer and smaller internal components translate into easier maintenance, while the reduced weight and compact form factor allow for remote mounting of the flash head up to 100 feet from the control cabinet, enhancing installation flexibility.
A major advantage of the LED REIL over traditional xenon systems is the elimination of expensive xenon flash lamp replacements and the safety concerns associated with xenon’s high internal voltage (up to 2000 VDC). The LED system operates at very low voltage, greatly reducing the risk to maintenance personnel. Additionally, the LED design eliminates ozone generation—a byproduct of xenon flash lamps—which helps preserve the longevity of internal components. The LED REIL also delivers energy savings of up to 90% compared to xenon-based models, representing a substantial cost advantage over the system’s operational life.
The LED REIL system is compatible with both voltage sources and constant current regulators (CCRs), making it adaptable to a variety of airfield lighting infrastructures. It is offered in three standard FAA configurations: the L-849A high-intensity single-step unit for use in bright environments; the L-849C low-intensity single-step version recommended for airfields with low background illumination; and the L-849E three-step intensity version, ideal for intermittent use via systems such as pilot-controlled lighting. All configurations share the same internal hardware and can be configured via the control board, simplifying inventory management and replacement procedures.
This next-generation LED REIL system complies with key aviation regulatory standards, including FAA L-849(L) Styles A, C, and E under AC 150/5345-51 and FAA Engineering Brief No. 67. It is ETL certified and also meets international guidelines outlined in ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1, paragraph 5.3.8, and Transport Canada TP 312, 5th Edition, Section 5.3.10. Safety and monitoring features are integral to the design, including external system fault indication alarms that alert for loss of power, failure of at least 25% of LEDs, or an excessive number of misfires (user-selectable between 0–7). In current-powered applications, the LED REIL does not require a separate isolation transformer for current sensing, and thanks to its robust signal design, shielded cabling is unnecessary. Standard 16 AWG 600V wiring suffices, further easing installation and lowering material costs.
The entire system is housed in a NEMA 4-rated enclosure for weatherproof durability. The PAR56 flash head is designed for remote mounting and may be installed on a 2-inch EMT conduit with a cable run up to 100 feet from the control unit. Optional features include a local On/Off maintenance switch (available for current-powered systems), a flange mounting kit for pad-level installations, and a baffle kit for adjusting horizontal beam angles when the standard +15° direction is not operationally suitable. When used, the baffle adjusts the beam to +3° vertical and +10° horizontal.
In summary, the second-generation LED REIL delivers exceptional performance with minimal maintenance, reduced power consumption, improved safety, and greater operational flexibility, making it a highly reliable and cost-effective visual guidance solution for modern airfields.
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