The S4GA portable runway taxiway edge and turning pad lights provide a reliable and adaptable solution for temporary and emergency airfield lighting needs. These lights are engineered for rapid deployment and ensure efficient operation in all weather conditions. Designed with key features such as rapid deployment capability, extended operating time, radio-controlled functionality, weather resistance, and jet blast resistance, the S4GA lighting units cater to the demanding requirements of airfield operations.
Each light incorporates advanced LED optics housed within a robust, non-corrosive polycarbonate casing. The system includes a built-in microcomputer integrated with a radio transceiver to enable wireless control and monitoring. Powering options are versatile, with two power ports allowing simultaneous energization from either a solar panel or an electrical grid. The lights are equipped with two independent built-in batteries to ensure reliable operation, and an external, replaceable antenna enhances wireless connectivity. The wireless network uses a mesh protocol on a non-licensed frequency band such as 868 MHz, supporting efficient communication across multiple units. For safety and operational convenience, each light features an emergency On/Off button.
Physically, all batteries and electronic components are contained within the light unit itself. The maximum height, excluding the antenna, does not exceed 360 mm, and the unit weighs no more than 15 kilograms. The body is crafted from durable polycarbonate, while the dome is constructed from glass, ensuring excellent light transmission and durability. The design includes a waterproof pressure stabilizing valve, and the light boasts an ingress protection rating of at least IP67, verified by third-party laboratory testing. Additionally, the unit meets the IK10 impact rating standard, guaranteeing resistance to mechanical shocks. The domes and optical LED heads are designed for on-site replaceability, with manufacturers providing complete optics replacement kits including the necessary tools. Battery replacement is similarly straightforward, requiring no special tools and completed within 15 minutes. Importantly, all types of lights within the product family—runway, taxiway, and obstruction—use the same battery type, which adheres to global availability standards.
Mounting flexibility allows installation on all surface types, including grass and concrete, using frangible coupling for safety compliance. The lights offer fine control over brightness with at least 99 different intensity levels and can operate in daylight if necessary. A manual on/off button provides local control for situations where wireless communication is unavailable, and LED indicators display battery level and charging status. Remarkably, activating the manual on/off button on any single light triggers all other lights within the radio range to turn on or off within less than one second, demonstrating the seamless networked operation of the system.
Optically, the LEDs feature a lifespan of at least 100,000 hours. The taxiway edge lights deliver an intensity of no less than 2 candela from 0° to 6° vertical and maintain at least 0.2 candela between 6° and 75° vertical angles. These optical performance levels and colors have been rigorously tested and certified by recognized third-party agencies such as Intertek, Bureau Veritas, STAC, TUV Rheinland, or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). For covert operations, the optics can be optionally equipped with Infrared LEDs, enabling compatibility with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
The lighting units are designed for solar power conversion, allowing connection to an external solar panel installed separately from the light body. The energy storage system is robust, comprising two nominal 12-volt batteries, each with a minimum power capacity of 108 Wh, totaling at least 216 Wh. This dual-battery design ensures continuous operation even if one battery fails. Batteries may be valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA), Cyclon type, or lithium-ion (Li-On), all user-replaceable and conforming to globally available standards. The units feature built-in battery status indicators and support operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C. They are engineered for at least 1,200 battery cycles, and at minimum intensity, the lights can operate continuously for no less than 550 hours.
Power-wise, the units draw energy from their internal lead-acid batteries and support four charging methods: via a backup charging station, solar panel, 24V DC electrical cable, or a drop-in charging port. Even if the battery fails, the lights maintain operation when connected to an external 24V DC power source. The control system incorporates temperature-compensated Maximum Power Tracking for battery charging, low-voltage cut-off to prevent over-discharge, and temperature sensors. Additionally, the light and controller support firmware upgrades to maintain and improve functionality over time.
Wireless communication is a fundamental component of the system. The lights utilize mesh protocol wireless control operating at 868 MHz (with optional frequencies of 915 MHz or 2.4 GHz), enabling a network without limits on the number of lights within radio range. The antennas are detachable and replaceable, with external antennas maximizing communication distance. The wireless system is robust, designed to function effectively despite typical RF activity found in airport environments.
Quality assurance for the system excludes batteries, guaranteeing LEDs, optics, electronics, mechanical components, and associated parts for a minimum of two years, while batteries have a one-year warranty. The manufacturing process is conducted in an ISO 9001:2008 certified facility, ensuring high standards throughout production.
Turn-key operation allows the lights to be ready for installation immediately upon delivery. Setup involves minimal assembly: attaching the antenna, activating the light via a single button press, and securing mounting accessories and solar panels where applicable.
The S4GA taxiway edge and turning pad lights produce a blue light output of 11 candela, omnidirectional with LED lifespans of 100,000 hours and a maximum power consumption of 0.6 W. The lights are NVG-compatible, optionally equipped with infrared LEDs, and designed for user-replaceable components.
Control and monitoring are managed via a wireless mesh network, typically operating at 868 MHz with optional frequencies of 915 MHz or 2.4 GHz, offering a relayed wireless range exceeding 10 km. Operating modes include steady, flashing, and dusk-to-dawn, with visible and infrared activation options available. Activation is controlled via handheld controllers (UR-101), control and monitoring units (UR-201), or through computer interface software (ALCMS) requiring the UR-201 unit.
Charging options include the OCT-401 charger (8-hour charge time), drop-in charging within a trailer (8-hour charge time), and optional solar panel charging for off-grid operations. Safety and reliability features include five levels of protection against system failures, a secondary backup power supply, real-time monitoring via the Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS), and an emergency ON/OFF button.
The light’s casing is composed of borosilicate hardened glass domes that are UV-resistant, paired with Lexan polycarbonate casings in aviation yellow color stabilized against UV radiation. Mounting options include frangible couplings for asphalt or concrete surfaces and rubber pads suitable for all surface types, with quick-release or permanent mounting options available. Additional features include multiple charging port configurations, detachable antennas, pressure stabilizing valves, transportation fuses, battery level indicators, and aluminum carrying handles. The casing is designed to last 15 years, with dimensions measuring 244 mm by 185 mm by 297 mm.
The product complies with stringent aviation lighting standards, including photometric and chromaticity requirements of ICAO Annex 14th, Volume I (9th Edition, July 2022), and holds certificates such as the STAC Certificat de conformité de matériel de balisage aéronautiqu (July 2024). Secondary power supply requirements meet ICAO Annex 14th, Volume I (7th Edition, July 2016), and the system aligns with CE directives including the 2014/53/EU RED Directive and 2011/65/EU ROHS Directive.
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