The L-852N(L) / SCDL fixture is a specialized runway centerline light engineered to deliver reliable visual guidance for simulated carrier deck landings, particularly on airfields frequented by aircraft equipped with arresting hooks. Designed to endure the demanding conditions of such operations, these fixtures are built to withstand repeated impacts from aircraft tail hooks. Available in both LED and incandescent versions, the LED model delivers more than double the efficiency of traditional 45-watt unidirectional lighting fixtures. The average LED life for both unidirectional and bidirectional versions reaches 100,000 hours under high-intensity settings and surpasses 200,000 hours under real-world operating conditions, resulting in substantially reduced maintenance needs and the virtual elimination of periodic re-lamping costs.
To handle the rigors of arresting hook operations, the SCDL fixture features a rugged design with a narrow light channel and a hardened stainless steel top cover. The stainless steel used conforms to ASTM A747 and maintains a Rockwell Hardness of C40 ± 5, offering enhanced protection against mechanical stress. The fixture’s low-profile construction—protruding just 0.375 inches above the runway surface—reduces vibration impacts on both the light and the aircraft’s landing gear. This represents a 25% reduction in height compared to conventional L-852N fixtures that protrude 0.5 inches. The smooth external surface and minimal height further help to prevent tire damage and reduce the risk of snowplow-related damage, especially in cold-weather operations.
From a performance standpoint, the L-852N LED version features a low-power 3-watt LED module, with a maximum load of just 14 VA in unidirectional configurations. This energy-efficient design significantly lowers power consumption and associated life cycle costs, including reduced requirements for constant current regulators (CCRs) and isolation transformers. The fixture is fully compatible with both 6.6 A and 20 A series circuits and operates seamlessly with 3- or 5-step ferroresonant or thyristor-type CCRs, provided they are FAA-compliant. Moreover, the smart LED electronics regulate current precisely to ensure that light output matches that of legacy incandescent systems, maintaining consistent visual performance across the airfield.
A major contributor to the fixture’s long operational life is its superior lens cleanliness. The lower operating temperature of the LED lens surface prevents the “baking effect” common in traditional lighting, where dust and contaminants adhere to the lens, degrading light output over time. The narrow optical channel in front of the prism not only protects the prism from rubber buildup and physical damage but also helps preserve consistent photometric performance. The fixture is corrosion-resistant without relying on harmful protective coatings, further supporting long-term durability in challenging environments.
Maintenance operations are streamlined through the use of mechanically clamped prisms and cord sets, eliminating the need for sealing compounds, resins, or specialized tools. Field-replaceable L-823 cord sets are securely clamped to the fixture’s bottom cover to create a watertight seal. Similarly, outer prisms can be replaced quickly and cleanly, without the need for optical realignment or additional sealing materials. A built-in pressure-testing plug allows for rapid verification of fixture integrity following servicing.
The L-852N(L) / SCDL fixture also meets stringent safety and regulatory standards. It is manufactured in compliance with FAA AC 150/5345-46 (current edition) and FAA Engineering Brief No. 67, and is recognized under US Navy specifications NAVAIR 5150AAA-2, WP 006-04 and WP 004-06. The fixture includes robust lightning protection in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C62.41-1991 Category C2, designed to withstand a 1.2/50μs – 8/20μs combination wave with 10,000 V peak voltage and 5,000 A peak current. A UL 467-rated grounding lug is integrated into the fixture, accommodating AWG 6 earth ground wire to ensure proper electrical safety.
Overall, the L-852N(L) / SCDL runway centerline light is a high-performance, low-maintenance solution optimized for military and carrier simulation airfields, offering unmatched durability, energy efficiency, and operational reliability in a wide range of demanding aviation environments.
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