Formation Lights For Fighter Aircraft

Item

Title
Formation Lights For Fighter Aircraft
Date
1955
Index Abstract
Not Available
Photo Quality
Not Needed
Report Number
WADC TR 55-124
Corporate Author
Wright Air Development Center
Laboratory
Aero Medical Laboratory
Extent
21
PB Number
PB130355
NTRL Accession Number
AD061751
Identifier
AD0061751
Access Rights
Unknown
Distribution Classification
1
DTIC Record Exists
Yes
Distribution Change Authority Correspondence
AFWAL LTR
Distribution Change Action Date
7/28/1999
Distribution Conflict
Fix
Abstract
An important consideration in the design of formation reference lighting on fighter aircraft is that the wing pilot should be provided with unambiguous information about the attitude and distance of the lead aircraft. The present formation lighting system used on fighter aircraft is inadequate in this respect, and, at least partially as a result of this, pilots frequently experience disorientation and confusion during night formation flight. The past research on formation lighting is reviewed and recommendations are made for modifications of the present formation lighting systems. These modifications utilize the conventional navigational lighting system components. The recommended modifications include: (1) redesign of the wing-tip navigation lights so that they provide suitable reference lighting for wing aircraft, (2) installation of a linear light on the fuselage near the wing root, and (3) the use of a single rotary detent control knob which provides for three brightnesses of formation lights, navigation lighting for cruise and join-up, and an off position.
Report Availability
Full text available
Date Issued
1955-03
Provenance
Hunt Library, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Type
report
Format
1 online resource
Creator
Baker, Charles A.
Media
WADCTR55-124.pdf