Avlite Systems News
7th February 2012
Avlite's Solar-Powered LED Helipad Lighting System Increases Safety for Air Support Unit – East Midlands Police Force - UK
The East Midlands Police Force Air Support Unit has increased the safety of its helicopter crews with the installation of a solar helipad lighting system at their base in the UK.
Working closely with the Air Support Unit, Avlite’s UK distributor – Systems Interface Ltd, delivered a suitable solution that complemented the Unit’s newly acquired in-flight NVG technology. Being the first police operation in the UK to use in-flight Night Vision Goggle (NVG) technology under CAA and international aviation rules and regulations, the East Midlands Air Support Unit operates with a full crew using NVG enabling the pilot and the observers to see clearly in the dark. The installation of a helipad lighting system at the Unit’s base was the logical next step in their proactive approach to embrace new technologies to increase the operational safety and effectiveness of the Unit’s helicopter crews.
The solution was to supply the customer with a solar-powered, remote controlled illuminated helipad for day and night operations in both visible and infrared/NVG configurations that clearly identified the helipad on approach or from above during hovering or in low visibility weather.
"Since the lighting system was installed, it has been in high use for NVG operations” said Captain Graham Hancock, East Midlands Air Support Unit’s Chief Pilot.
Avlite’s AV425-RF radio controlled solar LED helipad lighting system with optional NVG mode was well-suited to the Unit’s needs and added value by providing a low total cost of ownership over the life of the system in addition to going a long way to help reduce the Unit's carbon footprint when compared to other hard-wired incandescent alternatives.
The AV425-RF system can be controlled from the ground, air traffic control tower, or aircraft cockpit, through the use of the handheld controller via the AvMeshTM network allowing all lights to transmit and receive commands regardless of a single point of failure, increasing the system’s reliability and providing fail-safe, self realising encrypted wireless communications.
The East Midlands Police Force Air Support Unit provides aerial cover to three communities in the UK’s East Midlands region and strives to provide the best possible aerial support to its Police colleagues and other Partner Agencies within the three counties and beyond.
For more information or to discuss your helipad lighting requirements contact Avlite Systems on +61 (0)3 5977 6128 or USA on (603) 737 1310.
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