Evaluation of Arctic test of improved tritium radioluminescent lighting. Final report, November 1983-February 1984

Technical Report · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:5946070

Haff, K W; Tompkins, J A; Hult, L J; Bupp, C L

This test was conducted to determine if the improved generation of tritium radioluminescent runway lighting could effectively support aircraft operations in the Alaskan winter environment. The lighting system was unidirectional and consisted of threshold and touchdown zone lights (each end), edge lights, and Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights. The primary lighting layout tested was similar to that required by Military Airlift Command regulations for C-130 operations. Nearly all pilots rated the runway lights satisfactory for use at tactical operating locations. Visual acquisition range was 3 to 5 miles under dark conditions. This distance was decreased by ambient lighting conditions. Pilots landing into the twilight of a setting sun reported as little as 1 mile acquisition range. The VASI system was rated marginal by pilots. Increasing the number of radioluminescent panels used and the distance between the panels significantly improved acquisition and usable ranges. The tritium lights were extremely durable throughout the test. They required no maintenance except an occasional wipe off, and there were no failures or security violations.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5946070
• Report Number(s): AD-A-148215/7/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
070300* -- Isotopic Power Supplies
AIRPORTS
ALASKA
ARCTIC REGIONS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
DISTRIBUTION
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION X
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
LUMINESCENCE
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
POLAR REGIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIOLUMINESCENCE
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
TRITIUM
USA
VISIBILITY
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES