Evaluation of arctic test of improved tritium radioluminescent lighting. Final report, November-December 1983

Technical Report · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6620043

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 (MAC) 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 did not fare as well and was rated marginal by pilots. Increasing the number of radioluminescent (RL) 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); Air Force Alaskan Air Command, Elmendorf AFB, AK (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6620043
• Report Number(s): DOE/OR/21400-T35; ESL-TR-84-19; ON: DE84014887
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320201* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Air & Aerospace
AIRPORTS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CLIMATES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
LUMINESCENCE
MILITARY FACILITIES
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIOLUMINESCENCE
SERVICE LIFE
TRITIUM
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES