SubscribeFollowing two years of trials at a major UK airport, Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) fixtures containing an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source are now being widely introduced as an alternative to incandescent Tungsten Halogen lamps, which have been in general use over the past 20 years.
Due in part to the success of these trials, this led to the CAA/SGR Aerodrome Standards Department issuing a NOTAL, 4/2005.
This document gave approval for LED visual aids systems to be installed and used in an AGL configuration, except where light fittings form part of the high intensity runway and approach lighting design.
Broadly, this means the application of LEDs refers only to taxiway lighting systems. Hence, these new luminaries must meet the minimum requirements for conventional units as specified in CAP 168 - the CAA Licensing of Aerodromes document.
Energy Consumption Comparator
| Halogen Lamp LED | LED | |
| Taxiway centre line fixture, straight sections | 45-65W | 30W |
| Taxiway centre line fixture, curved sections | 65-100W | 30W |
| Stop Bar fixtures | 65-100W | 15W |
| Taxiway edge elevated fixtures | 30-45W | 8.5W |
In addition to load reductions, other major advantages of LED versus Halogen include:
- Longer lamp life - 56,000 hours at full brightness compared to 5,000 hours for Halogen.
- Lower life cycle cost.
- Compliance with ICAO/ CAP 168/ FAA light output requirements.
- Interchangeable with current Halogen luminaires.
- Lower operating temperatures.
- Lamp monitoring can be considered obsolete.
- Better shock resistance, i.e. due to no filters or filament.
- Even colour transition in all directions.
- Instantaneous switch on response.
- Maintenance savings, i.e. a single lamp change every 12/15 yrs.
For details of LED applications used in conjunction with other AGL field equipment innovations that potentially produce energy efficiency benefits, and therefore reductions in existing systems electrical pressure demands, please contact our WSP Technical Director: brian.johnson@wspgroup.com to discuss your specific project requirements and airport operational constraints, in order to develop your optimum solution.