Products.

Visual Landing Aid (VLA) Lighting Systems

With the assistance of VLA Lighting Systems and supplemental equipment, helicopters can now make missions to and from Air Capable ships with advanced visual cues.  The VLA Lighting System enhances flight deck illumination, depth perception cues, and obstruction definition.  The lighting equipment provides visual cues to pilots, allowing for safer helicopter operations under various mission requirements. 

The Wave-off Light System further allows the bridge to exercise control of helicopter land/launch operations in the event of unexpected changes such as emergency turns, lost communications, and/or modified EMCON conditions.  In addition, the Deck Status Light System provides the helicopter pilot and flight deck crew with information as to the status of the helicopter landing area.  By exchanging information between the helicopter units and the flight deck crew through lighting, the Deck Status Light System counters expected difficulties in communication.

For increased precision and security, adjustments to the intensity of the light can also be made with the Lighting Control Panel, as a means for selecting the proper night lighting. The quantity and type of lighting equipment required is determined by the level and class of helicopter operations designated by CNO for the particular ship.  The VLA Lighting Systems is a vital instrument for helicopters and Air Capable ships to increase safety and precision.  

Features: 
  • VLA lighting and supplemental equipment provides the ship with the capability for conducting safe night helicopter operations for:
          1. Approach and Landing (Take-off)
          2. Approach and Vertical Replenishment
          3. Approach and Helicopter In-Flight Refueling (HIFR)
  • The Wave-off Light System allows for increased control of emergency landings/ launchings
  • The Deck Status Light System Provides both the helicopter pilot and flight deck crew with crucial information
  • Ships designated for LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) Mk 111 rast helicopter operations require additional lighting equipment over the LAMPS Mk 1 VLA systems
  • Additional equipment increases the capability of the VLA system to handle helicopters operating in more demanding environmental conditions.
Benefits: 
  • Pilots have increased acuity during missions, increasing mission safety
  • Allows for increased communication between the helicopter pilot and the flight deck crew
  • With adjustable lighting, pilots have increased control over their surroundings
  • Enhanced flight deck illumination, depth perception cues, and obstruction definition provide pilots with a more comprehensive view of their environment, allowing for better navigation