A low profile lighting system for military or other heavy equipment vehicles that includes a high intensity discharge (HID) headlight, and light emitting diode (LED) turn signals and running light. A microprocessor controller is included to interface to the vehicle lighting control system. An electromechanical actuator lifts and holds the light unit in place. The light unit is mounted on a hidden hinge in an armored and signature managed housing. The unique hinge design allows for electromechanical actuation of the lights from a micro-controller. The special hinge enables the external surfaces of the vehicle to be generally planar, and thereby ready to accept further signature management treatments.
