DUAL MODE LIGHT SOURCE FOR AIRCRAFT EXTERNAL LIGHTING

摘要

A dual mode light source unit (3) for an aircraft is configured to be secure d into a socket for an incandescent navigation light bulb. The unit has electr ic circuitry configured to process the input current from the socket and based thereon operate in either civilian, visible mode or covert IR mode. When the current is in one electrical state, or a certain voltage level, the circuitr y sends power to the visible light source (13). When the current is in a different state, the circuitry sends power only to the IR source (15). All control may be accomplished over a single pair of wires, as in existing systems that do not have IR mode capability. To upgrade existing aircraft, light source units (3) according to the invention are inserted into the existing navigational light sockets.