questions for Naval aviators

[Mike W.]

Is anyone here familiar with carrier-based aircraft operations?

My first question is, on naval aircraft, what are the three colored lights
for on the front? Usually mounted on the front landing gear, three different
colors.

Also, last time I was out in San Diego to visit my brother, we visited the
U.S.S. Midway. Among the aircraft on display was a jet trainer, couldn't
tell you the type. Seems like the thing had lights everywhere, including
both red and green nav. lights on each wingtip? What is the purpose of this?

Thanks to anyone who can cure my curiousity.

[Peter MacPherson]

Mike,

You might want to cross post this to rec.aviation.military also.


"Mike W." > wrote in message
...
> Is anyone here familiar with carrier-based aircraft operations?
>
> My first question is, on naval aircraft, what are the three colored lights
> for on the front? Usually mounted on the front landing gear, three
> different
> colors.
>
> Also, last time I was out in San Diego to visit my brother, we visited the
> U.S.S. Midway. Among the aircraft on display was a jet trainer, couldn't
> tell you the type. Seems like the thing had lights everywhere, including
> both red and green nav. lights on each wingtip? What is the purpose of
> this?
>
> Thanks to anyone who can cure my curiousity.
>
>

[Bob Moore]

"Mike W." wrote

> My first question is, on naval aircraft, what are the three colored
> lights for on the front? Usually mounted on the front landing gear,
> three different colors.

They are there to allow the LSO to "see" the approach speed (actually
angle-of-attack) of the aircraft on final at night. Most LSOs can do
this pretty good during daylight hours without the a/c lights.

Bob Moore
Naval Aviator 1958-1967

[Mike W.]

"Bob Moore" > wrote in message
. 121...
> "Mike W." wrote
>
> > My first question is, on naval aircraft, what are the three colored
> > lights for on the front? Usually mounted on the front landing gear,
> > three different colors.
>
> They are there to allow the LSO to "see" the approach speed (actually
> angle-of-attack) of the aircraft on final at night. Most LSOs can do
> this pretty good during daylight hours without the a/c lights.
>
> Bob Moore
> Naval Aviator 1958-1967

OK, sort of a reverse tri-color vasi?