Landing Light SOP

"Marc CYBW" wrote in message
news:_4W8f.91989$ir4.658@edtnps90...
I seem to remember a Flying article on an LED replacement landing light
"bulb" that lasted 20x or more regular bulbs - for almost the same price.

LED bulbs would be unlikely to provide enough brightness to be a good
landing light.

Is it possible you ere recalling a HID (high intensity discharge) system?

There is a popular system, called a Lopresti boom beam, that is made for
such applications.

http://www.speedmods.com/Boom_Beam/b...am_systems.htm

It is more like a strobe light bulb, with high voltage discharging it so
rapidly that it looks like it is constantly on. They are also found in some
cars nowadays, and are identified by an unusual "blue" tint, and are very
bright, while drawing little current. There is no filament to break, so
they stand up to severe vibration, very well.

Some people have gone to the junkyards, and gotten lights out of donor cars.
They are said to be somewhat tricky, as the transformer and wiring is best
kept intact, since it is such a high voltage.

LED light are starting to see use as nav lights, with some kits being sold,
and some people home-brewing applications. No heat, no vibration problems,
very long life, low current drain. Hard to beat, if you get it right.
--
Jim in NC