Enlightened lighting: UTC Aerospace Systems unveils longer-lasting, more reliable A320 wing navigation lights

UTC Aerospace Systems, a division of United Technologies Corp., announced today that it has recently received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a set of new, advanced technology LED wing navigation lights for the Airbus A320 aircraft family. Through a combination of innovative features, the lights are designed to offer customers a convenient retrofit option that provides enhanced longevity and reliability to reduce maintenance and operating costs.

Equipped with longer-lasting LED technology, the new lights boast a mean time between failure (MTBF) of 39,000 operating hours. Each light contains two redundant high-power LED systems, for enhanced reliability. A near-end-of-life indicator provides the user with a visual indication when 1,000 operating hours remain. In addition, the lights are engineered to provide increased resistance to humidity through a proprietary production process.

Currently in service with major European and North American airlines, the new lights are mechanically and electronically interchangeable with current units installed on A320 conventional wing tips.

"At UTC Aerospace Systems, we're committed to continuously developing technologies and creating products that save our customers time and money, and that's precisely what our new wing navigation lights are designed to do," said Mike Wagner, Senior Director of Aftermarket for Interiors. "With the recent certifications from FAA and EASA, airlines can now retrofit their A320 fleets with these new lights, and benefit from the increased reliability and operational efficiency they provide."

Based in Lippstadt, Germany, Goodrich Lighting Systems GmbH designs and manufacturers tip-to-tail interior and exterior lighting products for commercial aircraft, regional and business jets, military aircraft and rotorcraft. With decades of experience in developing and producing aircraft lighting, the business combines the latest technology with sophisticated designs and elaborate optical concepts to help its customers reduce maintenance and operating costs.