The Use of High Intensity Xenon Lighting to Enhance U. S. Army Aircraft Day/Night Conspicuity

In-flight studies were performed to compare the effectiveness of aircraft-mounted, high-intensity Xenon flashtube lights for increasing the conspicuity of small trainer helicopters during both daytime and nighttime flights. Twenty-eight subjects rated both lighted and non-lighted aircraft visibility as viewed from the ground and from air to air in differing flight modes. Data are presented to indicate the increase in aircraft conspicuity available through the application of this type of lighting.