Testing of Tritium-Powered Runway Distance and Taxiway Markers

The Isotope Technology Group of the Oak Ridge National Laboratorys Radioisotopes Department was asked by the U.S. Air Force to test tritium-powered runway distance and taxiway marker signs. The tests were selected by mutual agreement of the U.S. Air Force and Oak Ridge National Laboratory and were designed to test the serviceability of these signs under adverse weather and handling conditions, determine their limiting factors, and determine their service life. The testing program results indicate that the signs will exceed strength and durability requirements for their intended purpose. This report is a discussion of the testing program and the results of those tests.