Signaling floodlight FA-14

port

The FA-14 range light is designed to provide a high peak intensity output for long range nighttime and daytime signaling applications. It provides reliable output under varying environmental conditions, adaptability to different signaling requirements including wireless synchronization, simple logistics, and long service life with reduced spare parts requirements. With the increase in development in port areas, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to distinguish the leading lights from the background lighting. Increasing the candlepower of the light and rhythmically flashing the lights give some improvement but the random nature of the flashing limits effectiveness. Synchronization of the flashing leading lights is known to greatly increase the conspicuity of the lights but it is costly to have a hardwire synchronization connection between the two lights. A two station range makes it possible for the mariner to navigate the center of a restricted channel. The lights of each station, front and rear, are aligned when the ship is on the channel's centerline. The lights separate when the ship drifts to either side. This feature gives the pilot a “feel” for his position off the range since he can tell the direction and degree of drift. Course correction can be evaluated immediately by whether the lights begin to "close" or continue to "open." However, with a single station polychrome range, the pilot knows only if he is in the center of the channel or to one side or the other. There is no indication of degree of navigation error. Also, he’s unable to determine if the ship's position is improving or worsening.