Carmanah Technologies Corporation has unveiled the Model A704-5-the world's most versatile solar-powered LED airfield light for permanent, temporary and emergency applications. "This is our first airfield light to include wireless control and our first light to include dual-function infrared and visible-spectrum LED operation," states Carmanah's CEO, Art Aylesworth.
"The A704-5's unprecedented suite of features greatly increases the range of applications and safety enhancements for our commercial, defense and general aviation customers."
The Model A704-5 includes the following new features:
– Improved visibility and safety through the use of brighter LEDs and a new lens design that provides a wider beam angle.
– Available wireless control with Carmanah's rugged, water-resistant handheld controller allows any single group of lights to be operated remotely from up to 2.5 miles (four kilometres) distance. Operators on the ground, in a control tower, or a moving vehicle or aircraft can control light operation and intensity to save power or increase brightness for times of low-visibility. Lights also include a manual switch and Carmanah's standard fully programmable operation.
– Operation in both visible and infrared modes. Infrared lighting- invisible to the naked eye but highly visible to night-vision equipped pilots- is becoming increasingly popular as a safety enhancement for non-military aircraft in low-visibility situations. Some commercial aircraft now have infrared cameras pre-installed.
Carmanah lights install in minutes and require no trenching or wiring. Each light is completely independent, self-contained, compact and waterproof. Carmanah's patented MICROSOURCE Energy Management System ensures year-round reliability in any environment-field-proven in the low-light winters of Alaska and Canada's Northwest Territories. Independent of conventional power, a Carmanah system is its own emergency backup.
An investment in Carmanah lights pays for itself; California's Truckee Tahoe Airport saved US$850,000 in capital costs and an ongoing US$16,000 annually in electricity bills.
The enhanced solar and wireless features of the Model A704-5 will allow small and remote airports with limited electrical infrastructure and ground staff to install and operate lighting systems at lower cost than ever before-a safety solution for the approximately 7,000 general aviation airports in the U.S. that have no lighting.
