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Question about newer strobe lights (fuselage and wingtip)

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  • Question about newer strobe lights (fuselage and wingtip)

    I've noticed, at least on the 787 and some of the newer 737s that the strobes blink with a longer duration of staying lighted. Meaning that on old aircraft, it's a quick flicker and its done followed by the next quick flicker and so on.

    On the 787, the lights come on and stay lighted for much longer (at least half a second if not more). Even on the newer 737s being delivered, the wingtip strobes come on and stay lighted for longer, it's definitely noticeable. They light up like some of the aircraft animations you've seen before. My question is, was this done on purpose by Boeing or is there some other reason for the change?

  • #2
    It may be a change in the lighting technology used.

    If the old lights were xenon strobes, such lights put out a very bright but very brief pulse of light - think camera flash.

    If the new ones are LEDs, they would have less intensity but can be lit at any duration up to continuously. So they may use longer "on" times to make up for the lower brightness.
    Be alert! America needs more lerts.

    Eric Law

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    • #3
      Originally posted by elaw View Post
      It may be a change in the lighting technology used.

      If the old lights were xenon strobes, such lights put out a very bright but very brief pulse of light - think camera flash.

      If the new ones are LEDs, they would have less intensity but can be lit at any duration up to continuously. So they may use longer "on" times to make up for the lower brightness.
      We changed our ambulance blue light systems from strobe to LED. It was found that strobes weren't always seen too well in bright sunlight whereas the ability to time set LED's made them more obvious.
      If it 'ain't broken........ Don't try to mend it !

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      • #4
        Originally posted by elaw View Post
        It may be a change in the lighting technology used.

        If the old lights were xenon strobes, such lights put out a very bright but very brief pulse of light - think camera flash.

        If the new ones are LEDs, they would have less intensity but can be lit at any duration up to continuously. So they may use longer "on" times to make up for the lower brightness.
        This is actually exactly what it is. I have seen these new LED lights on Los Angeles Police Helicopters as well. The LED strobes & beacons go on for a half or full second as opposed to being a quick flash.

        Video of the 787 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtvhRbgP4HE

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        • #5
          ^Ahh so that's it, the new LEDs. Thanks for the replies, much appreciated!

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