Dialight (LSE: DIA.L) announced the availability of its new Vigilant L-864 Infrared (IR) LED-based Medium Intensity Red Beacon, the first FAA-certified product of its kind, incorporating both red and IR LEDs in a single unit. The IR integration ensures better visibility for aircraft pilots using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging Systems (ANVIS) for improved safety near military bases and airfield perimeters within the most energy-efficient L-864 beacon in the industry.

The new IR beacon is the newest innovation in Dialight’s decade-long history of delivering the most energy-efficient LED obstruction lighting solutions for towers, buildings, smokestacks and more. The company continues to expand its integrated IR product line; the IR L-864 beacon now joins the IR L-810 side marker light, the first-ever LED IR product to achieve FAA certification.

“Dialight leads the LED obstruction lighting market with superior technology and innovation that is shaping the future of aviation navigation,” said Roy Burton, Dialight Group Chief Executive. “This latest product delivers exceptional energy efficiency, virtually zero maintenance and built-in IR technology that eliminates the need for bolt-on systems that add to both wind resistance and maintenance costs.”

NVGs and ANVIS typically employ Class A, B and C filters that can reduce visibility of typical LED light sources. Unlike other beacon systems that require separate IR units, the Vigilant IR beacon incorporates night-vision-friendly IR LEDs and red LEDs in the same unit, leveraging the same compact design of Dialight’s standard L-864 to produce the smallest and lightest-weight flash head  on the market. This smaller footprint significantly reduces wind load compared to incandescent L-864 beacons and makes for much easier installation. The multi-patented system also features community-friendly optics for minimum ground scatter. The system offers a peak IR spectral intensity at 860 nanometers.

A new hinged lid design enables easy access to terminal block wiring for installation and power supply maintenance. Control circuitry may be located at the base of the tower for better protection against lighting, while the IP66 certified beacon design is factory sealed for durability and rugged performance in the harshest conditions, even at operating temperatures ranging from -40°F to 131°F (-40°C to +55°C). With a 10-year LED life expectancy, backed by Dialight’s 5-year full-performance warranty, the Vigilant IR L-864 beacon dramatically reduces maintenance costs, virtually eliminating expensive tower climbs, unplanned site visits and the risk of non-compliance fines due to burned-out bulbs.

In addition to exceptional maintenance savings, the unit is also extremely energy efficient to save on electricity costs, drawing only a small fraction of the power required by a typical 1400W incandescent system. Rated at just 40W, the Dialight IR L-864 operates at 6.7W on a normal 16.7% duty cycle of 20 half-second flashes per minute. The typical incandescent draws more than 230W on the same cycle. This low-power consumption also provides for extremely low RF interference, making it ideal for lighting “hot” AM towers with no disruption in signal transmission.

The Vigilant IR L-864 can even be adapted to existing incandescent beacons for a future-proof system. Should the red beacon fail on a dual incandescent, the IR L-864 can be synchronized with the existing white incandescent, to get the maximum possible useful life out of the existing technology.

In addition to FAA certification, the IR L-864 is also compliant with the ICAO Annex 14 and Aerodromes Design Manual European specification and Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Regulation CAR 621.19.

Dialight’s products are listed on the U.S. federal government’s GSA Schedule 56 for Buildings and Building Materials/Industrial Services and Supplies under contract number GS-07F-0664X.