Yup, I read that yesterday too. I think I am just going to leave my landing/taxi light decision for a while and see how this technology continues to progress. If I had to use something right now, I would go with HID, but LEDs are coming along that's for sure.
I took a look at their display at OSH. They didn't seem as bright as a HID light but the sun was still up. I would like to go all LED on this plane if possible. So hopefully someone will try them out and let the rest of us know how well it illuminates.
Scott VanArtsdalen
Token Heretic
Nirvana Rodeo / Dudek Universal
S-6ES N612SV - GONE but not forgotten
RV-4 N311SV - SOLD
I put the Duckworks kits into my wings and have been waiting for a better solution to come along. I see the Duckworks idea as a good one, conceptually.
I see these LED's as a really good alternative to the current choices of lighting that you can build inside of the DW kits.
CJ
RV-7
Garmin G3X with VP-X & a TMX-IO-360 with G3i
It's all over but the flying! 800+ hours in only 3 years!
I like the looks of this option. Weight, low current, etc. I did not pay much attention to the displays at Airventure last year so I don't know enough about them.
Does anyone know someone who is actually using LED landing lights? I would love to hear from someone who is landing with them. I am concerned that they are not bright enough yet.
Thanks CD
RV-8A
Wing Kit (Slow Build...very slow build)
Home of "Skunk Works, Wisconsin Branch"
"Glacial Pace...but lovin every minute of it!"
Patti and I went to the Aeroleds press conference last year at Osh where they talked about their line and did some demos. I found it to be very impressive though I am not sure I would use them for landing lights yet. Taxi lights absolutely, and recognition lights for close to airport ops. I am not personally sold on their output for night time landings though.
It will probably be not too distant in the future until this is tackled however.
Spike
http://www.rivetbangers.com - Now integrating web and mail!
Current Build: 2 years into a beautiful little girl
I don't have a pic, but I have to say I would disagree. I've had my Aeroled 1600's light up the other side of the big hangar I'm in right now, and they are VERY bright at night. I've also had them turned on at night outside my hangar, and the light is really impressive. I feel confident that they will suffice just fine for landing lights...the SunSPOT is even brighter!
Exactly how FAR do you need to see down the runway?
Sure, I WOULD LIKE to see that moose in the runway but ahhhh... how often is he there? A low pass in an area that might have wildlife on the runway would clear that area then come back around to land.
My two...
CJ
RV-7
Garmin G3X with VP-X & a TMX-IO-360 with G3i
It's all over but the flying! 800+ hours in only 3 years!
You think they would illuminate a runway sufficiently when 1/4 mile on final? This could very well just be a difference of opinion. Though do keep in mind that I am usually not the first to adopt new technology
http://www.rivetbangers.com - Now integrating web and mail!
Current Build: 2 years into a beautiful little girl
Judging by the simple tests I've done, I think they will...the only caveat here is getting them aimed right for attitude on a 1/4 mile final. I think they are plenty bright enough, just more focused.
Spike wrote:You think they would illuminate a runway sufficiently when 1/4 mile on final? This could very well just be a difference of opinion. Though do keep in mind that I am usually not the first to adopt new technology
What is "sufficiently"?
A relative term.
CJ
RV-7
Garmin G3X with VP-X & a TMX-IO-360 with G3i
It's all over but the flying! 800+ hours in only 3 years!
I haven't flown with mine yet but I went with a single Kuntzleman LED landing light. What I found was that although the light didn't appear as bright as a conventional landing light (or anywhere near as hot), the color of the light emitted was such that it still seemed to light up objects as brightly. So, again, it's probably subjective. The color and temperature of the light has a lot to do with how objects are perceived by your eyeball.
Scott VanArtsdalen
Token Heretic
Nirvana Rodeo / Dudek Universal
S-6ES N612SV - GONE but not forgotten
RV-4 N311SV - SOLD