Although still in development, Spectrolab is continuing to add features to the highly anticipated Nightsun SXP-10 searchlight, which was showcased to attendees at APSCON 2024 in Houston, Texas.
The newest entry from the renowned maker of aviation lighting options, including the industry standard SX-16, features an innovative laser excited phosphor (LEP) approach to provide operators with the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology. This includes both visible and infrared light with the ability to interface with various camera systems.
In collaboration with Macro-Blue, a leading manufacturer of tactical cockpit displays, Spectrolab showcased a new method of controlling the multitude of features that the upcoming SXP-10 will be capable of.
By utilizing Macro-Blue’s touchscreen monitors, users will have the ability to activate the searchlight’s numerous options, including powering up the unit, linking to camera systems, caging, changing to infrared mode, and more — all through a large interface on the monitor.
“With this new Macro-Blue system, we have the ability to add a lot more control from a digital standpoint and do a lot more than you can with just the hand controller,” Luis A. Castro, product and business development manager for Spectrolab’s searchlight and sensor products, told Vertical at the show. “Instead of redesigning or coming up with a whole new hand controller for this new searchlight, we are able to keep the same controller from the SX-16 and put the rest of the functionality on a monitor that’s right in front of them.”
Castro explained that this approach was taken based on feedback from current operators.
“During the development, we spoke with users, and everyone is familiar with the SX-16 hand controller. They tell us they can use it with their eyes closed,” he said. “So, instead of introducing a new method of operating the basics of the light, we are using what everyone is accustomed to but putting the advanced features onto the screen.”
Castro highlighted some of the added functionality of the new light, including a new hoist mode, which will be handled by the touchscreen.
“With one touch on the screen, the operator can activate the hoist mode, which will automatically move the light to a downward position to illuminate the load below the helicopter,” he said. “We are also working on a feature that would allow the SXP-10 to work in conjunction with the hoist and determine the required intensity of the light based on how much cable has been deployed.”
Further features include the ability to activate preset focus positions, individual programmable operator preferences, landing zone mode, and much more. With these functions incorporated into the light and the screen, there is no need for additional electronic control units (ECUs) or computers, which reduces complexity and weight.
“This also allows us to offer this new searchlight at a lower cost, due to the reduced required equipment and installation,” Castro added.
This revolutionary approach will be compatible with a variety of screen sizes from Macro-Blue and will be a standard feature on the Spectrolab Nightsun SXP-10 when it makes its debut next year.
