Spectrolab’s long-standing airborne law enforcement lighting program has officially entered its next chapter with the SXP-10 — a new-generation searchlight designed to deliver high-output performance alongside the flexibility, integration, and user-driven features modern operators demand.
The launch marks a major milestone in a multi-year effort to develop a next-gen alternative to the trusted SX-16. Based on recent demos and field feedback, the SXP-10 is poised to redefine airborne illumination.
Louis Castro, director of business development at Spectrolab, shared updates on the system during a live walkaround and interview with Vertical at APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
“We’re now there,” he said, confirming that the SXP-10 has progressed from prototype to a validated, field-ready product. This isn’t just a new offering — it’s the culmination of years of iterative input from operators, developers, and integrators alike.
Born from experience, built for flexibility
The SXP-10 was designed from the ground up using LED and LEP lamp module technology, delivering light output comparable to the flagship SX-16 — but with key design refinements. Its compact spherical form improves aerodynamics, while a curved lens mimics the profile of a sensor ball, making it a better fit for today’s modern airframes.
One of the system’s most significant achievements is its seamless compatibility. The SXP-10 retains the same bolt pattern and electrical connectors as the SX-16, allowing agencies to swap units across airframes without rewiring or modifying mounts.
“If someone has a mixed fleet — say, an SX-16 on one ship and the SXP-10 on another — they can swap between them without issue,” Castro said.
That compatibility also extends to control systems. While the SXP-10 introduces advanced touchscreen functionality via its Macro-Blue interface, Spectrolab intentionally preserved the familiar hand controller layout of the SX-16.
“We were about to embark on a whole new control box design,” Castro admitted. “But users told us not to mess with it. They know that box by feel — and it works.”
Packed with tactical features
The SXP-10 isn’t just a rework of the SX-16 — it introduces a full suite of features tailored to real-world law enforcement and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. It supports visible and IR dual-mode operation, includes strobe functions for suspect disorientation during foot pursuits, and offers a powerful landing zone mode to illuminate remote terrain with the press of a button.
The system also integrates with hoist operations, linking directly to onboard hoist systems to track the amount of cable deployed. Future iterations may include an auto-dimming feature that activates when the hook reaches a certain height below the aircraft — reducing the risk of blinding crew members during recovery.
This level of tactical integration was developed in close collaboration with end users. “We’re not inventing this stuff in a vacuum,” Castro emphasized. “We’re listening to people who’ve flown these missions.”
Data-driven and maintenance-savvy
Another key upgrade is the embedded health and usage monitoring system (HUMS). Unlike the SX-16, which was often overlooked until something failed, the SXP-10 continuously logs data from multiple onboard sensors, including temperature, blower runtime, lamp hours, and air filter usage.
This information can be viewed directly on the Macro-Blue screen or exported to fleet-wide HUMS platforms, enabling directors of maintenance to address issues before they become problems. In essence, the SXP-10 is a self-reporting system — a critical feature for operators who rely on mission-ready aircraft around the clock.
Pricing, production, and launch plans
Spectrolab expects the SXP-10 to be available by Q1 2026, with pricing roughly 30 percent above a fully equipped SX-16. That cost is projected to decrease as production ramps up.
While customer names weren’t ready for public release, Castro hinted that a major U.S. law enforcement agency — well known for its pioneering airborne tactics — is likely to be the launch customer. “They’re excited,” he said. “We’ll be doing test flights with them in a couple of months.”
The next 12 months
With multiple agencies already expressing interest — and Spectrolab actively exploring next-gen user customizations like personalized login profiles, configurable screen layouts, and third-party control integration — the SXP-10 is quickly becoming the centerpiece of a connected law enforcement mission suite. From camera feeds to hoist tracking to fleet maintenance, it’s all about building a smarter, more capable airborne ecosystem.
As Castro put it: “The next ad we run might say, ‘The most brilliant searchlight ever.’ And when you see how interconnected it is — camera, hoist, cockpit display, and HUMS — you’ll know we mean it.”
