Detailed description of the FIREFLY portable lighted runway closure marker
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Design and colour of the FIREFLY portable lighted marker
The base and arms of the lighted marker are made of grade 11373 (S235) steel structures.
The arms of the lighted marker are painted with RAL 1021 aviation yellow paint on all sides so that the device is clearly visible (pursuant to FAA requirements, colour No. 13538 – aviation yellow – pursuant to FED-STD-595).
Chassis specifications
The portable lighted runway closure marker is available in two variants:
Lighted marker mounted on a chassis (FIREFLY)
In this variant, the lighted marker is mounted on a chassis with stabilizing legs.
You can easily attach it to a vehicle towbar and transport it to the desired location on a runway. In this version, you can transport 2 lighted markers at the same time.
The chassis consists of a steel frame with dimensions of 2.5 x 1.6 m and two tubeless tyres size R13, and is equipped with a standard towbar, which enables attachment e.g. behind a car.
The chassis carries the lighted marker including a petrol generator and back-up car battery.
Lighted marker without a chassis (FIREFLY ECO)
The lighted marker is placed on the ground on four adjustable legs. It is adapted for forklift handling.
The frame of the lighted marker is equipped with an electrical distributor, a petrol generator or a backup battery according to the chosen specification.
Assembling lighted markers
A lighted marker has a size of 4.27 or 6.4 m, so it is equipped with folding arms that facilitate its transport.
The spirit level makes it easier for you to find the correct horizontal position for the marker. Raising the marker to the vertical position with the manual winch is then a matter of seconds
Assembling a marker is easy and incredibly fast – 1 person can unfold all four lighted marker arms in 30 seconds and set it up vertically using the winch.
Stability
In order to guarantee the stability of a lighted marker, we had it assessed by the Institute of Aerospace Engineering (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology). The structural analysis shows that the maximum wind tolerance is 91.9 m/s, which corresponds to 330 km/h.
The robust and stable design allows the marker to be adjusted to an angle of 5° from the vertical, ensuring optimum stability even in challenging conditions.
Option of carrying two lighted markers
In the event of deteriorating weather conditions, a runway must be closed quickly. It is required that a closed runway be marked at both ends. In order to reduce the time required for transporting lighted markers to a minimum, we produce them so two separate units can be transported at the same time.
A lighted marker is produced to meet all standards and regulations valid for air traffic.
- FAA Advisory Circular FAA A/C 150/5345-55A Specification for L-893, a visual aid to indicate a temporary runway closure.
- EASA Regulation “CS-ADR-DSN Issue 6 – F4001-D01-01_Temporary runway closure marker”.
- ICAO draft regulation “Proposal for the amendment of Annex 14, Volume I and PANS – Aerodromes (Doc 9981) relating to the design and operation of aerodromes”
The lighted marker’s design allows for easy modification to comply with FAA and/or ICAO requirements, whichever is relevant.
The portable lighted runway closure marker meets all FAA requirements, such as:
- Operating temperature -40°C to +55°C
- Humidity 95% RhA (at +55°C)
- Wind resistance up to 65 km/h (without significantly affecting the position of a “set-up” marker)
The arms of a lighted marker are equipped with 13 or 17 InLED lights of the required lighting intensity. They are painted with yellow aviation paint in accordance with CS ADR-DSN.U.935
Other technical parameters.
A lighted marker is manufactured in accordance with the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) principles.
All electrical components are rated IP 66 or higher, the lighting elements are rated IP 68.
A portable lighted marker is ready to be operated safely and reliably on any conventional outdoor airfield.