Purchase Specification

for a

Portable Precision Approach

Path Indicator (PAPI)

Overview

This specification is for a solar or AC-powered, portable infrared-capable LED Precision Approach Path Indicator lighting system herein referred to as the “PAPI”.

The system shall be suitable for permanent, temporary, portable, emergency and expedited tactical airfields. The system shall be purpose-designed for precision approach lighting applications only.

Each system shall consist of:

  • (2) or (4) Light Housing Assemblies with LED optical assemblies (LHAs)
  • Visible output
  • Optional infrared (IR) output configuration for Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
  • Optional tilt “system defeat” safety feature
  • Inclinometer
  • Battery box with integrated charge controller
  • Premium VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead Acid) AGM batteries
  • Power control unit box (PCU)
  • Optional 100-240 VAC back-up power connectivity
  • Wireless and Non-wireless control options
  • Carrying handles (all components)
  • Adjustable and collapsible mounting legs (LHAs only)

The entire system shall be delivered complete and ready to install with exception of optional AC grid or generator-supplied power.

1.0 Mechanical Specifications

The system shall consist of either (2) or (4) light housing assemblies (LHAs) which are designed for rapid deployment and stable operation once in position. The system shall have a portable power control unit (PCU) and battery box. The solar panel array shall be comprised of individual solar panels mounted in collapsible frames with adjustable tilt. The entire PAPI system shall be air-transportable via supplied reusable shipping containers.

All major system components shall be available in aviation yellow, aviation red, olive drab green or desert sand colors.

LHAs

Each LHA shall have a rugged weatherproof chassis constructed from corrosion resistant materials that provides protection for internal electrical and optical components.

Each LHA shall have (3) fully-adjustable and lockable support legs. Legs shall fold up securely underneath the body of the main light housing for storage and transportation.

Each LHA support leg shall have a self-leveling pad that contacts the ground. Each pad shall have provision for ground-staking.

Each LHA shall have provisions for additional securement straps or tethers.

Each LHA shall have an easy-to-install and removable protective metal cover with integrated glare reduction shield that fits securely over the outer lens when the system is not in use or is being transported.

Each LHA shall have a mounting bracket for installation of a precision inclinometer.

Battery Boxes and Power Control Unit

Each battery box and PCU shall be constructed from powder-coated steel.

Each battery box shall be portable.

Each battery box shall be equipped with a waterproof lid secured with heavy duty clasps.

Each battery box shall have mechanical provisions for mounting the power control unit (PCU) to the end of the box.

The battery box and PCU components shall be designed for rapid assembly and disassembly.

All electrical connections on the battery box and PCU shall have military style connectors.

Solar Panel Array

Each solar panel shall be securely mounted in a rigid aluminum powder-coated frame designed for rapid assembly and disassembly.

Each frame assembly shall be equipped with integrated support arms that are adjustable for multiple tilt angles.

Each frame assembly shall have integrated carrying handles.

Frame assemblies shall be stackable for storage and transportation and shall have interlocking mechanical features to guard against horizontal shifting when stacked.

All solar panel assemblies shall have hardwired electrical lead cables with weatherproof MC4-style connectors.

Individual solar panels shall be replaceable.

1.1 Mounting

LHAs

Each LHA shall sit directly on the ground via the adjustable legs and self-leveling pads.

The LHA shall be secured in place via ground stakes inserted through openings in the leveling pads and via additional support straps connected between ground stakes and each LHA

Battery Boxes and Power Control Unit

Each battery box shall sit directly on the ground.

The PCU shall be attached to the brackets provided on one of the battery boxes.

Solar Panel Array

The individual solar panel and frame assemblies shall sit directly on the ground and shall be secured in place via ground stakes inserted through openings in the corners of the support frame and via additional support straps connected between ground stakes and each frame assembly.

1.2 System Capabilities

The system shall be capable of at least 5 autonomous intensities and at least 3 temporary intensities in visible or infrared LED operation.

The system controller (PCU) shall allow selection between:

  • radio or local control
  • visible light or infrared (if available)
  • temporary activation or autonomous (dusk to dawn)
  • tilt switch bypass

The system shall be able to operate from dusk until dawn in “autonomous” mode whereby the system turns on when ambient solar lux reaches a predefined minimum and turns off when the ambient solar lux reaches a predefined maximum.

The system shall use an external photocell for monitoring ambient brightness.

The systems ambient lux on/off settings shall incorporate a time delay to prevent cycling of on/off state in environments with lux levels near the transition thresholds.

The system shall be capable of operation during the day if required.

The system shall have optional “emergency shutdown” capability based on tilting or deviation from position of any LHA.

The system shall offer optional NVG (Night Vision Goggles) compatible infrared LED output to allow for covert operations.

2.0 Operational Specifications

2.1 Optical Performance

The optical output system shall consist of surface-mounted visible and infrared LEDs.

LEDs must have a lifespan of greater than 100,000 hours and must meet IES LM-80 Lumen Maintenance.

The system shall provide optical performance meeting or exceeding the following specifications for intensity, chromaticity and beam shape:

  • ICAO Annex 14, Sixth Edition 2013
  • FAA AC 150/5345-28F or newer
  • STANAG 3316 10th Edition, 2004
  • UFC 3-535-01

Photometric intensity, beam shape and chromaticity of the system shall be tested by certified third-party test labs using calibrated instruments and industry-standard practices. Test reports declaring conformity to the relevant specifications and detailing testing procedure shall be provided by the manufacturer. Minimal test standards to be met are:

Intensity and Beam Shape

ICAO Annex 14 PAPI (2 & 4 LHA) & APAPI (2 LHA) compliant

FAA L-880/881 & E-3007 (2 & 4 LHA) compliant

STANAG 3316 PAPI (2 & 4 LHA) & APAPI (2 LHA) compliant

UFC 3-535-01 (4 LHA) compliant

Chromaticity

ICAO Annex 14 6th Edition

SAEAS25050 (FAA)

FAA EB 67

2.1 Solar Panels

The system shall use premium solar panels of monocrystalline composition for maximum power generation.

2.2 Batteries

The batteries shall be premium valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) absorbed glass mat (AGM).

The batteries shall be replaceable. The manufacturer shall offer complete battery replacement kits.

The systems operation and depth of battery cycling while in autonomous mode shall be designed for a five-year battery life.

2.3 Power

The system shall operate at 24 VDC.

The system shall be capable of operating by drawing power from the following sources:

  • Solar panel array
  • Supplied battery bank
  • 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz through grid connection or
  • Self-contained auxiliary generator

Each individual LHA shall not exceed more than 55 Watts when operating at full intensity.

The system shall be capable of continuous operation at maximum brightness when drawing power from an external 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz source.

2.4 Electronics

The systems charging and light control system shall offer:

  • Temperature-compensated battery charging
  • Low-voltage cut-off to prevent over-discharge of the battery system.
  • MPPT – Maximum Power Point Tracking for matching the optimal solar panel and battery charge operating points
  • A constant current drive to the output LEDs for consistent brightness during changing battery voltage and consistent chromaticity
  • Integrated circuit protection

3.0 Wireless Specifications

For PAPI systems equipped with wireless control option, the wireless communication system shall be comprised of two key elements; a handheld wireless controller and a discrete RF Module within the PCU. The wireless controller shall be capable of transmitting and receiving data. The PAPI system shall be capable of receiving data.

3.1 Wireless Signal

The system’s antenna shall be located on the PCU and shall be detachable.

The system shall possess the ability to establish a unique pairing between one or more other devices and one or more controllers. Only systems and controllers sharing the same pairing shall be interoperable.

It shall be possible to configure the system such that a third-party’s purchase of a standalone controller does not provide them the ability to control the system without authorization.

The system shall be capable of generating, transmitting and removing the pairing code by the Administrator.

The system shall operate in the UHF band at 902-928MHz and utilize frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). The radio signal used to communicate between the controller and the PAPI system shall be resistant to intentional and unintentional interference.

The system shall be capable of normal operation in the presence of RF noise typical for an airfield.

The wireless system must be FCC and ANATEL certified.

3.2 Handheld Wireless Controller

The handheld wireless controller shall operate using:

ISM 900 MHz unlicensed radio band

Encrypted control signal

50-Channel Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

The hand-held wireless controller shall offer the following features:

  • Rugged Military design
  • Rechargeable internal battery
  • Detachable antenna
  • Immediate and simultaneous on/off control of the airfield
  • Control of individual light groups
  • Intensity selection
  • Dusk-to-Dawn or brighter On-Demand activation
  • Ability to integrate with ARCAL
  • Battery system health check
  • Toggle between visible and infrared light output
  • Toggle between steady-on (fixed) or flashing light output
  • User and Administrator operating mode, with each mode offering non-overlapping sets of control functions
  • Password protection for User and Administrator mode that must be entered upon power-up of the controller
  • Illuminated buttons for easy use in dark conditions
  • Data interface for connection to and control by a computer

The controller shall contain a radio modem, microprocessor-based electronics, a keypad and indicator LEDs. The buttons shall be capable of illumination for easy use in dark conditions.

The controller shall support an external serial interface (military style connector) for connecting to an off-the-shelf, stand-alone aviation band VHF receiver to facilitate pilot-controlled lighting operation (ARCAL mode).

The handheld controller shall be designed to meet the environmental requirements of MIL-STD-810.

The PAPI and other wirelessly controlled airfield products can be controlled in up to 8 user-defined groups.

The PAPI and other wirelessly controlled airfield products shall be able to be added and removed from the 8 user-defined groups. Individual groups shall be able to be controlled separately from the other groups. When the button is pressed on the PCU, it shall accept a control signal assigning the specific group identifier.

The controller shall have additional features including but not limited to password-controlled access and emergency state to flash all lights at high intensity.

3.2 Wireless Control Range

The system shall be capable of reliable wireless control up to a 4 kilometer (2.5 miles) line-of-sight distance between the controller and the PAPI system, airfield light or any other pre-assigned radio operated navigational aid.

4.0 Environmental Specifications

The system shall be able to consistently withstand and operate at the optimal temperature range of -35°C to +55°C (-31°F to +131°F). The system shall also be able to operate for limited durations at maximum temperature extremes of -40 to 176 ºF (-40 to 80 ºC).

The system shall conform to the following environmental test standards:

FAA: AC 150 5345-28G:

  • High temperature
  • Low temperature
  • Rain
  • Salt-Fog
  • Wind Load

Water Ingress:

  • NEMA 4 & EN 60529 IP 55

5.0 Quality Assurance

Excluding the batteries, the system, including solar panels, LEDs, optics, electronics, mechanicals and associated components, shall be guaranteed for a minimum of three years. The batteries shall be guaranteed for 1 year.

6.0 Turn-Key Operation

The system shall be delivered with all the necessary components required for set-up and normal operation as per the system options requested at time of purchase, with the exception being the supply of AC grid or, generator power.

7.0 Simulation Tools

Vendor must provide full-featured solar simulation tools for the system to allow accurate specification of system size, performance versus intensity settings, usage, autonomy requirements, depth of battery discharge and all other common parameters of solar simulation.

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