Abstract: An optical unit for an aircraft warning light comprising an array of LEDs, the unit comprising a transparent plastics molded body having first and second opposing faces and being provided with optical means on its first and optionally also its second face to propagate fractions of light emitted from the LEDs in selected directions in accordance with a predetermined angular distribution. The optical means may, for example, take the form of discrete convex lenses, cylindrical aspherical lenses, prisms or total internal reflection structures and combinations thereof selected according to the emission requirements for the warning light. The optical unit will therefore differ depending on whether it is for use on a navigation light or an anti-collision light and will generally be spaced at a predetermined, fixed distance from the LED array.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modular illumination system comprising at least one mounting strip; one or more emitter strips each having an outwardly directed face in use through which infra red light may be transmitted; one or more printed circuit boards each carrying a plurality of infra red light emitting diodes; and one or more contact elements. The system is such that the or each emitter strip can interconnect with a mounting strip to form a conduit through which a power supply bus may be carried. Each contact element is adapted to complete an electrical connection between the power supply bus and a printed circuit board mounted behind the outwardly directed face of the emitter strip. The system is easily assembled and is advantageously used to provide a source of covert illumination for security or other monitoring purposes.

Abstract: A warning light (10) for external use on an aircraft comprises a high-intensity light output light source (14,20). The light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (40) which are arranged to be pulsed with an overdriving signal (32) to produce a higher than normal intensity flashing light output. The overdriving signal (32) is generated by a pulsed drive circuit (30) in response to timing signals received from a flash pattern box at a rate of between 0.67 Hz to 1.67 Hz.