Abstract: A lighting system for an aircraft having at least one rotationally mounted propeller assembly that includes hub and a plurality of rotor blades extending radially away from the hub includes a light source and an optical element. The light source is mounted within the hub and is configured, upon being energized, to emit light in a first direction. The optical element is mounted within the hub and is disposed to receive the light emitted by the light source and is configured, upon receipt of the light, to redirect the light radially outward from the hub so that the light reflects off the rotor blades.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a searchlight unit to obtain elevation information about a point of interest are disclosed herein. The searchlight unit comprises an illumination source, a distance measurement system and an actuator for positioning the illumination source and for positioning the distance measurement system toward the point of interest. The searchlight unit also includes a global navigation satellite system and an inertial measurement unit for obtaining position and orientation information about the searchlight unit.