Description
A Glide Path Indicator (GPI) aids a pilot when approaching a heliport, to land, by giving visual cues as to whether the helicopter is too high, too low or on the correct glide path, as the helicopter approaches.
Our powerful GPI has light beams which enable the pilot to easily locate the heliport from around 5 nm and guide the helicopter to a position above the landing area. It has 3 different vertical, coloured sectors:
- Steady Green: The central sector that indicates the correct approach angle of approx. 4° (Correct glide path)
- Flashing Yellow/Amber: A slow flashing upper sector, above the green sector (Too high)
- Flashing Red: Fast flashing lower sector, warning the pilot of a dangerously low approach angle (Too low)
The two fully redundant driven LED light beams are stabilised to the horizon with an accuracy of ±0.3°, using an internal motion sensor, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and powerful servo actuators to compensate both pitch and roll motions up to ±45°, irrespective of the relevant helicopter approach heading.
System integrity and operational reliability is controlled by internal electronics combining multiple sensors, measuring: temperature, humidity, and electric current, providing 24/7 monitoring of the GPI´s status. As such, the GPI will show an upcoming malfunction before it actually fails. Easily exchangeable standard dry agent cartridges provide effective absorption of residual humidity. Nitrogen filling, as alternative mode of humidity control, is available as an optional feature.
Another optional feature is a high-resolution camera with motorised zoom, facing towards the approaching helicopter, which can assist with visual surveillance of shipboard heliport landing operations. When not being used as a GPI, the camera can be integrated in the vessel’s CCTV system and act as pan/tilt camera, for additional safety & security observations.
Key Features
- Guides the approaching helicopter to the landing area
- Approximate range: of 5 nm
- 3 vertical sectors acc. to STANAG 1236:
- Red
- Amber
- Green
- Fully stabilized; compensating up to +/- 45° pitch & roll motions with an accuracy of ± 0.3°
- Array of sensors offers health monitoring
- Options:
- Camera for landing & CCTV operation
- Thermal camera
Technical Details
- Power: 48 V DC / 100 W / Max 500 W
- Temperature range: -32 °C to +49 °C
- Protection rating: IP 66
- Dimensions: Ø 470 × 628 mm
- Weight (approx.): 58.0 kg
- Colour: RAL Classic
Please contact us for more information on our specialist heliport lighting solutions.
