Electroluminescent Formation Lights for HC-130 P/N Special Operations. I. Flight Test Candidates

摘要

This report proposes two electroluminescent lighting candidates for HC-130 P/N special night formation operations. Following interviews with selected Air Force Air Rescue pilots on how they conduct low-level daylight operations, an analysis of critical mission factors and aircraft positions was completed. Based on their comments and a previous A-10 configuration flown by AFFWC, simulated EL lights made of paper were added to a C-130 as possible T&E candidates. Interviews were then conducted with HC-130 and HH-53 pilots as they observed the papered aircraft from several positions on the flight ramp. A final selection of two candidate EL configurations was based on ramp interviews and interviews of pilots observing a scaled aircraft and a model of the HC-130 in a darkened room. A forced-choice methodology based on switching between candidates at various formation positions was proposed for the flight test. (Author)