Sekai Electronics Announces Compact Near-Infrared Aviation Spotlight

Sekai Electronics, a developer of video products for harsh environments, has announced the introduction of an ultra-compact near-infrared (NIR) Spotlight for airborne applications. The NIR Spotlight was specifically designed by Sekai for the harsh environment of external aircraft installations and is suitable for manned or unmanned aircraft. Documented DO-160 testing of relevant sections ensures safety-of-flight in both fixed and rotary wing platforms.

“The NIR Spotlight is a perfect complement to Sekai’s leading low-light NIR cameras for aviation,” said Roland Soohoo, Sekai’s President and CEO. “The new illuminator is ideal for taxiing and takeoff, collision avoidance, perimeter security while parked, and many other airborne applications.

The NIR Spotlight operates in the 850 nanometer range, which is undetectable by the human eye, providing a discrete and powerful light for cameras on board the aircraft. Combined with Sekai’s NIR cameras it provides an effective range of 40 meters. The watertight housing has a front diameter of only 30 millimeters and a convex window to prevent beam-distorting droplet build-up. The light operates directly on 28VDC aircraft power via a single MIL-STD connector and has an enable/disable function so it can be activated only when required. The built-in heater ensures safe cold starts, allowing the NIR Spotlight to operate at temperatures from -55°C to +70°C (Storage Temperature: −55°C to +85°C). Power consumption is a very economical 6W when the heater is not activated. A scratch and ding resistant sapphire window and Gore-TexTM vent ensure long life without special maintenance.

“Our manned and unmanned aviation customers have been asking for this capability,” said Mattias Nilsson, Sekai’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “With their cooperation, it didn’t take long for us to go from requirements, to prototype, and production.”

Sekai will be exhibiting at AUVSI’s Xponential 2016 conference in New Orleans.