ArrowBeacon™ Technology
1️⃣ Overview
ArrowBeacon™ is a directional visual guidance augmentation system designed to assist pilots in visually locating and orienting toward an airport runway under marginal visibility or off-axis approach conditions.
It integrates directional optics, ADS-B awareness, and pilot-activated control to provide intelligent runway referencing — extending the visual acquisition envelope far beyond standard lighting systems.
2️⃣ System Architecture
The ArrowBeacon system consists of three core subsystems:
| Subsystem | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual-Beacon Unit (DBU) | Two fixed-endpoint light units — Green at the landing threshold and Red at the far end. Their relative position provides intuitive orientation to the pilot. |
| Directional Beacon Assembly (DBA) | High-intensity steerable beam, capable of targeting and pulsing toward a requesting aircraft using ADS-B position data. |
| Control & Integration Module (CIM) | Central control logic integrated with airport systems, ADS-B transceiver, and pilot activation channel (PAL-compatible). |
3️⃣ Key Technologies
3.1 Directional LED Optics
- Custom optical array providing ±60° azimuthal spread with controlled vertical cone (~8°).
- Dynamic servo alignment using low-latency stepper mechanisms.
- Beam pulse rate configurable for daylight vs. night operations.
- Fail-safe retraction and automatic dimming when inactive.
3.2 Dual-Beacon Orientation
- Runway ends equipped with Green (threshold) and Red (departure end) LED units.
- Mimics aircraft navigation lighting convention: green = approach side, red = away.
- Allows pilots to immediately discern runway heading and alignment from up to 10 nautical miles (NM) out.
- Provides passive alignment even if the main directional unit is inactive.
3.3 ADS-B Integration
- Receives ADS-B Out data from aircraft to establish bearing and distance.
- Processes position updates via airport’s ADS-B ground receiver or remote gateway.
- Once verified and consented, system activates directional illumination along the pilot’s bearing.
3.4 Pilot Activation & ATC Interface
- Compatible with Pilot-Activated Lighting (PAL) via VHF radio input (5- or 7-click sequence).
- Secondary activation possible from Airport Management Console for assistance or recovery operations.
- Built-in consent logic ensures activation only after positive identification and pilot acknowledgement.
3.5 Power & Redundancy
- Modular low-voltage power design (12–24V DC).
- Solar + battery optional for remote strips.
- Integrated temperature monitoring and self-diagnostics for continuous operation.
4️⃣ Implementation Concept
4.1 Hardware Deployment
- Each runway end: one red, one green fixed beacon.
- Midfield or threshold: one steerable directional beam unit (elevated mast or roof-mounted).
- Networked via short-range RF or wired Ethernet to Control Module.
4.2 Control Flow
- Aircraft broadcasts ADS-B Out.
- Ground receiver identifies aircraft within predefined radius (10–15 NM).
- Pilot initiates request (radio key sequence).
- System authenticates aircraft and activates the directional beam.
- Optional ATC override or shared visual assist mode.
- System logs event to airport management dashboard for traceability.
4.3 Environmental and Operational Tuning
- Beam pulse and color temperature dynamically adjust for weather and ambient light.
- Local METAR feed integration (visibility, daylight, wind) to optimize illumination strategy.
5️⃣ Why It’s Important
5.1 Problem Addressed
- Traditional airport lighting assumes line-of-sight to the runway. In complex terrain, haze, or low sun glare, even modern lighting systems can be invisible until the final mile.
- Pilots approaching from unfamiliar or oblique angles often lose orientation with respect to runway alignment.
5.2 ArrowBeacon Advantage
- Provides early, unambiguous runway heading reference.
- Offers visual homing without reliance on instruments.
- Functions even during partial power or communications loss.
- Minimal interference with existing infrastructure.
5.3 Safety Enhancement
- Reduces risk of disorientation and CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain).
- Enhances pilot situational awareness during off-axis approaches.
- Acts as a non-instrument backup aid in VFR and marginal conditions.
- Complements—not replaces—PAPI/VASI and ILS systems.
6️⃣ Integration with Airport Systems
| Module | Function |
|---|---|
| Airport Management App | Dashboard to view all aircraft in range (via ADS-B). Enables activation of directional beacons for assistance or emergencies. |
| Beacon Control Network | Connects beacons to central management unit over secure local link. |
| Logging & Analytics | Records activation times, range, visibility, and pilot acknowledgments for safety analytics. |
| API Layer (Future) | Will enable FAA integration, data export, and third-party airfield control systems interoperability. |
7️⃣ Research & Validation
- Concept tested through simulation using ADS-B datasets and ray-traced light propagation models.
- Hardware prototype in development for low-altitude field trials.
- Intended future collaboration with FAA research divisions and university flight programs for validation.
8️⃣ Regulatory Pathway
ArrowBeacon™ is designed to augment existing FAA-approved lighting systems, not replace them. Certification pathway likely through:
- FAA AC 150/5345-series compliance testing
- Non-precision visual aid (NVG-compatible) approval
- Part 77 obstruction clearance analysis
9️⃣ Summary
ArrowBeacon™ represents an evolution in visual navigation — merging directional photonics, ADS-B awareness, and pilot-human interface design into a compact, airport-ready system.
It offers airports and pilots a low-cost, high-impact enhancement to runway visibility and situational awareness, with the potential to significantly reduce visual disorientation incidents.