An Advanced Illumination System for Military Aviators

Today’s USAF Airmen require hands-free, Night Vision Information Systems (NVIS) compatible illumination devices for use inside of aircraft during flight. They also require high-brightness lighting tools for use outside of the aircraft while performing pre and post-flight inspections and other tasks. Additionally, they need infrared (IR) and visible beacons to signal Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel during rescue operations. First-Light USA's GLIDR concept combines all these capabilities into a single device; lightening the load, reducing costs and complexity, and increasing Airmen performance during low light operations. First-Light USA will interact with Airmen representing a wide array of roles and responsibilities in order to develop and deliver the ideal solution. These interactions will yield requirements and specifications that will result in Alpha prototypes that will then be tested and refined into a set of Beta prototypes for field testing with Airmen. Ultimately, a final, fully-commercialized product design will be achieved; enabling full production to commence at the end of this Phase 2 effort. GLIDR will set a new standard for portable lighting within the USAF and across military aviation. Outside of defense, GLIDR will displace current lighting tools used within the law enforcement and emergency responder, industrial, and outdoor recreational markets.