"Traffic lights" on a Huricane

[Synthetic]

Could someone tell me what they are for? (Behind the radiator in the picture)


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc222/Oggy3323/IMG_1221.jpg

[ZH875]

IIRC they are Identification Lights, used to show 'The colour of the Day', the theory being that an enemy aircraft would not know which light/s to shine so could be shot down, thus they indicate a friendly aircraft.

[POBJOY]

Thats a great view of what the target would have seen just before the explosion.

[Lightning Mate]

ZH875 is correct.

They were known as "IFF Lights" for "Identification: Friend or Foe."

Some American aircraft also carried them.

[TEEEJ]

See following link for more details and info.

On the P-51 aircraft the three colored lights were located on the underside of the right wing, near the tip. The lights could be used in combination and could be switched to burn steadily or flash code signals with them. When the switches were in the “DOWN” position, the lights burned steady. When in the center position they were in the “OFF” position. When in the “UP” position the lights were operated intermittently, as coded signals by means of the “KEY” switch.

From

Identification lights.. how were they used? (http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/other-electrical-systems-tech/identification-lights-how-were-they-used-19577.html#post526711)

From

Identification lights.. how were they used? (http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/other-electrical-systems-tech/identification-lights-how-were-they-used-19577.html)

From Spitfire Manual

39. (b) The upward and downward identification lamps are controlled from the signalling switchbox on the right hand side of the cockpit.
This switchbox has a switch for each lamp and a morsing key, and provides for steady illumination or morsing key, and provides for steady illumination
or morse signalling from each lamp or both. The switch lever has three positions: MORSE, OFF and STEADY.

http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/Images/spit/Spit2Manual.pdf

An identification light morse key as fitted to a Hurricane can be seen at the following link.

CBFS: Parts for Sale/Wanted (http://homepages.tesco.net/~mrogers/CBFS/parts-pg7.html)

TJ

[Synthetic]

Thanks for the information.

I can't believe I haven't noticed these before. :O