Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Misc. Forums > Aviation History and Nostalgia
Reload this Page >

"Traffic lights" on a Huricane

Wikiposts
Search
Aviation History and Nostalgia Whether working in aviation, retired, wannabee or just plain fascinated this forum welcomes all with a love of flight.

"Traffic lights" on a Huricane

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 15th Sep 2011, 21:47
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sussex
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"Traffic lights" on a Huricane

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


Synthetic is offline  
Old 15th Sep 2011, 22:06
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Lincolnshire
Age: 64
Posts: 2,278
Received 36 Likes on 14 Posts
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.
ZH875 is offline  
Old 16th Sep 2011, 00:58
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 11 GROUP
Age: 77
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 0
Received 79 Likes on 27 Posts
Hurribomber

Thats a great view of what the target would have seen just before the explosion.
POBJOY is offline  
Old 16th Sep 2011, 12:39
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: down south
Age: 77
Posts: 13,226
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
ZH875 is correct.

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

Some American aircraft also carried them.
Lightning Mate is offline  
Old 16th Sep 2011, 13:07
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Lincs
Posts: 2,307
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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?

From

Identification lights.. how were they used?

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/Im...pit2Manual.pdf

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

CBFS: Parts for Sale/Wanted

TJ
TEEEJ is offline  
Old 16th Sep 2011, 20:29
  #6 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sussex
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the information.

I can't believe I haven't noticed these before.
Synthetic is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.