Flight-deck security panel features sunlight-readable annunciator

Citation

(2004), "Flight-deck security panel features sunlight-readable annunciator", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776eab.012

Flight-deck security panel features sunlight-readable annunciator

Flight-deck security panel features sunlight-readable annunciator

Keywords: Flight control, Security, Safety

New from Paramount Panels (UK) is a range of flight-deck security panels that incorporate an integral sunlight-readable annunciator to ensure that flight crew are always able to see when the cockpit door is unlocked, regardless of the prevailing lighting conditions.

Designed as a front-end for flight-deck access control systems in commercial aircraft, the new panel utilises high-brightness LEDs for illuminating the annunciator and conventional filament lamps for the rest of the panel legends (Plate 3).

Plate 3 New flight-deck security panel features sunlight- readable annunciator

The annunciator's “secret till lit” legend remains hidden until illuminated by the LEDs, and at night the panel's integral auto-dimming sensor reduces the light output from the LEDs to an appropriate level.

Because the annunciator is a critical function, the inherent reliability of the LED technology is augmented by the use of dual circuitry for built-in redundancy, reportedly ensuring that the annunciator remains operational even in the unlikely event of an LED failure.

Manufactured for long life and reliability, the new flight-deck security panel is designed to meet the requirements of SAE AS7788 (formerly MIL-P-7788F).

The panel is supplied as a complete assembly – including switches and switchguards – and can be mounted directly on to a standard Dzus rail.

Details available from: Paramount Panels (UK). Tel:+44 (0) 20 8805 8538; Fax:+44 (0) 8805 8540; E-mail: d.roke@paramount-panels.co.uk