Air Mobility Battlelab casts a BrightEye

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Harris
  • Air Mobility Battlelab
FORT DIX, N.J. (AFPN) --  Members of the Air Mobility Battlelab here recently demonstrated a unique lighting system that is versatile, economical and portable for U.S. expeditionary forces. 

The BrightEye Portable Solid-State LED Lighting System is an advanced, portable, battery-powered, visible and covert lighting system developed by Cyberlux Corporation to address the rapid deployment lighting needs for the armed forces. 

Initially considered for expeditionary open-the-air-base lighting, Air Mobility Battlelab officials said the system may also be used for aircraft maintenance, expeditionary airbase force protection, general mission lighting and other high-intensity tactical lighting applications. 

The BrightEye was evaluated at Fort Dix and Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Air Mobility Command expeditionary support equipment subject-matter experts participated in several scenarios to showcase BrightEye capabilities. 

"The system would add very portable long-lasting light and an infrared capability that's not present at this time," said Master Sgt. Gordon Mossman, assigned to the AMC's Expeditionary Mobility Operations Division at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. 

The BrightEye uses solid-state semiconductors that consume 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting elements and are projected to last for more than 20 years as compared to 750 hours for conventional bulbs. Using rechargeable battery technology could save an estimated 63 percent in daily portable-lighting operating costs and could also reduce the Air Force's reliance on host nation resources.

Feedback from field demonstrations show the current portable generator-powered lighting options do not provide the absolute portability required for AMC's evolving expeditionary mission. Their bulky size, noise and energy consumption reduce AMC's ability to support forces efficiently and expeditiously in any environment.

Research also showed the BrightEye is 97 percent smaller and weighs 94 percent less than the current diesel-powered incandescent lighting system. Its small size, weight and added infrared capability can enhance AMC's ability to project air and space power across all spectrums of expeditionary operations by minimizing the support footprint, maximizing the available aircraft cargo floor area and reducing the amount of airlift needed for rapid force projection.

For more information, visit the Air Mobility Battlelab Web site at http://public.mcguire.amc.af.mil/battlelab.asp. 

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