ALS awarded prestigious “Made in Britain” status

Made in Britain are committed to helping the Great British trade market.  As a British company ourselves, we have now joined this growing community following our successful inspection. 

We are delighted to be able to use this mark now on our products manufactured in our Wickford factory in Essex to highlight their British heritage to the rest of the world.

The Made in Britain logo is Britain’s mark of excellence.

It shows our continued commitment to local manufacturing in our community and both the dedication and skill of our staff in achieving this standard.

Made in Britain Site

Inter Airport 2021 New Products

Nov 8th, AGL Advancement Group UK, the owners of International Airport Visual & Navigational Aids Limited (IAVNA), Airfield Lighting Systems (ALS) and Parkinson Richmark (Richmark) announce key new products at Inter Airport, Europe’s leading Airport Exhibition.

The company under its ALS brand is delighted to announce three new product families at the Munich exhibition, increasing its LED range of Airfield Ground Light Fittings (AGL) substantially.

An LED PAPI is the main new flagship product. With a power consumption of 57W this PAPI is significantly more economical than similar products. This fitting is manufactured from high quality, tough 6mm aluminium to provide outstanding thermal heat management and stability. It is easy to maintain and clean, set up is quick and easy on site making it a good choice for installers.

 

Additionally, there is a brand new range of SFL (Sequence Flashing Lights) added to the range, consisting of inset and elevated lights. These are compliant with FAA and ICAO recommendations and can be used in conjunction with existing approach lights.

 

Also added to the range of popular DTS fittings is a brand new inset light featuring circling guidance particularly useful in runway edge lighting. The fitting has a high impact design and has four additional prisms to provide the omni-directional component.

Inter Airport Exhibition Munich Nov 9-12

We are delighted to announce that we will be exhibiting in Munich in November at the Inter Airport show.

We are launching three exciting new LED fittings for our ALS range.  Additionally we will be featuring our SmartBolts and new professional Airlifter tools.

We are in Hall B5 Stand 1318 please come and say hello!

Brize Norton upgrade completed!

June 2021, RAF Brize Norton has just undertaken a major upgrade of its airfield runway lighting system from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS). The RAF commissioned extensive works at its largest UK base to provide new LED Lighting, Cabling and Signs for this important hub.

 

RAF Brize Norton is located in Oxfordshire, and is the largest station of the Royal Air Force. It has approximately 5,800 Service Personnel, 1,200 contractors and 300 civilian staff based on site.

The Station is home to the C-130 Hercules aircraft, the RAF’s Strategic and Tactical Air Transport (AT) and Air-to-Air Re-fueling (AAR) forces, as well as host to many others.

The upgrade was designed using ALS Fittings and included over 90 LED elevated Approach Lights, 100 inset Approach Lights, Threshold Wing bars and Uni-directional Fittings. The LED lighting is universal and operates on the existing CCR’s on site to provide a low energy, low running cost solution.

Levertech Aviation Services, Manchester was the main contractor for the project; they found the fittings easy to install and fast to commission.

RAF Odiham installs new LED lighting

August 2021, RAF Odiham in Hampshire has completed the upgrade of its airfield runway lighting system from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex.

Image Crown Copyright MOD 2021

RAF Odiham is a Royal Air Force station situated a little to the south of the village of Odiham in Hampshire, England. It is the home of the Royal Air Force’s heavy-lift helicopter, the Chinook.  The RAF has been on the site since 1925 and it was upgraded to a permanent airfield in 1937.

A total of 156 new ALS DTS approach lights were installed for the runway upgrade to LED.  These are powered by 16 new MCR405 CCR controllers to provide the 6.6A output required.  This was topped off with over 50Km of new cabling to provide a long-term framework solution for the airbase.

Several new signs, runway edge fittings, transformers and IRDM (LED Runway Distance Markers) were also installed for the project by specialist contractor Levertech Aviation Services.

Commenting on the new installation Mr Neil Smith, AGL Project Manager at Levertech said “ALS provided a first-class service with the project.  They hold a significant amount of stock, so we were able to install it much faster and the client was delighted.”

Mr Keith Spicer Managing Director of ALS commented “This type of varied project is exactly what IAVNA has done well for over 40 years.  Our project experience and stock holding meant everything ran smoothly.”

New Product – ALS Mounting Bases and Adaptor Ring

ALS have just introduced a new set of 8″ and 12″ mounting bases designed for their popular DTS range of LED Airfield Ground light fittings.

The range consists of 8″ and 12″ bases with an array of conduit entry options.  They are designed to universal IEC standards so any compliant fitting can be installed using these tough and durable aluminium bases.

 

 

Features:

  • Bottom hole or side entry for electrical connection.
  • Universal IEC Compliant design.
  • Side entry (single on one side and double conduits on opposite side)
  • High Pressure Aluminium casting
  • Anodized surface for protection.
  • Perfect machining to complement ALS fittings.

Also included in the range is a 12″ adaptor ring designed to accommodate an 8″ ALS LED fitting and machined perfectly to match the 12″ mounting base.

As an optional extra, the LED fittings can be installed in conjunction with our new SmartBolts to provide a lifetime of hassle free, easy to inspect bolts, that reduce the risk of FOD and dramatically improve safety on the airfield.  Please call us for more details.

https://www.airfieldlightingsystems.com/the-smartest-bolt-you-will-ever-see/ 

 

NEW LED Portable Light Unit

ALS LIPO-1 is a low intensity portable airfield light with dual colour and multifunctional omnidirectional battery-operated LED’s  The default colours are blue and red. On request there is possibility for other colours, different intensity levels as well as a flashing options. It boasts a powerful battery with long operation time and a photo­cell is included as standard to minimise energy wastage.

 

It is lightweight and is contained in a tough yellow body.  Applications include airside operations to highlight closed taxiways, roads and to provide extra visibility of areas under maintenance.

 

Features:

  • Reliable, robust case to IP57
  • Long operational time/battery life time.
  • Photocell control
  • Correspondence with many fixed lights
  • Optional chargeable battery option (coming)
  • Up to 4 different colours (red and blue as default)
  • Bi-directional on request
  • Non-brittle material (down to -50oC)
  • Frame default colour yellow with firm handle
  • Dome made of UV resistance polycarbonate possibility for 3 different intensity options on request 

NEW LED’s are out of this world!

Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN) which is also the home of Virgin Orbit Spaceport has just completed the upgrade of its airfield lighting ahead of the next G7 summit, which was held in the UK this month, from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex.

Flights have operated from Newquay since 1939 under the banner of RAF Mawgan, in 1962 it officially opened a civilian terminal and began commercial flights.  The airport has expanded over the years with a new terminal building opened in 2008, and with one of the longest runways in the UK.

New ALS DTS LED inset taxiway lights, LED Stop Bar lights and all new transformers were installed for the upgrade complete with bases and adaptor rings among other fittings.  In addition, several new high performance, long life LED signs were also commissioned and installed by specialist contractor Dyer & Butler Electrical.

Moving to LED will dramatically reduce operating costs and extend the maintenance cycle due to the lifetime of the LED’s.  They are more environmentally friendly and recyclable at the end of life.

The project was designed and specified by Robert Walker at AECOM one of the industry’s most respected consulting firms.

Commenting on the new installation Mr Steven Brown, Airfield Manager at Dyer & Butler said “We successfully handed over the project to the Airport on Friday and this could not have been achieved without you and your teams’ substantial efforts to ensure we received all the materials on time. We would like to thank every one of you for your conscientious determination in helping us reach this goal through a variety of changes over the past couple of months. This successful delivery reinforces our decision to use IAVNA and ALS products on this project”

Mr Keith Spicer Managing Director of ALS commented “This is a landmark project for Newquay, and we were delighted to be able to help with the G7 summit being held nearby as well, the team really pulled out all the stops to help make it happen on time, this was much easier to handle due to the extensive stocks we hold.”

NEW Product – Airlight DTS Inset light Professional Lifting Tool

The new Airlight Lifting Tool has been specifically designed by engineers who have worked on the airfield regularly.  It makes light work of maintenance and overcomes the most common issues when lifting lights out of the runway for testing, maintenance or replacement.

There are 4 models in the 8″ series and 3 types of 12″ tool to cover the major brands of light fittings used on airfields including ALS, ADB, OCEM, Thorn and Hella (please see our website for a complete list of brands and models that are supported).

Safety is paramount and this is a professional tool designed to keep the operator safe, it comes with a two year guarantee.

Benefits

Save Time – Remove and replace an inset light 30% faster and more consistently than other models.

Save Money – Professionally lift the light fittings for maintenance without damaging them or the rubber gaskets.

Protect Engineers – The Airlight lifter can be used while wearing high voltage gloves and also has a rubber handle and a firm grip that is specifically designed to keep fingers away from the light fitting.

Reduce F.O.D. – Less tools mean less risk, the tool has class 1 reflective tape to make it visible at night.

Features

  • Rubber handle to reduce the risks from electrical shocks.
  • Magnetic handle to speed up removal of washers from fittings.
  • Non-Slip Guards on the tool.
  • Handy extraction hook moulded into body.
  • Pivoted extraction bar designed to minimise effort to lift fitting.
  • Curved leverage point to ease extraction of light.
  • 5 sizes in the range to fit ALS, ADB, ATG, TKH, Thorn, OCEM and old Alstom products.
  • 8” and 12” models with Hook or Round pin extraction points.

For more details please visit our website https://www.airfieldlightingsystems.com/products/accessories/als-airlight-dts-inset-light-professional-lifting-tool/

The first radio-controlled runway in Antrim

Slemish Airfield, a private landing strip near Ballymena, County Antrim has recently installed a new airfield lighting system supplied by Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex.

The new lighting covers the 765m long runway and apron.

Slemish Airfield lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and the lighting installation which is environmentally friendly and considerate compliments this.

The VISTA System from ALS that was installed as a complete package consisting of lights, control gear, cable and all components required to provide a turnkey solution.

Vista System at Slemish Airfield, Northern Ireland.
Vista at Slemish

The new LED lights can be remotely activated from the approaching aircraft when five miles distant from the picturesque landing strip and these will continue to operate for 15 minutes before automatically switching off.  The signal to activate the lights can be sent by VHF from the aircraft radio (the frequency is adjustable for use in other countries), by mobile phone or an APP on a tablet.

The Vista System is a standalone system and was designed to provide the benefits of LED lighting to visual approach aerodromes such as regional airports, airstrips and military air bases. It is a reliable and flexible product, being easy to fit in any kind of infrastructure.

Manufactured from high-quality polycarbonate and aluminium components the VISTA lights are fully IP66 certified, tough and durable.

Since the low energy LED light source is a low current device there is no need for traditional 6.6A circuits and more traditional CCR controls. Moreover, the LED being a direct current device, the power distribution circuit is greatly simplified using a DC constant current power supply.  

 

This concept also eliminates the need for series circuit transformers with their losses and expense.  A specific feature of the product includes a device to ensure the continuity of the circuit upon failure of any single light unit as part of the future proof design.

A total of 59 LED lights were installed for the runway, threshold/end, taxiway and PAPI fittings.  Commenting on the new installation the Project Manager for the Project said that the Vista System was easy to install, and he was delighted with the results. The LED’s which look really impressive from the air, will be a great help to pilots using the airfield.

Mr Keith Spicer, Managing Director of ALS commented “We are delighted that Slemish Airfield chose the VISTA system, and that it has had such a positive reaction.  We enjoyed working with the Project Manager and contractors involved on the project, who were professional throughout, and are sure it will be a terrific asset for many years to come”.

New Series Cut Out Switch (SCO) available

The Series Plug Cut Out Switch (SCO) is designed with safety first, second and third in mind.  It is designed to safely isolate the series circuit from the CCR’s before testing or maintenance on any fittings on the airfield.

They enable the airfield ground lighting circuit to be safely disconnected, isolated, and earthed by the simple rotation of the connector lid without exposing the user to high voltages.  The lockable top cover lifts out, rotates and is re-inserted at 90 degrees back into the base unit, then is locked to safely isolate the circuit.  

Tough and durable providing reliable multi-use operation, thanks to the shape of the body and “lock and rotate” operation.

ALS SCO Series Cut Out Switch

Features

  • Speeds up maintenance by not having to disconnect cables.
  • Lockable for the user to stop any accidental re-energisation of the circuit while in maintenance mode.
  • Designed for easy mounting on the CCR cabinet or wall.
  • Easy to operate with molded handle and top cover.
  • Permits use on the circuit with safe isolation of power.
  • Industrial construction for safety with special flame retardant epoxy ABS but only 3.18 Kg weight. This is also better than porcelain for shock resistance.
  • Heavy Brass terminals take up to 10mm cable, reinforced with metal outer case.
  • Series cable clamps facilitate screened cable to be earthed easily if required.
  • A safety lock facility is available when in the ‘Field Earthed’ position allowing easy and safe access for testing of field circuits.
  • Circuit breakers are designed to be reinstalled to cable terminals

SmartBolts can significantly reduce FOD on Airfields

Airfield Lighting Systems Ltd (ALS) have launched SmartBolts – a Visual Indication System that turns the top head of a bolt from red to black as you tighten it.  SmartBolts give you peace of mind that your bolts are at the correct tension vital for Airfield safety.  They can be easily retrofitted to existing runway lighting systems and therafter inspections are visible rather than manual.  They do not need to be replaced with every inspection, saving you money and time.

They are manufactured in the US to rigorous standards and will fit any existing AGL fitting with their universal design.

 

Polaris makes light wind of testing

POLARIS is our new Portable Lighting System and is available in both battery or solar powered models. Its fully tested and certified for wind / jet blast up to 322 Km/h.

The POLARIS light unit is lightweight, durable, waterproof and has been developed for fast deployment by non-skilled operators and will
operate in the worst environmental conditions.

All the units are equipped with high power LED’s, matched by dedicated optics to drastically increase photometric performances, save on
power consumption and reduce life cycle costs (compared to incandescent lamps).

Solar Powered Model 

Specially designed for remote aerodromes

APP – Approach Centre light and Crossbars (white)
THR – Threshold Wing Bar light (green)
RWE – Runway Edge light (white)
TND – Threshold light (green light) / Runway end light (red)
TWE – Taxiway Edge light ( blue)

Features

• Wireless control and emergency ON/OFF button
• Casing made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate.
• Total battery capacity of 144W.
• Number of cycles : minimum 1200
• Solar panel of 30 W, mono or Poly-crystalline
• Internal charger included

BAE Systems installs ALS DTS LED Fittings at Warton

BAE Systems Aerodrome in Warton have chosen new high performance LED DTS taxiway lights from ALS for their recent runway upgrade.  They were selected for their long life and maintenance free, low power consumption.  Size was important due the nature of Warton’s research and development activities and the ALS DTS has a low protrusion of less than 6.3 mm above ground level.

The uni-directional Elevated Approach lights and Inset Approach lights were also specified for their unique optical design and stable output, they are suitable for operation with 6.6A CCR’s.  They have highly conductive aluminium mechanical components with a special coating treatment for various weather conditions and in addition a modalized driver and LED assembly means maintenance is quick and simple.

Warton Aerodrome is located in Warton village on the Fylde in Lancashire, England. The aerodrome is 6 NM
west of Preston, Lancashire, UK. Today the airfield is a major assembly and testing facility of BAE Systems Military Air & Information.

  

Warton continues in its involvement with the Typhoon, Hawk and F-35 Lightning being built at the site.  The Tempest is the latest project to ensure the site remains at the forefront of global aviation technology.

 

 

 

 

Airfield Sign LED Retrofit Kit

The ALS LED retrofit kit replaces older light sources such as halogen or fluorescent.  Upgrading cabinets to the latest low power LED technology.

ALS has developed a system to retrofit cabinets with older light sources with our new Edge Lit LEDs to give improved power consumption and evenness of light. These kits can be easily installed into existing signs.

The ALS retrofit kits can be installed into cabinets with a depth greater than 150 mm.  And can run a sign with length of 4.5m supplied from one transformer. As an option they can also use mains power supply. There are standard plates for installing the LEDs into ADB, ALS, ASM, ATG and SMITHS signs as well as other sizes available.

Main Features
• Highly visible in all operational conditions
• Low power consumption
• Average power factor of .89
• Excellent uniformity of light
• Minimal maintenance required
• Long term cost savings
• Temperature range of -40°C to +60°C

Season – Senior Living

Last week, we were honoured to be able to donate protective face masks to our local key health workers at Season – Senior Living.  They provide assisted living and special care to elderly residents, and this equipment will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our Operations & Warehouse Manager, Jamie Finan, proudly delivered the masks to the Manager of Season, Jayne Harding, and her team of dedicated and hard working staff who welcomed our donations which they so desperately needed.

Quality Assured

ALS has succesfully completed its ISO9001:2015 audit and passed with flying colours.  “Everything we do is driven by customers asking us for help” says Keith Spicer, Managing Director.  “We can re-furbish, replace or custom design more or less anything you may need on the airfield”.  The team at ALS are highly skilled and have manufactured many special AGL products over the years for environments all over the world.

Edinburgh Airport Signs Project

ALS supply environmentally friendly and sustainable LED signs and switching equipment to Edinburgh Airport. Working together for a brighter future.

1 June 2019, ALS announce it has successfully manufactured and supplied Airfield Lighting Equipment for a major contract awarded in 2018 to Dewhurst Airfield Services by Edinburgh Airport. The project was executed over 2 phases, spanning the last 12 months.

ALS are proud to have worked with Dewhurst Airfield Services by supplying an innovative range of our products to include: – ALS Edge Lit Taxiway Signs, ALS Edge Lit Stand Number Indicator Boards, ALS Non-Illuminated Aircraft Stand Column Signs, ALS AGL Transformers and Switching Units.

Edinburgh Airport is an airport located in the Ingliston area of the City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It was the busiest airport in Scotland in 2018, handling over 14.3 million passengers in that year. The airport has one 2557-meter runway and one passenger terminal and employs about 2,500 people.

“By selecting ALS for the supply of products, Dewhurst Airfield Services Ltd were able to accurately plan installation programmes around the guaranteed delivery dates to full client satisfaction. The quality of products, service, response times and project support from ALS is second-to-none”
Derek Calloway
Dewhurst Airfield Services Ltd

Dewhurst Airfield Services Ltd was originally formed as a division of Edward Dewhurst Ltd in 1999 following initial successful Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) projects at Blackpool and Warton airfields.  Due to continued growth and success within the sector, the division became an independent company in 2018 and focusses on all airfield engineering projects but principally AGL.  Projects range from small advisory services to total turnkey packages.

Established in 2008, Airfield Lighting Systems are a well-known and trusted innovator in the design and manufacturing of ground lighting equipment for commercial and military airports. We offer reliable, efficient & an extensive product range which are environmentally friendly and sustainable products as a leading light for Airfield Lighting Solutions.

Contact a member of the ALS team for more information on +44 (0) 1702 547 866

IAVNA Celebrates 40th Anniversary

July 2, 2019 International Airport Visual and Navigation Aids Limited (IAVNA), one of the largest global suppliers of airfield lighting equipment celebrates 40 years of business.

Starting its journey in 1979, it has continuously grown ever since now with 17 employees, serving over 350 customers to over 80 airports in 50+ countries with 8,500  products available.

“We are grateful to our clients for the opportunities to provide them with a comprehensive solution for all their aviation needs” said Keith Spicer, IAVNA Director. “Our company’s reputation and track record have built on our client base and we thank them for their trust and confidence”.

To celebrate this monumental milestone the company will mark this special occasion by hosting a corporate golf day at the charming Warren Estate in the South East of England, as a special thank you to their customers and staff for their loyalty and support over the years.

1978 - 1979
1978 - 1979

IAVNA is formed by Roy Spicer as demand for its airfield lighting equipment increases.

Iavnas’ first office was at the director’s family home in Chadwell Heath, Essex. Roy Spicer used the dining room as a makeshift office and storage area.

1978 - 1979
1980 - 1989
1980 - 1989

Technological advancements improve the company’s turnaround time, paving the way for faster orders and quicker despatch time.

In 1980 they moved to a site on Southend Airport, where offices and additional warehouse space was added over the years as the company grew.

1980 - 1989
1990 - 1999
1990 - 1999

IAVNA invests in the latest aviation technologies including advances calibration and testing equipment.

The company announces future growth strategy to be one of the leading AGL providers to all MOD and civil airports both in the UK and throughout the world.

Moved into a bigger space on Southend Airport, which was an old aircraft hangar with mezzanine offices and a separate office building at the rear.

1990 - 1999
2000 - 2009
2000 - 2009

Carried out extensive tests of their products in some of the toughest conditions on the earth from Canadas frozen terrain to the blistering heat of the Middle East.

Added manufacturing division Airfield Lighting Systems UK Ltd to their portfolio, expanding their product line which opened new market opportunities.

Appointed new Director – Keith Spicer to drive the future expansion strategy.

2000 - 2009
2010 - Present
2010 - Present

IAVNA relocated to new premises in Wickford, Essex – Housing the sales, manufacturing and warehouse departments to accommodate continued growth.

The company celebrates its 40-year anniversary.

IAVNA announces their commitment to using sustainable technologies guiding the future of the sector in an environmentally responsible way.

The company continues to increase its product lines offering the most extensive range of airfield ground lighting equipment including market leading transformers, constant current regulators and LED signage and control systems.

2010 - Present
“IAVNA pride itself on an experienced workforce, quality products, after care that is second-to-none and an established base of customers. We thank our staff and clients for our 40-year milestone.”
Keith Spicer
Director

Established in 1979, IAVNA is one of the market leaders in supplying airfield lighting equipment. IAVNA founders have instilled a company culture based on a quality service, prompt response, speedy delivery and aftercare that is second-to-none. These values have guided IAVNA for the past 40 years and will continue to as the company continues to grow in the years to come.

For more information about IAVNA call +44 (0)1702 547866 or visit www.iavna.net

ALS Launch Brand-new Website

ALS are very excited to launch our brand-new website which brings an additional level of professionalism to the brand, we worked closely with web agency True Style Design who helped to produce the fresh, modern design.

One of our main objectives was to create a website that would help showcase what ALS is all about, demonstrating our expertise and reputation as a well-known and trusted innovator in the design and manufacturing of ground lighting equipment for commercial and military airports.

"We are continuously making it our priority to be at the forefront of airfield lighting solutions. We feel our new website reflects this, as we are ahead of the rest when it comes to investing in technological advancements. Together with our extensive product range we can offer every client a bespoke lighting system tailored to meet their unique requirements”

Keith Spicer

Our goal with our new website is to provide our visitors an easier way to learn about ALS and the Airfield lighting solutions we offer, allowing the visitor to browse information based on their own choice. The new website gives better access to About Us, Products, Technology, Newsroom, Careers, Contact, Enquiry and Global web pages.

Overall, we have embraced our branding further throughout the website whilst retaining familiarity by having our brands colour scheme run throughout. This certainly enables the website to feel consistent and inviting to navigate. We needed a website that looked more professional and felt more modern than the previous one – our new website better reflects ALS and our core values of our quality service, prompt response, speedy delivery and aftercare that is second-to-none. We pride ourselves on offering airports a different, more cost-effective solution.

Together with our extensive product range we can offer every client a bespoke lighting system tailored to meet their unique requirements.

Amongst the new features, the site contains integrated social media button to foster improved communication with clients. We will be constantly updating our content with helpful information, articles, blogs, newsletters, company announcements and client successes in the News section.

We hope you find the new website with a fresh look, easy to access information and we also wish to establish this portal as a source of information for those who visit our site.

For any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments, please contact us.