There are substantial differences (orders of magnitude) in light flux
between what is useful
as a recognition or anti-collision light and a useful landing light. I
have been looking for years
at automotive auxillary halogen lights (the 35 or 50 watt) variety and
even bought two
different pairs to evaluate. In my opinion, they are not useful as actual
landing lights.
Landing lights like the GE 4509 PAR are just much more bright and
appropriately collimated
to the specific task by the reflector housing.
I mentioned last year that Lo Presti Speed Merchants have GA (TSO quality
for retrofit to commercial)
Xenon systems for approximately $350 for the homebuilt version. The offer
is still good as of Oshkosh 06.
Xenon is really the best way to go at present, very long life, vibration
resistant, a quarter or less current
draw vs the old GE, and no RFI with appropriate shielding.
Certainly for a Nose Gear mount, Xenon would be first choice.
Ira N224XS
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