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LIGHTING INNOVATION
Beadlight is developing new designs and technologies for cabin lighting that
can enable better integration as well as enhancing the passenger experience
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
SEPTEMBER 2019
ircraft interior lighting is an
innovative sector which is
always looking for new
A
developments and technologies, not only
to improve the customer experience but
also to facilitate easier installation and
maintenance for installers.
Cabin lighting design has evolved
dramatically over the last 10 years. Lights
are used to create distinct atmospheres,
define different zones and even promote
branding – all of which can help airlines
create a more comfortable environment
for their customers.
An excellent way to see how LED
lighting technology has progressed is to
look at the development of the reading
light in detail. The reading light used to be
purely a light to read by, and while this is
still the primary function, it is not the sole
purpose. Reading lights are now required
to produce the correct level of output,
required colour temperature, fit
seamlessly with the design, and produce
attractive light – and these are just some
of the requirements to the end user.
For aircraft designers and fitters the
light needs to be low energy, lightweight,
compact, and customisable to suit the
interior design. Beadlight designs and
manufactures quality reading lights and
has been at the forefront of the LED
market since 1997, when it supplied the
first LED reading light to be fitted on
a commercial airplane.
Using lighting to create an
atmospheric and personal zone within
an area helps enable a space to be used
more effectively. The development of
LEDs has helped this aim; for example
a reading light has defined light ‘cone’
creating a task light that is controlled
within an area. This defined use of
LEDs has almost completely removed
unwanted light pollution. Beadlight works
with customers to ensure the correct
that the lights can be integrated into the
design easily, partly by offering innovative
front and rear fix options.
A factor that is considered in every
design is the efficient use of space.
LEDs have enabled lights to be produced
smaller and smaller. Beadlight has
worked to reduce the depth of its reading
lights in order to enable fitment in
composite panels, enabling space to be
saved on panel depths and used in other
areas. For example, the Mono CS light,
which launched this year, has a mounting
depth of just 11.5mm.
It is important when considering
lighting design to assess your lighting
requirements early in the design process.
This way you can take advance of new
technologies and developments to create
a truly first class environment.
Developments in lighting have enabled
the passenger experience to be
transformed in ways that would not have
even been considered 20 years ago. The
level of innovation is exciting and is not
slowing. Beadlight is pushing boundaries
and developing new products and
technologies to stay at the forefront.
light intensity and cone is produced for
their application, by applying different
mechanical and optical techniques to
ensure the optimum result.
The use of ambient lighting is
becoming increasing popular in first
and business class, where lights are
being used to create a more comfortable,
homey and relaxed feel. Beadlight has
designed ambient lights with up to six
switching levels to allow the user or the
on-board staff to set the required level.
While creating the optimum lighting
for the end user is the most important
factor in lighting design, it is also
important that the installation of the
lights themselves is efficient. Beadlight
works with interior designers to ensure
BEADLIGHT READING LIGHT MODELS
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SIROCCO,
OSTRO AND DIABLO
123
In 1997,
Beadlight designed
the first ever LED
reading light for a
commercial airliner
(Virgin Atlantic)
/paii
/aircraftinteriorsinternational.com