zak761
Newly Enlightened
G'day all,
I currently work as part of the crew of a Search and Rescue Helicopter based in Australia. I am looking for a handheld spotlight to augment our night operations when using Night Vision Goggles. We have two different aircraft types. One has 12 Volt socket where we use "Lightforce" halogen spotlight with a momentary switch. The other has no power socket in the rear so we are currently using Nitcore TM26 or TM28 as a hand held search light. I am looking to replace the Tm26 and TM28's and not the Lightforce Halogen as they still work really well with the goggles.
We don't need crazy bright as the lights are not generally used for searching (we have Flir and NVIS systems) but used when we are doing obstruction clearances when we are doing outlandings in the bush or forest. As a rule we laser designate the area with a hand held laser so we all know where we are going to land then only use the spotlights when in the confines of the landing area to check for hazards, tree clearances etc.
I'm looking for a light of medium intensity (approx. 15,000 lumens) that has flood characteristics more than spot or has the capacity for both. Something high on the list is a simple tactile switching mechanism, the simpler the better as it would be operated one handed with a gloved hand.
Lights I've looked at:
O'light Marauder 2
This light ticked all the boxes, especially the simple tactile switching system. However the auto lockout after 30 Secs is the deal breaker. We need to be able to pick it up and put it down turn it on and off during a period without automatically going back into lock out.
Fenix LR40R V2.0
Again this light looks good, no auto lock out but main drawback is the switching maybe cumbersome with a gloved hand and one handed. Not eliminated as yet.
Lumintop Thor Pro
This looks the goods and has an LEP spotlight which may eliminate the need for handheld lasers. But has a single switch with multiple clicks to achieve different modes which can be fiddly when busy and under stress.
We would prefer:
Price: up to $800.00
Hand held Medium Size
Led possibly with LEP
Don't care about Manufacturer
Rechargeable
Approx 15,000 Lumens
Flood up to 50 Yards with the option for spot
Runtime 90-120 minutes
Durability Critical
Simple switching preferably with momentary
UI: Simple tactile or Programmable
Material: Don't care but durable
Water Resisitance: Minimum Splash proof
Storage: In Aircraft (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
Fanless (one less thing to go wrong)
If anyone has any suggestions for me to look at bearing in mind I'm a KISS (keep it simple stupid) type of guy I would greatly appreciate it The volume of lights out there is daunting and a lot have very complex single switch system which immediately eliminates them. I'm hoping that someone may know of a light that will fit our purpose. Thanks.
I currently work as part of the crew of a Search and Rescue Helicopter based in Australia. I am looking for a handheld spotlight to augment our night operations when using Night Vision Goggles. We have two different aircraft types. One has 12 Volt socket where we use "Lightforce" halogen spotlight with a momentary switch. The other has no power socket in the rear so we are currently using Nitcore TM26 or TM28 as a hand held search light. I am looking to replace the Tm26 and TM28's and not the Lightforce Halogen as they still work really well with the goggles.
We don't need crazy bright as the lights are not generally used for searching (we have Flir and NVIS systems) but used when we are doing obstruction clearances when we are doing outlandings in the bush or forest. As a rule we laser designate the area with a hand held laser so we all know where we are going to land then only use the spotlights when in the confines of the landing area to check for hazards, tree clearances etc.
I'm looking for a light of medium intensity (approx. 15,000 lumens) that has flood characteristics more than spot or has the capacity for both. Something high on the list is a simple tactile switching mechanism, the simpler the better as it would be operated one handed with a gloved hand.
Lights I've looked at:
O'light Marauder 2
This light ticked all the boxes, especially the simple tactile switching system. However the auto lockout after 30 Secs is the deal breaker. We need to be able to pick it up and put it down turn it on and off during a period without automatically going back into lock out.
Fenix LR40R V2.0
Again this light looks good, no auto lock out but main drawback is the switching maybe cumbersome with a gloved hand and one handed. Not eliminated as yet.
Lumintop Thor Pro
This looks the goods and has an LEP spotlight which may eliminate the need for handheld lasers. But has a single switch with multiple clicks to achieve different modes which can be fiddly when busy and under stress.
We would prefer:
Price: up to $800.00
Hand held Medium Size
Led possibly with LEP
Don't care about Manufacturer
Rechargeable
Approx 15,000 Lumens
Flood up to 50 Yards with the option for spot
Runtime 90-120 minutes
Durability Critical
Simple switching preferably with momentary
UI: Simple tactile or Programmable
Material: Don't care but durable
Water Resisitance: Minimum Splash proof
Storage: In Aircraft (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
Fanless (one less thing to go wrong)
If anyone has any suggestions for me to look at bearing in mind I'm a KISS (keep it simple stupid) type of guy I would greatly appreciate it The volume of lights out there is daunting and a lot have very complex single switch system which immediately eliminates them. I'm hoping that someone may know of a light that will fit our purpose. Thanks.
