Aerial lighthouse

RAF College

The last operational Aerial lighthouse in the UK, at the RAF College main building at RAF Cranwell
Location RAF Cranwell
Coordinates 53°2′12.96″N 0°30′37.74″W / 53.0369333°N 0.5104833°W
Year first constructed 1920's
Automated Yes
Characteristic White light flashing every three seconds

An aerial lighthouse is a lighthouse used to guide aircraft with lighted beacons at night.[1][2] A network of aerial lighthouses was established in the United Kingdom and Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. Use of the lighthouses has declined with the advent of Radio Navigation aids such as NDB (Non-directional Beacon), VOR (VHF Omni-directional Ranging) and DME (Distance measuring Equipment). The last operational aerial lighthouse in the United Kingdom is on top of the Cupola over the RAF College main hall at RAF Cranwell.

References

  1. ↑ "The Aerial Lighthouse". Flight. Retrieved 2011-11-29.
  2. ↑ "LIGHTHOUSE FOR AIRSHIPS.; One Already Installed at Spandau for German Army Flights". The New York Times. 5 June 1910.