01-0771485-01 – Whelen Covert Infrared (IR) and Red Combination Beacon (28 Volts)
Available now for order through the Aerospace Lighting and Tactical Systems Marketplace.
Overview Section
The Whelen 01-0771485-01 is a specialized, high-performance Dual-Mode Anti-Collision Beacon designed for tactical military and government aircraft. This unit features a unique "Covert" capability, allowing it to switch between a standard, FAA-compliant Aviation Red flashing beacon and a Covert Infrared (IR) mode.
When in IR mode, the beacon is invisible to the naked eye but highly visible to pilots or ground crews utilizing Night Vision Goggles (NVG) or Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems. This dual-functionality is critical for "dark" mission profiles where stealth is required while maintaining situational awareness among friendly forces. The unit is designed for 28-volt aircraft systems and features a compact 2.6-inch diameter base, making it ideal for vertical stabilizers or fuselage mounting on both fixed-wing and rotary platforms.
Key Features Section
Dual-Mode Operation: Provides a high-intensity red flashing beacon for standard operations and a covert IR mode for tactical, night-vision-only missions.
NVG Compatibility: The IR output is specifically tuned to be picked up by Generation II and Generation III Night Vision Goggles without blooming or saturating the sensors.
Solid-State LED Technology: Utilizes high-reliability LEDs instead of traditional strobe tubes, resulting in lower power consumption, zero EMI interference, and a significantly longer service life.
2.6-Inch Mounting Base: Features a compact footprint designed for standard "small-base" beacon mounts, allowing for easy retrofit of older halogen or strobe units.
Synchronized Flashing: Capable of being synchronized with other Whelen LED anti-collision lights to provide a unified flash pattern across the aircraft.
Self-Contained Design: The power supply and control electronics are integrated into the light head, eliminating the need for a separate, heavy remote power supply box.
Moisture and Vibration Resistant: Fully "potted" and sealed to withstand the extreme vibration of turbine engines and the pressure cycles of high-altitude flight.
Technical Specifications Section
Part Number: 01-0771485-01
Model Designation: OR30IR
OEM Manufacturer: Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT)
Input Voltage: 28 VDC
Current Draw (Red): Approximately 0.75 Amps (Average)
Current Draw (IR): Approximately 0.45 Amps (Average)
Base Diameter: 2.6 Inches
Height: Approximately 3.4 Inches
Modes: Visible Red / Covert IR (Selected via cockpit switch)
Weight: 0.6 lbs (272 grams)
Certification: Typically used on military/government platforms; meets relevant environmental standards of RTCA DO-160.
Aircraft Compatibility Section
Tactical Rotary-Wing: Extensively used on utility and attack helicopters (e.g., UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache) for night operations.
Special Mission Fixed-Wing: Ideal for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft.
UAVs / Drones: High-visibility/stealth capability for large-scale unmanned platforms.
Governmental Aircraft: Utilized by border patrol and tactical law enforcement units.
Note: The 01-0771485-01 is a tactical component. Installation may be restricted to aircraft with specific mission-equipment modifications. Refer to the Aircraft Wiring Diagram to ensure the cockpit switching logic is correctly configured for mode selection.
Applications Section
Stealth Formation Flight: Allowing multiple aircraft to maintain formation in total darkness using IR beacons visible only via NVGs.
Standard Civil Airspace: Providing a standard red beacon for transit through civil corridors and during airfield ground operations.
Tactical Landing Zone Identification: Marking a landing zone that is only visible to incoming friendly forces equipped with night vision gear.
Why Choose the Whelen 01-0771485-01?
The 01-0771485-01 is a mission-essential safety and stealth component. In modern tactical environments, the ability to disappear from the visible spectrum while remaining "visible" to friendly assets is a significant force multiplier. Choosing a Whelen LED beacon over older strobe technology ensures that your aircraft has zero "warm-up" time for the IR mode and generates no high-voltage EMI that could interfere with sensitive radio or targeting equipment. Furthermore, the solid-state design means there are no bulbs to burn out mid-mission, providing the ultimate reliability for high-stakes night operations.
The technical advantage of the 01-0771485-01 lies in its Spectral Purity. The red LEDs provide a specific chromaticity that meets FAA and military visibility requirements for civil flight. Conversely, the IR LEDs operate in the near-infrared spectrum (typically 850nm to 940nm), which is perfectly aligned with the peak sensitivity of Generation III image intensifiers. This ensures that while the light is completely invisible to an observer on the ground with the naked eye, it appears as a bright, clear strobe through the pilot's goggles. The 2.6-inch base is specifically designed for a "flush-fit" on narrow vertical stabilizers, reducing aerodynamic drag compared to larger civil beacons.
Note: The 01-0771485-01 is a restricted tactical component. Installation must be performed by a certified technician. Ensure the cockpit "Mode Select" switch is clearly labeled to prevent the accidental activation of visible red light during covert operations. Use only 28V DC power as specified.
Documentation
Whelen Aerospace Installation Manual: Contains wiring pin-outs for visible and covert mode triggering.
RTCA DO-160 Section 20: Detail on Radio Frequency Susceptibility and EMI protection.