A627 (Superseded by 02-0370338-00) – Textron Aviation Strobe Light Flash Tube Assembly
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The A627 is the original Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft) OEM part number for the high-intensity flash tube assembly used in aircraft anti-collision strobe light systems. Note to operators and technicians: This part number has been superseded to the current Textron OEM part number 02-0370338-00. This component is the heart of the strobe light, responsible for generating the brilliant, brief pulses of white light that make the aircraft highly visible, especially in low light conditions, haze, or IMC. Its function is absolutely essential for collision avoidance and overall flight safety.
The flash tube is a gas-discharge lamp, typically filled with Xenon gas, housed within a precisely shaped quartz or hard glass envelope. It is designed to handle the extremely high voltage and current pulses delivered by the strobe power supply (exciter). When triggered, the gas inside the tube ionizes, creating a plasma arc that emits an intense burst of broadband light. As a life-limited component subject to degradation over time, using the correct, current OEM part is crucial for maintaining the required light intensity and reliability of the anti-collision system.
Key Features
Genuine Textron Aviation OEM Part (Superseded): Originally specified by the airframe manufacturer, now replaced by the current certified part.
High-Intensity Xenon Gas Discharge: Produces the extremely bright, white flash required for effective anti-collision lighting, meeting regulatory intensity standards.
Precision Quartz/Glass Envelope: Engineered to withstand the thermal shock and high internal pressures generated during the discharge cycle.
Long Service Life Design: Designed for thousands of flash cycles under demanding operating conditions (actual life varies).
Critical Component of Anti-Collision System: Essential for aircraft conspicuity and compliance with airworthiness regulations.
Technical Specifications
Original Part Number: A627
Superseded By / Current Part Number: 02-0370338-00
Component Type: Strobe Light Flash Tube Assembly
OEM Manufacturer: Textron Aviation (sourced from specialized lighting manufacturer).
Gas Type: Xenon (Xe).
Envelope Material: High-Temperature Quartz or Hard Glass.
Electrical Interface: Specific high-voltage connectors designed to mate with the strobe power supply.
Expected Life: Life-limited component, replacement based on hours of operation, flash count, or diminished light output as specified by the maintenance manual.
Aircraft Compatibility
The A627 flash tube and its superseding part number 02-0370338-00 are used in the wingtip and/or tail strobe light assemblies on a wide range of Textron Aviation aircraft, including both Cessna and Beechcraft models. Applicability ranges from single-engine piston aircraft to turboprops and business jets.
Crucial Note: The specific aircraft model and serial number, as well as the strobe light assembly part number, must be checked against the latest revision of the official Textron Aviation Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) to ensure correct part number applicability.
Applications
Wingtip Anti-Collision Strobe Lights
Tail Cone Anti-Collision Strobe Light
Integral part of the aircraft's high-intensity lighting system for conspicuity.
Why Choose 02-0370338-00?
While your maintenance documents may reference the legacy A627 part number, ordering the current 02-0370338-00 ensures you receive the latest production revision from Textron, potentially incorporating improved materials or manufacturing processes. The anti-collision strobe system is a primary safety feature. Using a non-certified flash tube risks incorrect light intensity (failing to meet regulatory requirements), improper triggering characteristics (potentially damaging the power supply), or premature failure. The genuine OEM part is the only way to guarantee the certified performance, reliability, and safety required for this critical lighting component.
The operation of the 02-0370338-00 flash tube relies on the principles of high-voltage gas discharge physics. The strobe power supply charges a large capacitor to several hundred volts DC. To initiate the flash, a very high voltage pulse (thousands of volts), typically generated by a trigger transformer circuit, is applied to an external trigger electrode wrapped around or adjacent to the flash tube envelope. This trigger pulse creates a brief, high-intensity electric field that ionizes a small stream of the Xenon gas within the tube along the inner surface of the envelope. This ionized path dramatically lowers the electrical resistance between the tube's main anode and cathode. The main energy storage capacitor then rapidly discharges its stored energy—often hundreds of amperes for microseconds—through this low-resistance plasma channel. The intense current flow excites the Xenon atoms, causing them to emit a brilliant burst of broadband electromagnetic radiation, peaking strongly in the visible spectrum (appearing white) but also containing significant ultraviolet and infrared components. The precise shape and pressure of the Xenon fill gas, along with the geometry of the electrodes and envelope, are engineered to optimize this light output for intensity and spectral characteristics suitable for anti-collision purposes.
Note: This is a flight-critical, life-limited component that operates at extremely high voltages (several hundred volts DC, with trigger pulses in the kilovolt range). It poses a SEVERE electrical shock hazard. All maintenance on strobe light systems must be performed by a certified A&P or avionics technician with the power supply completely de-energized and capacitors safely discharged. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions may be necessary. Replacement intervals must be adhered to in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual.
Documentation
The definitive part number applicability and all installation procedures are detailed in the applicable Textron Aviation Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Maintenance Manual, and Wiring Diagram Manual for the specific aircraft model and serial number.