What is a reflector?
A shaped mirror surface that gathers light from the source and aims it forward as a beam.
A reflector is a shaped mirror surface behind or around the light source. It gathers light that would otherwise go sideways or backwards and sends it forward into the beam, so more of the light reaches the pilot.
1The shape sets the beam
A parabolic reflector, with the source at its focus, sends the light out as a narrow, forward beam. Other shapes spread or aim the light differently. The source must sit where the design expects, or the beam spreads, skews or loses intensity.
2The surface does the work
The surface is polished or coated to reflect as much light as possible, and it is protected by the sealed optical chamber. How much light comes out depends on the condition of that surface. Many LED fixtures shape the beam with lenses or other optics instead, so not every fixture has a reflector.
3Keep it clean, dry and in place
The usual faults are tarnish, dirt, moisture, damage and a source out of position. Moisture usually means a failed seal, so look at the seal as well as the surface. The surface is easily damaged, so clean or handle it only as the manufacturer allows, and test the light output afterwards.
| Part | What it does | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Sets beam spread and direction | Damage or warping changes the beam |
| Surface | Reflects the light | Tarnish or dirt cuts the output |
| Source position | Sits at the designed point | Off focus spreads or skews the beam |
| Seal | Keeps moisture off the surface | Water spoils the coating |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is a reflector in an airfield light fixture?
A reflector is a shaped, polished or coated surface placed behind or around the light source. It gathers light that would otherwise go sideways or backwards and sends it forward into the beam, so more of the light reaches the pilot.
Q2Do all airfield light fixtures use a reflector?
No. Fixtures built around a lamp commonly use a reflector, either as part of the lamp or as a separate part of the optical chamber. Many LED fixtures use lenses or other optics to shape the beam instead, so check the product design.
Q3Why does the position of the light source matter?
The reflector shape is designed for the source to sit at a particular point, such as the focus of a parabolic surface. If the source is out of position, the light no longer leaves in the intended direction and the beam spreads, skews or loses intensity.
Q4What happens when a reflector deteriorates?
A tarnished, dirty, damaged or warped surface reflects less light and scatters what it does reflect, so the beam gets dimmer and its shape can change. Moisture that has entered through a failed seal is a common cause of a spoiled surface.
Q5How should a reflector be checked or cleaned?
Only as the manufacturer's instructions allow. The surface is often easily damaged, so do not use abrasive cloths or harsh cleaners on it, and do not open a sealed optical chamber outside a controlled procedure. Check the surface condition, the source position and the seal, and test the light output afterwards.
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