IFLOLS 1

Randi Hewitt, Code 6.1.1.1, with NAVAIR Depot North Island Industrial Logistics Support Competency, left, and Veridan Engineering contractors Mike Gross, Melissa Packwood, and Derek Foster. Photo by Steve Stone

IFLOLS 2

The pilot positions the aircraft so that the glide slope light ball is aligned with the reference datum bars.

IFLOLS 3

Derek Foster and Melissa Packwood provide measurements to help Foster design the system portable stand. Packwood is the project manager.

IFLOLS 4

Aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), a technical representative uses the LSO display panel to demonstrate how the system works.

Depot supporting improved landing system

Story, photos by Randi Hewitt
NAVAIR Depot North Island

CORONADO, Calif. – NAVAIR Depot North Island here is in the process of establishing overhaul and repair capability to support the Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System. This system was designed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Lakehurst, N.J., with contractor support provided by Raytheon and M&T.
The IFLOLS is an optical landing system that provides stabilized glide slope information to a pilot approaching an aircraft carrier. The effective viewing distance is approximately one nautical mile. The pilot observes a virtual image that appears as a yellow ball of light with respect to the fixed datum lights. The light ball is approximately 1/10th the height of the display and appears to move up or down in the display depending on the vertical motion of the aircraft. The pilot positions the aircraft so that the light ball is aligned with the reference datum bars. The aviator follows the glide slope until the aircraft’s hook hits a predetermined location on the deck selected by the lens operator, and as a result, optimally catches the pre-selected wire.
The Depot’s Voyage Repair Team will provide overhaul and repair for the system and the system’s removable repairable components. This effort is being accomplished using a mix of Depot employees and contract employees.
Note: Hewitt works in the Industrial Logistics Support Competency, Code 6.1.1