EL Panels for Helicopter/Aircraft Instrument Consoles
These EL panels were developed for an Indian helicopter as a Technology Demonstrator locally, as an alternative to expensive imported ones with very little support from suppliers. The technology was successfuly demonstrated.

Background

Pilots flying helicopter in the night, one of the challenging things is to maintain their night vision in good condition for a safe flight. EL Panels (Electro-Luminescent Panels) are put up for entire Helicopter's instrument panel that includes everything from ignition switch to armament systems which glows in a uniform manner with a light green halo, so the pilot's night vision is not affected. If required, they can even be switched off or dimmed inside the cockpit.
Video of the Electro Luminescent Panel Working!


Panel under ambient sunlight conditions

A small Illuminated Electroluminescent Panel prototype

One of the complex EL Panels made locally by us

Assembly of the EL Panel with various layers in between

Product and Technology Description

Electroluminescent panels provides uniform and mild illumination of a particular wavelength (green) which does not affect the pilot's night vision in the process. An on-board EL Panel dimmer unit can even control the illumination levels of these EL Panels. A typical helicopter can have upto 10-15 EL Panels.

This old phosphor based system works on a 115V, 400Hz or higher frequency AC supply to illuminate the panel. The dim halo of the illumination ensures optimal view of the complex control panels, while not affecting the night vision of the military helicopter/aircraft pilots. Newer EL Panels can also be built using LED Light technology.

How it was built?

Click on left/right buttons to scroll through the pictures and description to see how it was built!