SafTGlo's photoluminescent aircraft floorpath lighting.
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The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) have approved the SafTGlo emergency floorpath evacuation system for installation in widebody longhaul aircraft. Manufacturer STG Aerospace claims that it is the only photoluminescent system to have worldwide approval for aircraft safety evacuation for all aircraft types and operation modes.
SafTGlo emits an intense glow after an initial brief charging period of exposure to ambient light. The FAA has certified the system to operate for 12 h in total darkness. STG describes photoluminescent technology as using the natural properties of materials. It is non-radioactive and non-toxic.
The company has recently been awarded a contract to supply the system to Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for its ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 regional aircraft. The contract was awarded by C&D Interiors, an equity partner in Embraer. The first aircraft to be fitted with the system will be part of the new fleet for Crossair, the regional subsidiary of Swissair.
STG was also awarded a supplier contract by a consortium of Belgian regional airlines consisting of Sabena, Virgin Express, Delta Air Transport, and Sobelair. The consortium will have its regional fleets consisting of BAE 146s and Boeing 737s retrofitted with the SafTGlo system. KLM UK also purchased the system for its regional fleet of Fokker 100 aircraft.
Stuart Birch
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Aerospace Engineering September 2000
