Use of Recognition Lights

[Skittles]

Hey All,

   I've been in the Navy for 17yrs, stationed on a carrier for six years.  While on the carrier, waiting in line to eat, smoke, get a hair cut... I had plenty of time to look closely at the aircraft, particularly the F/A-18Cs and S-3Bs. There were some odd strips of plastic on the sides.  I asked a pilot about it one time, and he answered saying they are used for aircraft recognition.  Especially for flying close together at night, so the pilots would know the orientation of the other aircraft.
   I experimented with replicating that on the aircraft I'm using to learn with. I used a very thin strip of polygon and streched it along the side going forward to aft and colored it pale blue.  I then tagged it with the condition of the Recog lights being on.
   It worked fine.  I then added more strips to the tail and wings.  Perfect!  And better yet, while I'm in the "spot" view, using gradual transition, flying at night I get a perfect profile of my aircraft. Even with all the Nav lights turned off. I can even land accurately.

   Why doesn't anyone use this in their models? It's not hard, only adds 12 polygons and has a great effect.

Skittles

[Felix/FFDS]

1. Not all aircraft have them - basically, these are military aircraft.  I've seen them on some F/A-18 models.

2. Also, are you using them in spot view to orient yourself on the model in night flying?

Interesting solution!

[Firestriker]

My first experience with them was when I was making a Fairchild C119. Had a conversation with a fellow that worked with them for quite some time and he told me about the recon lights but he called them formation lights. The lights on this aircraft had 3 states besides off. On-Dim, On-Bright and Flashing.



Lou

[Skittles]

   I would agree that the names recognition and formation are interchangeable.  The only one's I've seen were strips, not individual bulbs and I didn't know they can flash. Cool, more options.

Skittles