UFC 3-535-01
17 November 2005
The airfield rotating beacon and the identification beacon equipment must be as shown
in paragraph 13-12. The identification beacon must be provided with a keyer to flash the
assigned identification code. The identification beacon is for Air Force only.
10-1.7
Power Requirements
The electrical power requirement for the beacons is 120 volts. The source of power may
be from the airfield lighting vault or from a local source that is continuously available. If
the distance from the power source is long and the line voltage drop is large,
transmission of power at a higher voltage and step-down to 120 volts at the site may be
desirable. The step-down transformer should be rated at not less than 3 KVA for the
rotating beacon or 2 KVA for the identification beacon. Emergency power is not required
for the airport beacons, but should be used if it is available.
10-1.8
Control Requirements
The controls for the airport beacons are only those required to energize and switch off
the beacon and its drive motor or keyer. Preferably, these beacons should be controlled
remotely from the lighting control panel in the control tower or the airfield lighting vault.
Control may be furnished by an automatic photoelectric switch or a clock-driven timer.
10-1.9
Monitoring Requirements
There is no requirement for monitoring.
10-1.10
Compliance with International Military Standards
There are no International Military Standards for airport beacons.
10-2
WIND INDICATORS (CONES)
10-2.1
Purpose
Wind cones are installed near landing surfaces to provide a clear indication of the
direction of the surface wind and a general indication of wind speed. Wind cones are
lighted for night operation. The Air Force base/wing commander sets wind cone
requirements with approval from the major command. For Army facilities the aviation
community determines the required size of the wind cone.
10-2.2
Siting Requirements
Locate wind cones not less than 120 meters (400 feet) from the runway centerline and
in a location free from the effects of air disturbances caused by nearby objects. If a wind
cone is more than 8.3 meters (27 feet) above ground elevation a waiver to UFC 3-260-
01 is required.
10-2.3
Wind Cone Configuration
10-2.3.1
The wind cones must be in the form of a truncated cone made of fabric.
They must have a length of not less than 2.4 meters (8 feet) and a diameter at the
larger end of not less than 0.45 meters (18 inches). They must be constructed so it
gives a clear indication of the direction of the surface wind and a general indication of
the wind speed. Wind cones must extend fully in a fifteen knot wind.
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