The cabin lighting solution HelioJet - the first joint development involving SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik - is taking on a new dimension.

For the first time ever, this lighting solution will be offered in color as HelioJet TCS (True Color Stabilisation). A newly developed, innovative sensor technology ensures that the colors are always emitted in a stabilized manner by controlling all of the LEDs.

HelioJet (TCS) is based on an optical light converter at the ends of which four LEDs each in the colors red, green, blue and white (RGBW) generate light. Unlike conventional LED strips, this technology allows for the individual LEDs in the lighting system to be controlled and regulated. This, in turn, eliminates the main weakness of LEDs, namely the instable way in which they render colors.

Ambient lighting in aircraft cabins. A pleasant environment is created inside passenger cabins with the help of cleverly used ambient lighting. SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik offer innovative solutions for this exact purpose. Photo: SCHOTT

The individual LEDs in RGBW generate the primary colors that are later mixed into an even color shade inside the light converter. Any desired color shade can be produced and maintained at a consistent defined color level throughout all of the HelioJet (TCS) units. Color gradients and scenarios are also possible. The unique aspect of this new technology is its innovative sensor technology. It ensures that every LED installed in the system is perfectly in tune and produces the desired color temperature extremely accurately, both inside a HelioJet (TCS) unit and with all of the light units inside the cabin. In this case, the light is subjected to online control to make sure it retains the desired setpoint value.  This play with colors can be controlled using the cabin management system “nicemood” from Lufthansa Technik, for instance. “We are confident that our product development work, including testing of HelioJet (TCS), will be completed by the end of 2013,” both Dr. Armin Plichta, Director of Transportation for SCHOTT Lighting and Imaging, and Andrew Muirhead, Director of Innovation at Lufthansa Technik AG, confirm.
		The joint development HelioJet (TCS) from SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik will now be available in color for the first time ever. A newly developed innovative sensor technology ensures that all of the colors are emitted in a stabilized manner by controlling all of the LEDs. Photos: SCHOTT

HelioJet has now been successfully qualified for installation in aircraft.  

First installation is expected in an Airbus during summer 2013. This marks yet another important milestone for the two companies on the way to officially launching HelioJet.

“Light plays an important role when it comes to creating an atmosphere on board an aircraft that makes passengers and cabin crew feel comfortable," says Dr. Plichta. "With HelioJet, we have achieved our objective of developing an innovative lighting solution that offers guests the comfort they appreciate.”

Andrew Muirhead adds that passengers are not the only ones who will benefit from this new technology: “HelioJet requires only about a fifth as many light diodes as other LED solutions. This has a positive effect on the reliability, maintenance and costs and makes our latest development attractive for all airlines.”