Case Study: AES delivers comprehensive runway and taxiway lighting upgrade to Brandenburg’s emerging aviation hub
Airport Equipment Solutions-AES successfully completed a major airfield lighting modernization project at Cottbus-Neuhausen Airport in 2024, supplying a complete suite of LED elevated lighting systems and control equipment. This installation represents a significant milestone in the airport’s infrastructure development and demonstrates AES’s capability to deliver turnkey lighting solutions across European aviation facilities.
About Cottbus-Neuhausen Airfield
Located in Brandenburg, Germany, approximately 125 kilometers southeast of Berlin, Cottbus-Neuhausen Airfield (formerly Cottbus-Drewitz Airport) has emerged as an important regional aviation facility. The airport serves both general aviation and commercial operations, playing a crucial role in the economic development of the Lausitz region.
Originally established as a military airfield, Cottbus-Neuhausen has undergone significant transformation in recent years to meet modern civil aviation standards. The facility features a main runway capable of handling various aircraft types and has positioned itself as a strategic location for flight training, cargo operations, and regional connectivity.
As part of its modernization program, the airport authority recognized the need to upgrade its airfield lighting infrastructure to meet current ICAO standards and enhance operational safety for night and low-visibility operations. This is where AES’s expertise came into play.
Project Scope: Comprehensive LED Lighting Solution
The 2024 project encompassed a complete airfield lighting system, replacing legacy technology with state-of-the-art LED elevated lighting fixtures designed for superior performance, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability.
LED Elevated Runway Edge Lights
The backbone of the runway lighting system, AES LED elevated runway edge lights provide clear visual guidance along the full length of the runway. These lights offer:
- Enhanced visibility in all weather conditions
- Uniform light distribution for precise runway definition
- Superior color consistency meeting ICAO white light requirements
- Elevated mounting for protection against snow, debris, and ground equipment
- Robust construction withstanding aircraft operations and harsh weather
The elevated design ensures lights remain visible even during winter operations when snow accumulation can obscure surface-mounted fixtures.
LED Elevated Runway End Lights
Marking the runway extremities, LED runway end lights are critical for pilots to identify the runway termination point during approach and landing. Our supplied systems feature:
- High-intensity red LEDs visible from extended distances
- Wide beam angle for optimal visibility from various approach angles
- Instant illumination with no warm-up time required
- Long lifespan reducing maintenance interventions
- ICAO Annex 14 compliance for international operations
LED Elevated Runway Threshold Lights
Runway threshold lights define the beginning of the runway available for landing. The AES LED threshold lighting system provides:
- Unidirectional green light indicating runway threshold from approach direction
- Wing bar configuration for clear threshold identification
- Precision optical design ensuring correct light distribution
- Weather-resistant construction maintaining performance in all conditions
- Energy-efficient operation significantly reducing power consumption compared to halogen systems
LED Elevated Taxiway Edge Lights
Safe ground movement operations require clear taxiway demarcation. The AES LED taxiway edge lights delivered to Cottbus-Neuhausen offer:
- Blue light emission per ICAO taxiway marking standards
- Elevated mounting preventing damage from aircraft or ground vehicles
- Omnidirectional light distribution for visibility from all angles
- Low power consumption reducing operational costs
- Maintenance-free LED technology minimizing downtime
LED Elevated Runway Guard Lights
A critical safety feature, runway guard lights alert pilots and vehicle operators when approaching an active runway. The installed system includes:
- Flashing yellow light configuration providing unmistakable warning
- Strategic placement at taxiway-runway intersections
- High-visibility LED technology ensuring attention capture
- Synchronized flashing pattern meeting safety requirements
- Fail-safe operation with redundancy features
These lights significantly reduce runway incursion risk, a top priority in modern airport operations.
LED Taxiway Guidance Signs
Navigation clarity is essential for safe and efficient ground operations. The AES LED taxiway guidance signs supplied feature:
- Internally illuminated LED panels providing clear, readable information
- Customizable messaging for runway designations, directional guidance, and mandatory instructions
- High contrast red-on-black and yellow-on-black configurations
- Vandal-resistant construction with impact-resistant materials
- Low maintenance requirements thanks to long-life LED technology
- ICAO compliance for sign design, colors, and messaging standards
The sign system enables pilots to navigate the airport surface confidently, even during low-visibility conditions.
AES Constant Current Regulators (CCRs)
The heart of any airfield lighting system is its power control infrastructure. AES Constant Current Regulators (CCRs) ensure reliable, consistent lighting performance:
Key CCR Features:
- Precise current regulation maintaining constant light output regardless of circuit length or voltage variations
- Multiple brightness steps allowing operators to adjust intensity based on visibility conditions
- Built-in monitoring and diagnostics for proactive maintenance
- Redundancy options ensuring continuous operation
- Energy-efficient design optimizing power usage
- Remote control compatibility for centralized lighting management
- Circuit isolation protecting against cascade failures
The CCRs supplied to Cottbus-Neuhausen provide the airport with full control over lighting intensity, enabling compliance with operational procedures while minimizing energy consumption during periods requiring lower intensity settings.
Compliance and Certification
All equipment supplied by AES for the Cottbus-Neuhausen project meets or exceeds:
- ICAO Annex 14 – Aerodrome Design and Operations
- ICAO Doc 9157 – Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 4 (Visual Aids)
- EASA Certification Standards for European aviation operations
- EN Standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety
This ensures the airport maintains full compliance with international aviation regulations and can support operations by aircraft from any nation.
Contact AES for Your LED Airfield Lighting Project
Whether you’re planning a complete airfield lighting modernization like Cottbus-Neuhausen or need specific components for maintenance and upgrades, AES has the expertise and product range to support your requirements.
Let’s discuss your airport lighting needs:
📧 Email: aes@aes-europe.com
📞 Phone: +00376 665572
🌐 Website: www.aes-europe.com
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