S1899-2 – Textron Aviation OEM Lamar Light Illuminator Assembly
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Overview Section
The Textron Aviation S1899-2 (often associated with older Cessna part number series S1899) is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Light Illuminator Assembly designed for use within the cockpit or cabin of various Textron Aviation (Cessna) aircraft. This component is typically a small, dedicated light fixture, often referred to as a Post Light or Instrument Flood Light, whose primary function is to provide reliable, localized illumination for critical flight instruments, control panels, or specific areas of the cockpit. The assembly usually contains a low-wattage incandescent filament bulb (though it may be superseded by an LED version) housed within a fixture that controls the light direction and intensity.
Known generically as a Lamar Light in some maintenance circles (referencing a common supplier or a variant of this lighting technology), the S1899-2 must adhere to strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) visibility standards. Its design ensures that the light source does not interfere with the pilot's night vision adaptation while providing sufficient illumination for safe operation.
Key Features Section
Instrument Illumination: Specifically designed to flood instruments or panels with light, ensuring readability during night or low-light flight conditions.
OEM Quality and Fit: Guarantees perfect mechanical fitment and electrical compatibility with the original aircraft wiring and mounting points on the instrument panel or airframe structure.
Low Wattage Output: Typically utilizes a small, low-voltage filament lamp (or equivalent LED) to minimize power draw and heat generation in the cockpit.
Controlled Light Dispersion: The housing and lens assembly are designed to focus the light where needed and prevent unwanted light bleed or glare into the pilot’s field of view.
Serviceable Design: Often designed to allow for easy replacement of the bulb/filament assembly from the front of the panel, minimizing maintenance downtime.
Robust Housing: Enclosed in a durable, lightweight housing material (often aluminum or high-grade plastic) to withstand cockpit environmental factors.
Technical Specifications Section
Part Number: S1899-2
Component Type: Light Assembly / Illuminator / Post Light
OEM Manufacturer: Textron Aviation (Cessna)
Lamp Type: Incandescent Filament or equivalent LED conversion (Check current revision for status)
Voltage Rating: 14 VDC or 28 VDC (Must be confirmed by the aircraft model’s electrical system)
Current Draw: Low, typically measured in milliamps (mA) or fractional amps.
Mounting: Screw or clip-in mounting to instrument post or panel structure.
Application: Cockpit or Cabin Interior Illumination (Non-Anti-Collision/Nav Light).
Governing Specifications: Certified under FAA-PMA/OEM standards for Textron Aviation light systems.
Aircraft Compatibility Section
Cessna Single-Engine Piston Aircraft: Commonly found in instrument panels of various Cessna 100, 200, and potentially 300 series models (e.g., Cessna 172, 182, 210, 337).
Cessna Turbine Aircraft: May be used in older Citation models for auxiliary cockpit lighting, depending on the specific model and serial number block.
Note: Lighting assemblies frequently have many dash-number variations (e.g., S1899-1, S1899-3, etc.) corresponding to different light intensities, lens colors, or mounting configurations. The aircraft’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is the final authority for verifying the exact part number for the required location.
Applications Section
Instrument Panel Flood Lighting: Providing ambient light for the main flight instrument cluster.
Circuit Breaker Panel Illumination: Lighting the circuit breaker panel for emergency or procedural troubleshooting.
Map and Chart Illumination: Used as a flexible or adjustable light for reading approach charts or navigation materials.
Why Choose the S1899-2?
The S1899-2 is an essential safety component that directly impacts the pilot’s ability to safely operate the aircraft at night. Using an uncertified or improperly spec'd light assembly can lead to: 1) Excessive glare, causing temporary blindness or loss of night vision adaptation; 2) Inadequate illumination, rendering instruments unreadable; or 3) Electrical failure, potentially overloading a small lighting bus. The OEM-certified S1899-2 is specifically designed to work within the cockpit’s complex lighting ecosystem, ensuring that the light output, spectral content, and power draw are safe and compliant with FAA regulations for low-light cockpit operation.
In the avionics environment, the performance of the S1899-2 assembly is judged not just by how brightly it shines, but by how effectively it manages chromatic adaptation and scatter. During night flight, a pilot's eyes are adapted to the dark, and any light that is too bright or the wrong wavelength (e.g., excessive blue light) can instantly destroy their sensitivity. This light assembly is designed with internal baffling and lens geometry to minimize scattered light within the cockpit, ensuring the pilot can transition their gaze smoothly between the instruments and the dark external environment without loss of visual acuity. The correct functioning of this simple light is a critical factor in maintaining the required balance for safe night flight operations.
Note: The S1899-2 is a safety-critical component. Before installation, the supply voltage (14V or 28V) of the aircraft electrical bus must be confirmed to prevent immediate burnout of the lamp element. Installation should be performed by a certified A&P or avionics technician using the correct wire gauge and grounding procedure.
Documentation
Textron Aviation (Cessna) Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC): Required for definitive part number verification by aircraft model and location.
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM): Required for the specific wiring diagram and voltage requirements for the lighting bus.