On Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 8:08:49 PM UTC-7, Gerry Simpson wrote:
Does anyone have knowledge of documented studies showing the efficacy of the strobe light bars which are available to be installed in the leading edges of the vertical stabilizers on gliders? Is there anything beyond anecdotal experience to support their use to improve visibility to other aircraft beyond a minuscule amount? Has anyone had experience that they are willing to share? To what extent does an installation disrupt the laminar airflow around the vertical stabilizer?

One of the gliders I fly has the strobe light in the leading edge of fin or as Schleicher called it, "flashlight in nose of fin". This glider also has the LXNav controller so the strobe can be set to continuous, off, or only flash when there is a Flarm alert. I think the installation weight for strobe and control was about 2 kg. I have been told the strobe really stands out under cloud streets,think Whites, Inyos, the streeting in Nephi, which is where I had several tell me the strobe really added to visibility. On the ground the light is very bright. Would I purchase one, sure, but then my parachutes are less than 20 years old. Is it a must have safety device, probably not. Safety is cumulative and an attitude. Is this flash enough to keep me from hitting another glider with closing rates approaching 300 knot while running a street in the Owens Valley, the strobe gives me added visibility.