Supplier
Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd (Biral), now trading as Senseca UK
ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor
Runway-side ambient light sensor for RVR systems, compliant with ICAO/WMO/FAA.
Specs verified against manufacturer documentation
Field of view
6 degrees
Spectral response
420-675nm, peak 565nm
Weight
1.5kg (sensor head)
Measurement error
<10%; 60-second averaging
Pricing
Request a quote for current pricing, lead time and delivery to your airport.The ALS-2 determines background light levels in all weather conditions and is a core component of Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems, where it is typically mounted alongside the runway and deployed with a visibility meter. It is designed to comply with ICAO, WMO and FAA specifications. It also supports aviation METAR reporting and offshore helicopter operations.
From the manufacturer’s documentation
Technical specifications.
| Measurement range | 2 to 40,000 Cd/m2 (0.5 to 11,700 fL) |
| Field of view | 6 degrees |
| Spectral response | 420-675nm, peak 565nm |
| Power | 9-36V DC (2W); hood heating 12W (24V AC/DC) |
| Operating temperature | -40C to 70C (-60C to 70C with extended heating) |
| Weight | 1.5kg (sensor head) |
| Outputs | RS232/RS422 serial, optional analogue |
| Measurement error | <10%; 60-second averaging |
Best for
Use cases.
- ›Runway Visual Range (RVR) background luminance for airports
- ›Aviation meteorology and METAR reporting
- ›Offshore helicopter operations luminance assessment