7 APR 2004
SureFire A2 Aviator flashlight

If someone markets a flashlight as an “illumination tool” it sounds like the epitome of marketing hype.  You can only do that if your products go way beyond the concept people have of normal flashlights.  SureFire is the name synonymous with premium power torches, a company where the military go to get the finest that money can buy in illumination tools. 

I had the pleasure of testing out one of the latest SureFire products, the A2 Aviator, a flashlight specifically designed for use in cockpits.

Even if you never have a need for such a product, let me show you what flashlight technology is all about these days and what a thrill it is to have an absolutely reliable and brilliantly designed product in your hands.

I've always had a passion for good flashlights.  That may seem strange, but living out in the country with sometimes faltering electricity supply, you need to have a flashlight at the ready all the time.  I have a big torch that can spot a kangaroo half a mile away in my paddocks but can also blind any intruder when necessary.

When SureFire was asked to develop a series of flashlights for an anti-terrorist unit that would likewise be able to blind assailants and at the same time would be small and extremely reliable, the company developed a the breed of lighting tools that were tough enough to take into the most hazardous situations. 

Nowadays, US Special Forces and Navy SEALs are the biggest users of the company's products.  They normally pay a premium for the ultimate in equipment reliability but it is surprising how affordable SureFire's products are -- whether for military or civilian use.  Mind you, the Aviator is probably the most expensive flashlight you will ever buy... 

 

 
But check out these specs and see why:

 

Two Lights in One

  • high-output Xenon spotlight for preflight inspections

  • choice of red, green or a blue auxiliary LEDs

  • long-running, night vision-safe LEDs light for cockpit tasks

 

Compact, Lightweight, Powerful

  • less than 6 inches long and weighing only 4 ounces

  • brighter than a bulky, three D-cell flashlight

  • powered by high-energy lithium batteries

 

Digital Plus Technology

  • microprocessor controlled for optimum efficiency

  • two-stage, four-position, digital switch

 

Extreme Durability

  • military specification hard-anodised aluminium

  • scratch-proof Pyrex® lens

  • lifetime guarantee

 

Battlefield Tested

  • deployed by elite forces worldwide

  • issued by SAS and the FBI

 

 
OK, let's have a look at some of these features.

If you look into the business end the A2 flashlight (please, only do this when the light is off!), you will see an incandescent lamp, surrounded by three LEDs.  This unusual arrangement allows the Aviator to burn for a full hour using the incandescent lamp at a scorching 50 lumens.  Then, when the power supply is not sufficient to keep that lamp burning, the Aviator can still run the LEDs for some 20 hours. 

To put the A2’s blinding light output in perspective: a typical 2 D-cell flashlight will produce less than 20 lumens. Even the three LEDs, which are rated at 3 lumens, are too bright to look at.

 

Power source for this illumination feat are two 3-volt lithium batteries.

SureFire can supply these batteries at a very accommodating $1.25 each. They are normally three times as much. Lithium batteries have a shelf life of about 10 years.

The longevity of the incandescent lamp comes from giving the light a soft start, avoiding the potentially damaging voltage spike that can occur in unregulated lights.

The onboard programmed microprocessor also provides a consistent level of light output and colour temperature (no “fade-to-yellow” here).

 

For night flying the LEDs must be red but other colours, like red green or blue, are also available.  To avoid switching on the very bright white lamp inadvertently, the four-position switching mechanism allows you to block the incandescent lamp.  Switching may be done by turning the tail-cap switch or by depressing the switch on the end.

As you can tell from the photos, the Aviator comes with a very secure belt clip and has an absolutely no-slip grip.

 

 
How does the Aviator test out in daily use?

I was on early-morning charter flight, where I had to pre-flight the aircraft way before dawn.  It was incredibly handy to be able to choose between the very bright light for outside inspections and the softer glow of the three red LEDs for doing cockpit work.

I will carry the light with me all the time, even on daytime-only flights for 2 reasons: ever looked in the darkest recesses of an aircraft during the day? You need a torch. Secondly, if in an emergency you need to draw attention to yourself, I guarantee, this light will be seen for miles around and will be invaluable in a survival situation.

 

Verdict

Yes, the price (USD 185 for this particular model) may not make this an impulse buy but aviators simply cannot afford not to have the best in equipment. I have survival gear that I hope I never have to use. The A2 Aviator is a piece of kit I will always use. Highly recommended!

I have found no negative issues with the A2 but the use of lithium batteries means that you’d be wise to invest in a couple of spare ones for your flight bag. They are not as universally available as D-cells or AA batteries.

 

More info on SureFire’s incredible range: www.surefire.com Pricing for some models start at a low $34 and they have dealers in most countries.

While you’re there, have a read of the true life stories!

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