Grote Industries First On Duty With Three New MRAP Interior LED Lamps

MADISON, Indiana, USA (Dec. 12, 2007) — When delivery of new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs) to Iraq became Pentagon priority one, Grote Industries was ready with three, new, tactical light emitting diode (LED) interior lamps, designed, tested —  and in the case of one groundbreaking new lamp — manufactured and ready to ship.

     The vehicle safety systems and performance lighting leader is the only US lighting company to have already met a completely new Pentagon specification for blue/white combination interior lighting. Grote's solution is a single, LED lamp that automatically switches from standard service white light to tactical mode blue light, the moment the vehicle's door opens.

     Grote also is supplying similar white/red LED lighting in another single, interior dome lamp for MRAPs made by leading military tactical vehicle manufacturers. By innovating new technology LEDs, Grote was able to integrate both light functions into a single lamp system. The result is a lamp that saves interior space, lowers initial manufacturing acquisition and repair costs, minimizes inventory requirements and simplifies maintenance.

     Both tactical illumination modes, red and blue, are employed to make personnel less visible upon exiting the interior of a vehicle, as well as complement the effectiveness of night vision equipment.

     The lamp's only replacement part is a hardened lens, easily replaced in the field by simply removing a pair of screws. Drawing 90-percent fewer amps than dimmer, more fragile incandescent lamps, the shock and vibration-resistant LED alternative preserves more power for other vehicle functions. The LED lamps are also rated to last 10 times longer (approximately 50,000 hours) than existing incandescent lamps.

     Finally, like Grote's Retrofit LED Kit for HMMWVs (High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles), the new MRAP tactical interior lamps electronic circuit design has eliminated the threat of detectable lamp electromagnetic interference (EMI), a telltale signal an enemy can detect and use to locate personnel and equipment.

     "Grote Industries is the only company to offer a single lamp combination, interior LED solution, as well as one that eliminates detectable lamp EMI. Grote was also the first to market a white/blue combination lighting product required in the field by the Pentagon," noted Matthew Drake, manager —  military products.

     "And, we're continuing to develop new Performance LED Military Products that help personnel function more safely and effectively in the field," Drake added.

     As an example of its continuing development efforts, Grote has also unveiled, a new LED map light with an intense, state-of-the-art diode that makes it fully 50-percent brighter than any comparable lamp available. The lamp's dual voltage operation (14 volts or 28 volts) makes it compatible with a variety of systems. Rated for the long haul, Grote's new LED map lamp can last for up to 50,000 hours.

     Featuring standard military connectors and fasteners, the lamp's electronics are fully cushioned, insulated and protected from vibration and moisture, with Grote's specially formulated, high-tech potting. Like the other tactical interior lamps, the LED map light is engineered to be battle-ready, by eliminating detectable lamp EMI.

     Grote Industries is a QS-9000, TS16949 and ISO 14001 certified company. The leading manufacturer and marketer of vehicle safety systems products, Grote Industries makes LED, fluorescent and incandescent lamps, mirrors, wiring systems, turn signal switches, connection accessories and reflective accessories. For more than 105 years, Grote has provided state-of-art solutions for OEM and after-market customers worldwide. Headquartered in Madison, Indiana, USA, Grote also maintains locations in Canada and Mexico, and operations in Europe and Asia.

Performance LED is a trademark of Grote Industries. 

High Resolution Images:

Military Interior LED

HMMWV Retrofit Kit

LED Map Light

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