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LampElectricalUncommon

Infra-red driving light kit (IR headlamp filters and isolating switch)

Lucas · United Kingdom · 1960–1985

The Series-era night-driving fit: a dash switch that isolates every lamp on the vehicle except the headlamps (no side, tail or brake lights) so that, with infra-red filters clipped over the headlamps, the driver wearing IR goggles sees the road while the vehicle shows only a faint red glow. Reliability problems led to a March 1982 EMER instruction allowing the IR switch to be removed, and active IR gave way to passive image intensifiers.

SourcesMore electrical
PHOTOGRAPH WANTED
1960–1985MADE—PERIOD PRICEUncommonRARITY6LAND ROVER MODELS2SOURCES

Description

The Series-era night-driving fit: a dash switch that isolates every lamp on the vehicle except the headlamps (no side, tail or brake lights) so that, with infra-red filters clipped over the headlamps, the driver wearing IR goggles sees the road while the vehicle shows only a faint red glow. Reliability problems led to a March 1982 EMER instruction allowing the IR switch to be removed, and active IR gave way to passive image intensifiers.

Part of the MoD 'IR and convoy lighting' specification for GS, CL and FFR Rovers

Rarity. Fitted to FFR and many GS Series and Lightweight vehicles, but the switch was often removed under the 1982 EMER modification after contact burning and the filters were seldom issued; switches and decals survive, complete filter sets are scarce.

Record: 2 sources; designation recorded; no price recorded.

Specification

MAKERMoD FV specification (Lucas switchgear), United Kingdom
DESIGNATION / PARTIR headlamp filters, IR switch (dash) and IR/convoy switch decal 589196; EMER Wheeled Vehicles Q 027/13 modification, March 1982
MADE1960–1985
RARITYUncommon — Fitted to FFR and many GS Series and Lightweight vehicles, but the switch was often removed under the 1982 EMER modification after contact burning and the filters were seldom issued; switches and decals survive, complete filter sets are scarce.
COMPONENTSIR headlamp filters/covers, dash-mounted IR switch, IR goggles (crew equipment)
FUNCTIONisolates all lighting except headlamps
MODIFICATIONEMER Wheeled Vehicles Q 027/13 Instruction 13, March 1982
VOLTAGE24 V FFR and 12 V GS

Fitment

LAND ROVER

Series IIA 88Series IIA 109Series III 88Series III 109Lightweight101 Forward Control

OTHER MARQUES

other British Army B vehicles of the period

Part of the MoD 'IR and convoy lighting' specification for GS, CL and FFR Rovers

Sources

forum.militarylightweight.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4896emlra.org/articles/vehicles/land-rovers-gs-cl-ffrEvery source above was fetched and read when the record was made.