Landing lamps...

[PhatAJ2008]

After many years of avid airplane watching, I have noticed that newer planes seem to have less landing lights. The the 727 has a lot, and some have those that fold down on the wingtips... Just wondering why they have eliminated them?

 

[grog_sit_reserv]

I'll bet it has something to do with weight and better lamp reliability.

Just my .02

 

[wings421]

Overall, as humans, our night vision has improved considerably since the 1960's.

 

[Rebel]

Less lights, but they are brighter than the past.
Much like new light bulbs in your home vice 20 year old ones.

 

[V-STALL]

$ and technology

 

[ivauir]

In my experience the crappier the airplane the more lights they hang on it. This was pointed out to me (a long time ago) at an airbase in TX. The supersonic "white jet of envy" shone as a single point of light while the airplane built by the avaition division of the little jonny toilet seat company had more lights that the Vegas strip.

It is a weird little truism that has held out over the years. More lights = worse airplane. Check it against your own expereince ...