The Problem: Angular Velocity. Solution: Zone Strobes.
About this Event
The Atkins Relative Danger Light was invented by HW "Wild Bill" Atkins in the 1950's when the vast increases in volume and velocity of air traffic were putting the skies at at greater risk for mid-air collisions. Bill's novel ideas, and his dogged determination, created a safety device long before any other solution existed.
- 1115 Social
- 1130 Lunch
- 1200 Presentation
The decade following World War II (1945–1955) marked the "Golden Age" of aviation, characterized by a massive shift from military dominance to a burgeoning commercial industry. As the world transitioned to peace, the surplus of military technology, pilots, and infrastructure laid the groundwork for a literal explosion in civilian air travel.
Into the post war, the DC3 was dominate cruising at 180mph. Then the DC6, Lockheed Constellation, and DC-7 came into wide use . Speed and volume nearly doubled. Then by 1959, the DC-8 and B-707 were on the scene and speeds were 3x the DC-3. This coincided with a similar increase in commercial revenue miles flown.
The Problem: Angular Velocity
In aviation, the most dangerous aircraft is the one that appears stationary against the horizon or star field. This lack of relative motion indicates you are on a constant bearing, decreasing range (CBDR) course—a direct collision path.
The Solution: The Atkins Strobe Light
A high-intensity strobe light system often referred to as the "Relative Danger Light." with zonal Coding: The lights were designed to flash at specific rates based on the "zone" of the aircraft they were visible from allowing pilots to immediately assess not just the presence of another plane, but its relative danger.
This presentation will talk about the life of Bill Atkins, touching on his childhood, his time as a starter for the University of Minnesota Gopher football team, CPTP, his service in WWII, the post war and then concentrate on the development of his light, and will conclude with his later years. Along the eay we'll toss in some of his colorful antics.
Jack and Dan Atkins are Bill' 3rd & 5th sons.
The 8AF is an informal group of history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, Veterans and their allies, and others. All are welcome.
The Bloomington Event Center is right off 494 & 35W.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bloomington Event Center, 1114 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, United States
USD 0.00
