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4552 – Textron Aviation OEM Sealed Beam Landing Light
Part Number: 4552 (MS25242-4552)
Manufacturer: Textron Aviation / GE Lighting
Military Specification: MS25242-4552
Common Synonyms: 28V 250W PAR64 Landing Light, Very Narrow Spot (VNS) Lamp
Overview Section
The 4552 is a heavy-duty, high-intensity incandescent sealed beam landing light designed for the specific electrical and structural requirements of turbine-powered aircraft. Featuring the large PAR64 (8-inch diameter) form factor, this lamp is engineered to provide a Very Narrow Spot (VNS) beam, capable of projecting intense light over long distances to assist pilots during nighttime approaches and high-speed taxiing.
While many smaller aircraft use the PAR36 or PAR46 sizes, the 4552’s massive 8-inch reflector allows it to generate a staggering 500,000 candlepower. This makes it the primary choice for larger Textron platforms, such as the Cessna Citation and Beechcraft King Air 350, where maximum runway illumination is required from high altitudes or at high approach speeds.
Enhanced Technical Data
| Technical Metric | Specification Data |
| Design Voltage | 28.0 Volts |
| Wattage | 250 Watts |
| Beam Type | Very Narrow Spot (VNS) |
| Center Beam Candlepower (CBCP) | 500,000 CD |
| Beam Spread (Horizontal) | 7° |
| Beam Spread (Vertical) | 8° |
| Average Rated Life | 25 Hours (at design voltage) |
| Base Type | G53 Screw Terminals |
| Bulb Shape | PAR64 (8.00 in / 203.2 mm Diameter) |
| Filament Type | CC-8 (Shielded for precision) |
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL)8 | 3.75 in (95.2 mm) |
Advanced Engineering & Structural Application
The 4552 is engineered for Extreme Photometric Reach. Because it is an incandescent lamp running at 250 watts, it generates significant thermal energy, which is why it is housed in a large 8-inch PAR64 envelope to help dissipate heat.
Engineering Insight: The "Spot" vs. "Flood" Distinction
Unlike taxi lights (such as the Q4681) which provide a wide flood of light for ground maneuvers, the 4552 is a Very Narrow Spot lamp. Its 7° x 8° beam spread is designed to stay tightly focused. This precision is achieved through the CC-8 filament, which is shielded to prevent "stray light" from reflecting back into the cockpit during heavy precipitation or fog, ensuring the pilot's night vision is preserved while the runway environment is brightly illuminated.
Sealed Beam Integrity
The "Sealed Beam" construction integrates the parabolic reflector and the heavy-duty borosilicate glass lens into a single, hermetically sealed unit. This prevents the reflector from tarnishing due to humidity or salt spray and protects the filament from the violent vibrations typical of landing gear extension and touchdown.
Aircraft Compatibility
The 4552 is the standard-fit landing light for heavy-duty 28V systems:
Cessna Citation Series: Primary landing light located in the wing-root or nose-gear fairing.
Beechcraft King Air 200/300/350: High-intensity illumination for business turboprop operations.
Military Transport: Compatible with various C-130 Hercules and regional transport lighting configurations.
Specialized Use: Often wired in a "series" configuration for stage lighting (ACL) due to its intense narrow beam.
The Textron 4552 is the definitive heavy-duty landing light for operators of high-performance turboprops and jets. When safety depends on seeing the runway from miles away, the 500,000-candlepower output of this 250-watt PAR64 lamp provides the penetrating reach required for safe night flight operations.18 Engineered to meet rigorous military specifications (MS25242-4552), the 4552 delivers the structural durability to withstand thousands of landings while providing the optical precision of a shielded CC-8 filament.19 Ensure your airframe is equipped with the maximum illumination specified by the manufacturer.
Installation & Maintenance Addendum
Life Expectancy Note: The 4552 has a rated life of 25 hours.20 Because it is an extremely high-output incandescent, it is designed for short-duration use during takeoff and landing. Leaving this lamp on during long taxi periods will significantly shorten its life.
Terminal Care: Ensure screw terminals are clean and free of oxidation. Use high-temperature nickel-plated ring terminals to prevent wire insulation melting due to the 250-watt thermal output.
Lens Alignment: The PAR64 lens features an orientation notch. Correct alignment is critical to ensure the 7° narrow spot is aimed directly down the runway centerline.
