?unique=f73770f)
68-4270569-52 – Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT) Red Navigation Lens
Available now through the AirParts Aero marketplace.
Overview Section
The Whelen 68-4270569-52 is a high-optical-grade Red Navigation Lens specifically engineered for the Cessna Citation Jet series. This lens serves as the protective and color-filtering cover for the left-hand (port) wingtip navigation light assembly.
Manufactured by Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT), the industry leader in aircraft lighting, this lens is constructed from a specialized, high-impact polycarbonate that is UV-stabilized. It is designed to withstand the extreme environmental rigors of high-altitude flight—including rapid temperature shifts, intense UV radiation, and high-velocity airflow—while maintaining the precise chromaticity required by FAA/EASA anti-collision and position light regulations.
This lens is part of the 90044 series anti-collision lighting system, ensuring optimal visibility and safety.
Key Features Section
Aviation Red Chromaticity: Engineered to filter light to the exact wavelength required by FAR Part 25 for position lights, ensuring maximum visibility and legal compliance.
UV-Stabilized Polycarbonate: Specifically formulated to resist "yellowing," "crazing," or becoming brittle despite constant exposure to high-intensity solar radiation at jet altitudes.
High-Impact Resistance: Designed to protect the internal strobe and position light bulbs from bird strikes, hail, and runway debris.
Precision Contoured Fit: Molded to the aerodynamic profile of the Citation wingtip to minimize drag and ensure a moisture-tight seal against the light housing.
Optically Clear Finish: The interior and exterior surfaces are polished to a high luster to ensure maximum light transmission and "sparkle," enhancing aircraft conspicuity.
Direct OEM Replacement: Designed for seamless installation on Cessna Citation airframes, utilizing the original mounting hardware and gaskets.
Technical Specifications Section
| Specification | Detail |
| Part Number | 68-4270569-52 |
| Manufacturer | Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT) |
| Color | Aviation Red (Left/Port Side) |
| Material | High-Impact UV-Resistant Polycarbonate |
| Application | Wingtip Navigation / Position Light |
| Compatibility | Cessna Citation Series (Multiple Models) |
| Standard | TSO-C30c Approved |
Aircraft Compatibility Section
The 68-4270569-52 is a primary exterior lighting component for the following Textron/Cessna airframes:
Cessna Citation Jet (CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, CJ4): The standard red lens for the 525 series wingtip assemblies.
Cessna Citation Bravo / Encore / Ultra: Frequently utilized in the 550 and 560 series lighting configurations.
Cessna Citation Mustang (510): Compatible with specific wingtip lighting pod installations.
Cessna Citation Sovereign / Latitude: Used in secondary navigation light positions depending on the lighting package.
Technical Applications & Safety
Navigation lenses are critical for "See and Avoid" safety. The red lens identifies the left side of the aircraft to other pilots, helping them determine the aircraft's direction of flight at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Safety Warning: Inspect for "Crazing" and Cracks. Small spider-web cracks (crazing) in the lens act as prisms, scattering the light and reducing the effective range of the navigation lamp. Furthermore, a cracked lens can allow moisture to enter the high-voltage strobe power supply area, leading to a "short" that can destroy the expensive strobe tube or the power supply itself. Always replace the lens gasket when the lens is removed to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Technical Engineering Insight
The engineering value of the 68-4270569-52 lies in its Thermal Expansion Coefficient and Refractive Index. At cruise altitudes of FL450, temperatures can drop to $-65^{\circ}\text{C}$, while the internal navigation and strobe bulbs generate significant localized heat. Whelen’s polycarbonate blend is designed to expand and contract without cracking at the mounting screw points. Additionally, the lens thickness is precision-controlled to ensure the Photometric Distribution (the angle at which light is visible) meets FAA requirements, preventing "blind spots" in the aircraft's light signature.
Installation & Maintenance Addendum
Fastener Torque: Use extreme caution when tightening the mounting screws. Over-tightening is the #1 cause of cracked lenses. Use a "snug" fit and ensure the nylon washers are in place to distribute the pressure.
Cleaning: Use only approved aircraft acrylic/polycarbonate cleaners (like Plexus or Novus). Never use Windex or ammonia-based cleaners, as they will cause immediate chemical crazing and permanent fogging of the 68-4270569-52 lens.
Gasket Seating: Ensure the rubber gasket is supple and correctly seated in the housing channel. If the gasket is compressed or brittle, water will migrate into the wingtip, leading to electrical corrosion.
