202331 - Flashtube Strobe Lamp

202331 – Xenon Strobe Flashtube Lamp for Cessna Aircraft

Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.

Overview

The 202331 is a direct-replacement, high-intensity xenon flashtube lamp for the anti-collision strobe light systems found on a wide range of popular Cessna piston aircraft. This component is the light-producing heart of a traditional, high-voltage strobe system, designed to generate the brilliant, instantaneous white flash essential for aircraft visibility and safety. This flashtube operates in conjunction with a separate power supply (power pack), which converts aircraft power into the high-voltage energy needed to create a powerful arc discharge through the lamp's internal xenon gas.

Manufactured to meet or exceed the performance specifications of the original equipment, this flashtube provides an airworthy and reliable replacement solution. It is engineered for complete compatibility with the aircraft's existing strobe power supply and light housing, ensuring the correct flash intensity, rate, and operational life required for compliance with FAA regulations.

Key Features

• Direct Replacement: Designed as a form, fit, and function equivalent to the original equipment flashtube installed on specified Cessna models.

• High-Intensity Xenon Discharge: Utilizes a pure xenon gas medium, which produces an extremely brilliant, daylight-white flash for maximum aircraft conspicuity.

• Quartz Glass Construction: The flashtube is fabricated from high-purity quartz or hard glass, engineered to withstand the intense thermal shock and high UV radiation of the plasma arc.

• System-Matched Performance: Engineered to match the specific trigger voltage and discharge characteristics of the corresponding high-voltage power supply, ensuring reliable operation and longevity.

• Long-Life Electrode Design: Features robust internal electrodes designed to maximize the number of flash cycles and provide a long, reliable service life.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 202331

• Component Type: Xenon Strobe Flashtube Lamp

• Applicable Manufacturer: PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) Holder or equivalent

• Technology: High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Gas Arc

• Gas Medium: Xenon

• Material (Tube): Per original equipment specification, typically Quartz or high-silica "hard glass".

• Required System Component: Must be powered by a compatible high-voltage strobe power supply (power pack). This flashtube does not connect directly to the aircraft bus.

• Input: High-voltage (typically 400-500 VDC) discharge pulse and a high-voltage trigger pulse from the power supply.

Aircraft Compatibility

This flashtube is the direct replacement part for the factory-installed strobe light systems on a wide range of Cessna piston aircraft.

• Primary Cessna Platforms:

  • Cessna 172R, 172S

  • Cessna 182S, 182T

  • Cessna T182T

  • Cessna 206H, T206H

Note: Verification of applicability is the absolute responsibility of the installer. The aircraft's current Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for its specific serial number is the final authority for confirming part number eligibility.

Applications

• The replaceable lamp element within the wingtip and/or tail-mounted anti-collision strobe light assemblies.

• Generates the high-visibility flash required by FAR 91.205 for enhanced aircraft visibility in all flight conditions.

Why Choose 202331?

The electronic relationship between a xenon flashtube and its power supply is a precisely engineered system. Using a high-quality, direct-replacement flashtube is critical for maintaining the safety and function of the original system. This part is manufactured to the correct specifications for trigger voltage and discharge impedance, preventing the intermittent operation, reduced light output, or potential damage to the power supply that can result from using a generic or mismatched lamp. It provides a reliable and airworthy solution for keeping your aircraft's anti-collision system performing as it should.

The 202331 flashtube lamp operates on the principle of a high-energy gas-discharge arc. Its system's power supply charges a capacitor to a potential of approximately 450 VDC, storing a precise amount of electrical energy. To initiate the flash, a trigger transformer releases a kilovolt-level pulse to an external electrode, creating a powerful electric field that ionizes the xenon gas within the tube. This ionization provides a low-resistance path for the main capacitor to discharge its stored energy across the gas in a matter of microseconds. This explosive release of energy instantly heats the xenon to a plasma state, and the subsequent de-excitation of the xenon atoms releases a massive number of photons. The spectral output is a broad continuum of light that is perceived as an intense, crisp white flash, providing optimal visibility against any background.

Note: This is a high-voltage component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic. The associated strobe power supply capacitors can store a lethal electrical charge for an extended period even after aircraft power has been removed. The system must be de-energized and the capacitors fully discharged in strict accordance with the procedures in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) before any attempt is made to service the flashtube lamp or its high-tension wiring.

Documentation

All technical data, installation procedures, and safety precautions for the 202331 flashtube lamp are contained within the official Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) for the associated strobe light system. Any documentation provided by the PMA holder should also be consulted.