Frequently Asked Questions

About the HD-1 zArc Extreme-Range Searchlight System

Here are answers to the most common questions we receive about the NASA Lights HD-1 zArc searchlight. If you have a question that is not listed here, please contact us directly.

General Questions

Q1. What is the NASA Lights HD-1 zArc searchlight?

The NASA Lights HD-1 zArc is the world's most powerful portable searchlight — delivering 3.3 billion candlepower with a 15 km effective range. It is a military-grade xenon searchlight used by coast guard, naval forces, research institutions, and media organizations worldwide.
 

Q2. Why do we need a searchlight with 3.3 billion candlepower?

There is currently no portable searchlight on the market with this level of intensity. Most systems are limited to 1–2 million candlepower. The HD-1 zArc fills a gap in the market for extreme-range observation, documentation, and surveillance.
 

Q3. Who is this system for?

The system is designed for:

• Atmospheric research teams
• Space observation programs
• Universities and academic institutions
• Documentary filmmakers and media production companies
• National coast guard and border protection agencies
• Naval defense forces
• Search and rescue organizations
• Critical infrastructure security operators

The HD-1 zArc is also used by branches of the US military and allied forces — a testament to its reliability and performance in the most demanding environments.
 

Q4. Is this system portable?

Yes. The system is built in a containerized format — closed or open skid shipping containers — making it deployable anywhere in the world by sea, air, or land. It is a turnkey system that arrives on site, connects to power, and is ready to operate.

Technology & Science

Q5. What power source do I need?

The HD-1 zArc model requires a 208–264V AC power source — which is standard European mains voltage (220–240V). This means you can simply plug it into a normal household wall outlet or standard European commercial/industrial socket.

The standard HD-1 model is available in 120V (US) or 208–264V (European/global).

Both models operate on 47–63 Hz single phase with built-in power factor correction — so they work with standard European power grids without any special wiring or converters.

In simple terms: The zArc is designed for European 220–240V power. Just plug it in.
 

Q6. How far does the light reach?

The system delivers effective 1-lux illumination at 15 kilometers — enough to clearly illuminate a target. The beam remains visible as a light pillar for 35–50+ kilometers in the atmosphere.
 

Q7. Does the light reach space?

The effective illumination range is 15 km, but the beam remains visible for 35–50+ km. It does not reach space (100 km), but it is an extremely powerful tool for atmospheric observation and documentation.
 

Q8. Does the light stop at 15 km?

No. 15 km is the distance at which the beam provides enough light (1 lux) to illuminate a target. Beyond 15 km, the light continues traveling — but it spreads out and becomes too dim to illuminate objects.

The beam itself remains visible as a light pillar for over 50 km in clear atmospheric conditions. This makes it an excellent tool for atmospheric observation, media documentation, and visual deterrence.
 

Q9. What is 1 lux?

1 lux is roughly the brightness of a full moon on a clear night. It is enough light to see and document objects clearly at extreme distances.
 

Q10. What technology powers this system?

The system uses:

• A 1,500W xenon short-arc lamp — producing 138,000 lumens
• A precision parabolic reflector — creating a tight 1.5° beam
• Active cooling for sustained operation
• IP66 military-grade waterproof housing
• 360-degree continuous rotation with variable speed control
• Vertical tilt from straight down to straight up
   

Q11. Why xenon instead of LED?

Xenon produces the highest intensity white light available. LED systems are limited to 1–2 million candlepower. Xenon allows us to reach 3.3 billion candlepower with a tight, focused beam.
 

Q12. Why a mirror instead of a lens?

A precision parabolic mirror collimates the beam into a near-parallel column. Unlike lenses, mirrors have no chromatic aberration — they reflect all wavelengths equally. This means the beam stays tight and focused, delivering maximum intensity at extreme distances.
 

Q13. Does the system use water cooling?

No. The HD-1 zArc uses active air cooling. The 1,500W xenon lamp generates significant heat, and the built-in cooling system handles it effectively.

Q14. Can the beam identify objects at 15 km?

Yes. At 15 kilometers, the beam delivers 1-lux illumination over a diameter of approximately 400 meters. This provides enough light to clearly identify vessels, debris, or aircraft at extreme range — not just detect them.

Beam diameter at key ranges:

• At 5 km: ~131 meters
• At 10 km: ~262 meters
• At 15 km: ~393 meters (~400 meters)
• At 16 km: ~419 meters

This enables coast guard, naval, and rescue teams to make informed decisions based on visual confirmation, not just radar or infrared detection.

The tight 1.5° beam keeps the light concentrated, delivering maximum intensity exactly where it is needed. This is a key advantage over wider-beam systems that lose intensity and identification capability at long distances.

Product & Availability

 Q15. Is CE certification included?

We are working with NASA Lights to ensure full CE compliance for the European market. As our EU Authorized Representative, we handle all compliance documentation and certification.
 

Q16. Is the HD-1 available in Europe?

Yes. Searchlight EU is the European distributor for NASA Lights. The HD-1 zArc is available for delivery throughout Europe.
 

Q17. What is the lead time?

Lead time depends on current production schedules. Typically, delivery to Europe takes 4–6 weeks from order confirmation.
 

Q18. Do you offer dropshipping?

Yes. We coordinate directly with NASA Lights in the US. The unit is shipped directly from the manufacturer to your location — no warehouse, no inventory.
 

Q19. What payment terms do you offer?

We require a 50% deposit upon order confirmation, with the balance due prior to shipping. Payment is by bank wire transfer.

Technical Specifications

Q20. What are the full specifications?

• Candlepower: 3.3 Billion
• Effective Range: 15–16 km (1-lux)
• Lamp: 1,500W zArc xenon — 138,000 lumens
• Beam Divergence: 1.5°
• IP Rating: IP66 (military-grade)
• Rotation: 360° continuous, variable speed
• Tilt: -90° to +90°
• Weight: ~51 kg (stainless) / ~40 kg (aluminum)
• Power: 208–264V AC, 47–63 Hz, 7.8 Amps @ 240V
• Warranty: 18 months + lifetime technical support

Joining the Project

Q21. How can I get involved?

We welcome partners in many forms:

• Defense and government clients — for procurement inquiries
• Research institutions and universities — for collaboration
• Documentary filmmakers and media — for projects
• Technical experts and engineers — for expertise
• Financial partners — to support our growth

Contact us to discuss how you can participate.
 

Q22. What do partners receive?

Partners receive:

• Recognition on our website and in our communications
• Regular progress updates and technical briefings
• Early access to new products
• Networking opportunities with other partners
   

Q23. Are you open to media and documentary collaborations?

Absolutely. We actively welcome collaboration with:

• Private documentary production companies
• TV documentary filmmakers
• Television networks such as Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel, National Geographic, and the History Channel
• Cable networks and specialty channels
• Streaming platforms and independent media producers

We are open to documenting the project, using the system for extreme long-range filming, educational content, and collaborative research.
 

Q24. Is the HD-1 used by the military?

Yes. The HD-1 zArc is used by branches of the US military and allied forces for coastal surveillance, naval operations, and border security. It has been field-tested and proven in demanding environments worldwide. This is why we are confident in its reliability and performance.

Q25. Can the HD-1 be used to detect drones?

The HD-1 zArc is an excellent tool for drone detection and identification. While it does not have built-in radar or sensors, it illuminates drones at extreme distances — up to 15 km — allowing you to see, film, and identify them.

It is used by:

• Airports — detecting unauthorized drones near runways
• Border patrol — identifying drones crossing borders
• Prisons — spotting drone deliveries
• Critical infrastructure operators — detecting drones near power plants, military bases, and other sensitive sites
• Law enforcement and military — documenting and identifying drone activity

The HD-1 zArc is the ultimate tool for counter-drone operations — giving you visual confirmation at extreme ranges.
 

Q26. How do I contact you?

You can reach us directly:

✉️ info@searchlighteu.com
🌐 searchlighteu.com
📱 WhatsApp: +31 6 2044 7198 (txt only)
📍 The Netherlands

Still Have Questions?

If your question is not answered here, please contact us directly. We are happy to provide more details about the HD-1 zArc, our roadmap, and how you can participate.

✉️ info@zoeklicht.eu
🌐 zoeklicht.eu
📱 WhatsApp: +31 6 2044 7198 (txt only)
📍 The Netherlands