Illuminating
the Unknown
HD-1 zArc — Technical Specifications
Full technical specifications for the HD-1 zArc xenon searchlight system.
Available Configurations
Standard Model (120V or 208-264V AC)
- Candlepower: 1.3 Billion
- Lumens per watt: 82
- Beam Divergence: 1.4°
- Lamp Life: 1,000 hours
- Price (EXW): $14,890
zArc High-Output Model (208-264V AC only)
- Candlepower: 3.3 Billion
- Lumens per watt: 97
- Beam Divergence: 1.5°
- Lamp Life: 750 hours
- Price (EXW): $16,100
The zArc model delivers significantly higher brightness (over 2.5× the candlepower) and better energy efficiency, but requires a 208-264V power source and has a slightly shorter lamp life. The extra $1,210 buys you the higher output, which is typical for specialized long-range searchlight applications.
Key Capabilities
- Extreme Intensity: 3.3 billion candlepower in the zArc configuration – over 2.5 times brighter than the standard model.
- Unmatched Range: Effective 1-lux range of 15-16 kilometers, with theoretical beam visibility extending to 45+ kilometers under clear atmospheric conditions.
- Tight Beam Control: 1.5-degree beam divergence for exceptional long-range concentration.
- Full Motion: 360° continuous rotation (0-20 RPM, variable) and vertical tilt from -90° (straight down) to +90° (straight up).
Technical Specifications
- Light Source: Xenon short-arc lamp (USHIO eMarc)
- Lamp Output: 1,500W zArc lamp producing approximately 138,000 lumens
- Color Temperature: 6000°K
- Warm-up Time: 20–45 seconds to full brightness
- Lamp Life: 750 hours (zArc) / 1,000 hours (standard)
- Beam Diameter: 18 inches
- Beam Divergence: 1.5° (zArc) / 1.4° (standard)
- IP Rating: IP64, IP65, or IP66 versions available
- Mirror: Rhodium/Nickel (18" or 20" available)
- Housing: Stainless Steel or Aluminum (all-aluminum version available)
- Dimensions: 36" H x 22" W x 22" L
- Weight: 112 lbs (50.8 kg) – Stainless Steel / 89 lbs (40.4 kg) – Aluminum
Electrical Data
- Input Voltage: 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, or 250V (depending on model)
- Frequency: 47–63 Hz (single phase)
- Current (zArc @ 240V): 7.8 Amps
- Current (Standard @ 120V): 9.4 Amps
- Power Factor Correction: Yes
Controls & Integration
- Rotation: 360° continuous, 0–20 RPM variable speed
- Elevation: -90° (straight down) to +90° (straight up)
- Noise Level: Less than 5 db(A)
- Detachable Lamp Head: Yes (for easy maintenance)
- Filter Maintenance: Not required
Beam Brightness Loss with Colored Filters
- Red: 25% loss
- Yellow: 10% loss
- Blue: 12% loss
- Green: 18% loss
Beam Performance at 15 km
At 15 kilometers, the HD-1 zArc delivers 1-lux illumination over a beam 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
Light Level at 15 km: 1-lux — enough for positive identification
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.
Warranty & Support
- 18 Months warranty on the complete unit
- Lifetime Technical Support
Important Operational Considerations
Warm-Up Time: This xenon system requires 20–45 seconds to reach full brightness—instant-on LEDs are not an option at this intensity level.
Power Requirements: The zArc model requires a 208-264V AC power source.
Lamp Life: Expect approximately 750–1,000 hours of operation before replacement is needed.
Export Compliance: As a U.S.-manufactured defense-grade system, export is subject to compliance with international regulations. We handle the necessary documentation.
