The SW 36 anti-aircraft searchlight was developed in the late 1930s. It was a lightweight and portable device, easy to deploy. Its primary function was to search for and detect enemy aircraft at low and medium altitudes. The projector is powered by a generator.
The 60 cm projector is equipped with a 60 cm diameter parabolic reflector lens. The focal length is 250 mm. As with heavier projectors, the high-density arc lamp is mounted inverted within the projector. The diffused light intensity is 135 million candela. Under favorable weather conditions, the light beam can be carried to a maximum altitude of 5200 m. The optimal operating altitude is 1500 m. However, with beam dispersion, target detection is possible at distances of up to 3500 meters. The power consumption is 90 amperes at 60 volts. Thanks to the handles implemented by the room manager seated behind the projector, the projector can be manually aligned on-site and in azimuth. The beam can be blocked by a shutter.
Setting up the projector requires a team of five:
A commander, one crew member responsible for monitoring and locating the projector. Another crew member is responsible for setting up the projector and aligning the beam with the target, one crew member is responsible for the generator and the power supply and there is a driver. They are subject to the commander’s instructions and the crew is responsible for maintenance and repairs in case of a malfunction.
Power is supplied by a generator (380V/60V; 90A; 8 kW) and trailer (D) that provides 85 volts. The generator is equipped with a BMW Type 315 engine. It is connected to the projector via an 1100-meter-long cable. This 750 kg generator is mounted on the rear platform of a vehicle and provides traction for the trailer/searchlight assembly. During transport, the searchlight is mounted on a light, single-axle trailer, type Sd.Ah 51. Under combat conditions, the generator, like the searchlight, can be installed on the ground in pre-arranged firing positions.
This section has the same transmission equipment as the heavy projector section and is connected to the associated light anti-aircraft battery.
Weight: 643 kg
Long: 1880 mm
Width: 1360 mm
Height: 1560 mm
Intensity: 90 Amps
Lamp voltage: 60 volts
Transport: Sd.Ah. 51
Manufacturer: AEG, Bodenbach Zeiss, Jena
Year of production: 1941 – 1945
Number of pieces built: 6376
