The various present headlamp systems including the newer ellipsoidal form are described and analyzed. Advantages of a headlamp system with a small vertical dimension, especially with regard to reducing high speed aerodynamic drag, are discussed. A system utilizing sealed beam headlamps of nominal 2″H×3″W is presented together with optical analysis, operating characteristics, and test results. Technical considerations are developed to demonstrate that disability glare of these smaller headlamps is similar to that for the larger conventional headlamps.
