What is the function of the formation lights on the aircraft?

The function of the formation lights on the F/A-18 E/F aircraft is primarily to indicate the position of the aircraft during flight, especially when flying in formation with other aircraft. These lights help pilots determine their relative positions to maintain safe distances and avoid collisions.

Formation lights typically consist of colored lights located on various parts of the aircraft, allowing for easy visual signaling among pilots. The ability to visually distinguish aircraft positions is critical during night operations or low-visibility conditions, making these lights an essential safety feature for multi-ship operations.

While other functions such as signaling distress, assisting in navigation, or providing illumination for maintenance are important in their own contexts, they do not pertain specifically to the primary purpose of formation lights. Formation lights are distinctly dedicated to enhancing situational awareness and coordination among formation flying aircraft.