Smart position control for aircraft hanger doors

Aircraft hangar doors are among the largest and most complex industrial door systems, often consisting of multiple sliding or folding leaves that operate independently. Precise positioning of each door leaf is critical to ensure smooth, safe operation, prevent collisions, and allow timely access for aircraft and ground vehicles.

Sensors UK supplies Dimetix laser distance sensors across the UK, including the proven DEH-30-500 series, for accurate, non-contact position monitoring of multi-leaf hangar door systems. A DEH-30-500 laser distance sensor is mounted on each moving door leaf and measures the distance to a fixed reference or reflective target. This setup provides continuous, absolute position feedback over the full travel range without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for limit switches, encoders, or cable-based measurement systems. The distance data is transmitted in real time to the door controller or PLC, enabling precise control of individual leaves, synchronised movement across all doors, sequential opening or closing, and dynamic speed adjustment to correct any deviations.

Using Dimetix laser distance sensors improves safety and operational reliability. The system continuously monitors the position of each leaf, detects abnormal movements or obstructions, and triggers immediate stops or reversals when necessary. End positions are reliably detected, reducing the risk of collisions or mechanical stress. Additionally, position data can be integrated into the customer's control system, providing real-time information on the door status and enabling operational interlocks to prevent aircraft or vehicle movement until all doors are fully open.

The DEH-30-500 has proven its reliability in harsh environments, including exposure to wind, dust, temperature extremes and moisture. Its long-range, high-accuracy measurements also support condition-based maintenance, allowing potential issues such as increased travel time or misalignment to be detected before they cause operational problems. Overall, the use of DEH-30-500 laser distance sensors ensures wear-free, precise and safe operation of hangar doors, while reducing maintenance effort and increasing availability compared to traditional mechanical feedback systems.

The solution delivers a host of customer benefits, not least of which is precise, absolute positioning of every single door leaf over the full travel range. It also enables independent control of each leaf, enabling flexible opening widths depending on aircraft size. And users are assured of higher operational safety, with continuous monitoring and immediate stop/reverse on abnormal movement.

From a long-term operations point of view, there is no mechanical wear, and therefore reduced maintenance. Further, condition-based maintenance is enabled, detecting misalignment or increased travel time early.

Applications with high precision requirements

Thanks to the clearly arranged product portfolio the evaluation of a suitable Dimetix laser distance sensor is simple and uncomplicated. Dimetix sensors offer numerous features, which are integrated in each and every device as standard, including various interfaces like SSI, RS-422/485, RS-232 and 2 digital outputs.

Optionally, the Industrial Ethernet interfaces PROFINET, EtherNET/IP and EtherCAT are also available. Furthermore, all devices are IP65-protected and weigh less than 500 grams.

Particularly noteworthy, however, is the accurate measurement of 1 mm over distances of up to 500 m, even under the most extreme conditions. This is possible with the sensors of the types DPE, DEN and DEH.