Aerospace and sensors

The aerospace industry stands for the highest safety standards and technological innovation. Every aspect of an aircraft - from design to operation and maintenance - requires precision and reliability. Sensors that measure lengths, distances and positions play a crucial role in this. They ensure precise control, optimum performance and maximum safety in all areas of aviation. Whether in the aircraft cabin, on the wings or in the landing gear - modern sensor solutions are indispensable for the efficiency and future of aviation.

Aircraft design requires precise analysis of the loads to which wings are subjected during flight. Especially in wind tunnels, where real flight conditions are simulated, draw wire sensors play a central role. These sensors measure the vibrations and bending of the wings with high precision and thus provide valuable data for optimizing stability and aerodynamics.

Draw wire sensors from the SX50 series convert linear movements into electrical signals and thus detect even the smallest deformations of the wings. Their flexibility and accuracy make them an indispensable tool in aviation research. Engineers use the measured values to analyze the behavior of the wings under various loads and improve the design accordingly.

Draw wire sensors not only increase the safety of aircraft, but also their efficiency and performance. Their use in the wind tunnel underlines the importance of precise measurement technology for the further development of the aviation industry.

In aircraft engines, precise monitoring of turbine synchronization and vibrations is essential to ensure safety, efficiency and longevity. This is where Eddy Current sensors come into play. These sensors use electromagnetic induction to measure the position and movement of rotating components without contact.

On engines, Eddy Current sensors of the WST series measure even minimal deviations in the rotation of the turbines. This allows irregularities to be detected at an early stage before they cause damage or jeopardize operational safety. The extreme loads caused by high temperatures and speeds place particular demands on the sensors. Eddy current sensors impress with their robustness and precision, making them perfect for use in aviation.

Thanks to their reliability, they make a decisive contribution to the optimization of maintenance processes and compliance with strict safety standards in the aviation industry.

The safety of helicopters is ensured by extensive crash tests in which the load limits and deformation behavior of the chassis are analyzed under extreme conditions. Miniature draw wire sensors play a decisive role here. These compact and high-precision sensors record the deformation of the chassis at critical points and thus provide essential data for the optimization of safety structures.

Thanks to their small size and flexibility, the miniature SXM30 series draw wire sensors can even be installed in hard-to-reach areas of the helicopter chassis. During the test, they measure with millimeter precision how the material deforms under load and document the movements in real time. This data is crucial for identifying weak points in the design and adapting materials and constructions accordingly.

The use of miniature draw wire sensors makes the analysis of crash tests much more precise. They help to continuously improve the safety standards for helicopters and ensure that they can withstand the extreme demands of real-life scenarios.

The safety of aircraft depends crucially on the reliability of their control and flap systems. Wing tip brakes (WTB) play a central role here, as they stop the movement of flaps and slats in the event of a malfunction and thus ensure aerodynamic stability. Eddy Current Probes are used in these brake systems to precisely monitor the position and functionality of the moving components.

Eddy Current probes from the WST series use non-contact measurement to detect the smallest changes in the position or movement of the shafts that drive the flap systems. This data enables potential malfunctions to be detected at an early stage and the brake mechanism to be activated automatically if necessary. Thanks to their robustness and insensitivity to extreme conditions such as vibrations, temperatures and electromagnetic interference, Eddy Current probes are ideal for use in safety-critical systems such as wing tip brakes.

Their precise and reliable use helps to seamlessly monitor the function of wing tip brakes and thus further increase the safety and efficiency of modern aircraft.

Aircraft tow tractors are indispensable for moving aircrafts safely and efficiently on the ground. A central component of these vehicles is the lifting mechanism, which picks up the aircraft's nose wheel landing gear precisely and fixes it in a stable position. Draw wire sensors are used to reliably control this process.

Draw wire sensors from the SX80 series and MH60 series offer a robust and flexible solution for measuring the movement and position of the lifting mechanism. They convert the linear movement of the lifting mechanism into an electrical signal so that the system can detect and control the exact height and position of the nose wheel. Their compact design and high measuring accuracy make them ideal for use in confined and demanding environments. Alternatively, linear potentiometers are used, which measure the position of the lifting mechanism via a movable resistor. They are characterised by their simple design and reliability. Another option is magnetostrictive displacement sensors, which are particularly durable and insensitive to wear thanks to contactless measurement. These sensors are ideal when high accuracy and freedom from maintenance are required.

Regardless of the sensor technology selected, these measuring systems ensure that the lifting mechanism of the aircraft tow tractors works precisely and safely. They help to ensure a smooth manoeuvring process and reliably prevent damage to the aircraft.

Passenger boarding bridges are an essential part of passenger handling and enable convenient and safe access to the aircraft. Various sensor solutions are used to align them precisely and prevent damage to the aircraft: draw wire sensors, laser sensors and rotary encoders ensure precise control of movement and positioning.

Draw wire sensors from the SX135 series are used to precisely control the extension of the passenger boarding bridge. They measure the length of the extended segment and ensure that the bridge reaches exactly the required range. These sensors provide precise real-time data, which is essential for controlled movement.

Laser sensors from the LAS series finely adjust the distance between the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft. They measure the distance to the aircraft with maximum accuracy and ensure that the bridge is positioned safely and gently without damaging the aircraft structure. Their non-contact measurement technology makes them particularly reliable and durable.

Rotary encoders from the WPH series are used to control the height of the passenger boarding bridge. They measure the inclination and height of the bridge and ensure that the transition to the aircraft is seamless and precise. This is particularly important as aircraft of different types and sizes have to be docked at different height positions.

The combination of these sensor solutions ensures the safe and precise positioning of the passenger boarding bridge. They make a significant contribution to increasing passenger comfort and at the same time maximising operational safety in everyday airport life.