When it comes to aircraft hangars, the door is an essential element. A well – selected sliding aircraft hangar door not only offers convenient access for aircraft but also shields the valuable assets within from the elements. However, picking the right door for your hangar size is far from a one – size – fits – all proposition.
1. Small – Sized Hangars
Small – sized hangars, typically designed to accommodate one or two light – aircraft like single – engine propeller planes or small helicopters, have distinct requirements. For these hangars, a single – panel sliding door can be an excellent choice.
These doors feature a relatively straightforward design and operation. They glide along a track on one side of the hangar opening. The cost – effectiveness of a single – panel door makes it an attractive option for small hangars. It requires less material compared to larger, more intricate door systems. Moreover, it can be easily automated with a basic motor system, enabling quick and convenient opening and closing.
When sizing the door, it’s crucial to measure precisely to fit the hangar opening. A door that’s too large will be cumbersome to operate, while one that’s too small won’t provide adequate protection or aircraft access.
2. Medium – Sized Hangars
A multi – panel sliding door system is the ideal door solution for larger hangars that can accommodate multiple light to medium aircraft. Consisting of two or more panels that slide next to one another, these can be extremely flexible.
They can be opened by only a portion if a small aircraft only needs to be accessed, reducing energy used and wear and tear on the door mechanism. For example, if a hangar is home to a combination of small and medium – sized planes, and only a small plane needs to be moved in or out, the operator can open only enough panels to create an adequate opening.
Door sizing: The width and height of the door should take into account the dimensions of the largest aircraft that will be housed in the hangar. This is important as if the door is not wide enough it can cause problems to safely enter and exit the hangar.
3. Large – Sized Hangars
Heavy – duty sliding door solutions are needed for hangars of large – sized planes, used to store large commercial aircraft or several military aircraft. Typically made of thick steel, these doors are often high – strength materials engineered to support the demanding size and weight requirements.
One of the most common types is the bi – fold sliding door for big hangars. The doors themselves fold up in sections as they slide past each other, allowing for a large opening to be opened up in a small space when the door is open. This is especially relevant for big hangars where real estate surrounding the hangar entrance could be limited.
For large hangars, considerations such as wind load resistance will also play a role in deciding which door to go with. Due to the fact that huge hangars are situated in open spaces, the door needs to be solid enough to endure strong winds without being damaged. Since the hangars are large enough to fit the biggest aircrafts, the size of the door depends on the size of the largest aircraft including the wingspan and height along with a little extra for safety and ease of movement.
4. Considerations Beyond Size
Besides the size of the hangar and the overall size of the aircraft that will be kept inside, there are several other elements to consider when selecting a door for the hangar.
Usability: The usability is really important here. If the hangar is a high – traffic area, or if frequent access to the hangar is required, then a heavy – duty, reliable mechanism should be chosen.
Maintenance: Different door types also have different maintenance needs. What you need on some doors is more lubrication or replacements of some parts.
Security: It also has another key feature: security. Hangars contain valuable aircraft, so the door needs to have strong lock mechanisms and be resistant to forced entry.
Energy Efficiency: Hangars in areas with harsh climates may also consider energy efficiency. Insulated doors help regulate the hangar’s temperature, lowering heating and cooling bills.
In conclusion, the decision on which sliding aircraft hangar door is right for your hangar size is complex and dependent on the factors above. With careful consideration of the hangar size, type of aircraft, frequency of use, maintenance, security, and energy efficiency, you can make a choice that will serve your hangar needs for years to come.
