Sail Door Aircraft Hangar Doors & Shipyard Doors
Our Sail Door system is designed for exceptionally large industrial openings, where conventional door arrangements may require multiple sections, supporting mullions and complex lifting mechanisms.
A single Sail Door can accommodate openings of up to 70 metres wide by 20 metres high with a Class 5 wind-load specification, with larger configurations available subject to project requirements.
Instead of dividing a large entrance into several separate doors, the Sail Door can cover the opening as one continuous system without intermediate mullions.
This approach can simplify the opening arrangement, reduce the number of motors required and avoid the need for the additional supporting structure associated with some alternative hangar door systems.
For aircraft hangars, shipyards and other large industrial buildings, these differences can affect construction planning, installation, access and long-term maintenance.
What Makes the Sail Door Different?
When comparing aircraft hangar doors, the initial purchase price is only one consideration. Opening speed, installation requirements, maintenance access and the supporting building structure can all influence the overall project. The Sail Door has several features designed to address these practical challenges.
Large Openings Without Intermediate Mullions
A single Sail Door can span openings up to 70 metres wide by 20 metres high in the stated Class 5 wind-load configuration, with larger sizes available where required. This can remove the need to divide the entrance into multiple door sections, leaving a clear opening for aircraft, vessels and large equipment. Unlike some conventional systems, the Sail Door does not require intermediate mullions or the additional superstructure associated with those arrangements.
Faster Opening and Closing
For a large hangar or shipyard entrance, opening speed matters.
The Sail Door is described as capable of opening and closing in less than one minute in the specified configuration. By comparison, the original product information identifies some conventional mullion-based systems as taking around nine minutes. Reducing the time an opening remains exposed can be particularly useful during windy conditions. It can also help limit heat loss from large enclosed spaces. Actual operating times depend on the door size and configuration.
Two Motors With Ground-Level Access
The Sail Door uses two motors rather than the multiple motors and mullion lifting mechanisms found in some alternative large-door systems. Both motors are positioned at ground level, making them easier to access for inspection, servicing and maintenance. This arrangement can reduce the need for elevated access equipment when working on the drive system.
Manual Operation During a Power Failure
Access during a power outage is an important consideration for aircraft hangars and other facilities where large equipment may need to be moved. The Sail Door incorporates a ground-level manual operating arrangement. The original system description specifies brake levers for closing the door and battery drills for opening it when electrical power is unavailable. This provides an alternative means of operation without relying on the normal powered drive.
Single or Twin Curtain Options
The Sail Door is available with either a single or twin curtain. Unlike some multi-section hangar doors, where twin curtains are used to enclose internal lifting mechanisms and supporting structures, the Sail Door does not require a second curtain for that purpose. A twin-curtain arrangement remains available where the project calls for it.
ATEX Options
ATEX-compliant configurations are available for applications with specific hazardous-area requirements. Where ATEX considerations apply, the appropriate door specification should be established against the conditions and classification of the installation site.
Wind Resistance and Structural Considerations
Large hangar doors are exposed to considerable forces, particularly when installed in open or coastal locations. The Sail Door is available with a Class 5 wind-load specification and uses a flexible curtain rather than a rigid panel arrangement with components extending across the opening. This design avoids some of the rigid elements that can bend or sustain damage under extreme loading. However, the complete door system, its fixings and the surrounding building structure must still be assessed for the conditions at the site.
Why Door Design Matters in High Winds
Damage to a large industrial door can affect more than the entrance itself.
A failed door may obstruct access, expose aircraft or equipment to the weather and lead to disruption while repairs are arranged. Depending on the circumstances, damage can also extend to the surrounding structure. For this reason, wind exposure, opening dimensions and structural requirements should be considered early in the design process. Amyco can discuss these factors when specifying Sail Doors for aircraft hangars, shipyards and other large industrial openings.
Installation, Manufacturing and Transport
The size of an aircraft hangar door can make delivery and installation a substantial part of the project.
The Sail Door's design aims to reduce some of the complexity associated with conventional multi-section systems.
Reduced Installation Requirements
With no intermediate mullions and fewer lifting components, the Sail Door can require less heavy plant during installation than some alternative systems. Amyco's original project information describes a 70-metre Sail Door installation taking less than one week, without the extended crane and banksman requirements associated with certain conventional hangar door arrangements. Installation periods will depend on site conditions, preparation and the final specification.
Manufacturing Lead Times
The stated manufacturing period for the Sail Door is approximately six weeks from signed-off drawings.
This provides a useful starting point for project planning, although lead times should be confirmed for each order.
Easier Transportation
A 70 x 20-metre Sail Door is described as fitting into a single shipping container or travelling as a part load.
The compact transport arrangement can reduce the number of separate loads required for large door projects. For facilities planning several openings, this may simplify delivery logistics compared with transporting multiple conventional door assemblies.