Russia Develops First Domestic Contactless Sensors for Aircraft Safety

Russian engineers have developed the first modern domestic contactless inductive proximity sensors designed specifically for the aviation industry. This development represented a significant milestone in the Russian aircraft manufacturing industry, as there were essentially no domestic equivalents of these sensors, which are essential for the operation of aircraft landing gear systems, doors, and wing tilt systems.

In layman’s terms, these new sensors are comparable to extremely sensitive metal detectors that do not require physical contact with the metal to determine its proximity. Consider a sensor in an airplane’s landing gear or door that is capable of detecting the presence of metal components in the surrounding area without causing actual contact. This ensures that the airplane is aware of the exact location of its components, thereby ensuring that all systems operate efficiently and safely. Previously, Russia was unable to manufacture its own modern version of these sensors and was forced to rely on foreign products. This new development has enabled them to manufacture these critical sensors at home, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of aircraft.

The following are a few examples of the operation of inductive proximity sensors, particularly in aviation and related industrial applications:

As with the above example, the sensor in aircraft landing gear systems precisely locates metal components without the need for physical contact. For instance, the sensor “feels” the proximity of metal components as the landing gear extends or retracts to verify that the gear is completely deployed or stowed. This facilitates secure landing procedures by offering precise position feedback.

These sensors monitor the closed or open status of aircraft entrances. The sensor guarantees that doors are securely shut before flight by detecting the metal frame of the door from a short distance, thereby preventing accidental openings and improving passenger safety.

The sensors in wing flap or wing tilt systems detect minute linear or angular movements of metal components that regulate the positions of the wings during flight. These sensors aid automation systems in modifying wing configurations in response to flight conditions by obtaining precise readings.

Inductive sensors detect the precise positions of metal parts in industrial manufacturing, such as automotive assembly lines, to ensure proper assembly. For instance, they ensure that fasteners and metal components are correctly aligned and fastened, thereby preventing errors. This technology is not limited to aviation.

In the packaging and sorting industries, inductive sensors are used to ensure the quality control of metal containers (such as cans) on high-speed conveyor lines without the need for contact.

In robotics and automation, they help control robot arms by quickly and repeatedly detecting where metal parts are, making operations accurate and fast.

The initiative was achieved through the collaboration of the Kursk enterprise “Aviaavtomatika,” named after V. V. Tarasov, and Oryol State University, named after I. S. Turgenev, which has been in operation since 1959. This company is renowned for its production and development of electromechanical motor products for a variety of industrial sectors, such as the defense industry, nuclear power plants, marine vessels, and the fuel and energy complex.

A specialized Russian microchip is located at the heart of the new sensor, and it is capable of altering internal parameters to reduce the error in measuring the distance to metallic objects. The sensors directly incorporate this unique microassembly, ensuring a significant boost in measurement accuracy and reliability. Consequently, Russian developers have established a component base for this form of device that is entirely domestic.

The aviation market has thus far been lacking domestic contactless proximity sensors that are used in critical aircraft systems, including landing gear, door mechanisms, and wing inclination systems. This is the reason for the sensors’ uniqueness. This circumstance restricted the domestic aviation industry’s capabilities and established a reliance on the importation of intricate components.

This development has no direct domestic counterparts and is capable of satisfying the current demand for this type of equipment in Russian aircraft manufacturing. The successful execution of the project not only lays a foundation for import substitution but also establishes the necessary conditions for the effective entry of competitive products into the international market. From the perspective of strategic security and technological sovereignty in the aviation sector, this action is crucial.

As a result, the development of the Russian aviation industry is significantly impacted by the development of these contactless inductive sensors, which provide domestic aircraft with modern, highly accurate, and reliable equipment for critical systems.