Wingtip Proximity Sensor

Aircraft Collision Prevention for Safe Hangar and Airfield Maneuvering

wingtip proximity sensor unit for F-15 and F-16 aircrafts
Flexlink wing tip proximity sensor — 12 TOF sensors, ARM M0 controller, 1.5kg

What is a Wing Tip Proximity Sensor & Crash Avoidance System?

The Wingtip Proximity Sensor by Flexlink Engineers is an advanced crash avoidance sensor that uses Time of Flight (TOF) technology to improve aircraft safety during ground operations. This wing tip proximity sensor is equipped with 12 TOF sensors and an ARM M0 controller, providing accurate real-time obstacle detection and immediate alerts to ground crew to prevent wingtip collisions.

Designed for military-grade performance, the FBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor application is ideal for aircraft wingtip collision avoidance, helping ensure safe maneuvering between hangars, taxiways, and runways while reducing manpower requirements. The system has been successfully installed and operated on the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon fighter jets.

wingtip proximity sensor installed on F-16 Falcon during ground operations

Proven in the field. Our wing tip proximity sensor has been successfully installed and operated on the F-16 Falcon, delivering reliable crash avoidance protection during ground handling. Lightweight at 1.5kg, it attaches quickly without specialist tools and is ready for use within minutes. Built on the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF sensor, it operates across 220° of coverage with a 5m sensing range — performing reliably in any lighting condition from full darkness to 200klux.

Technical Specifications

ApplicationIndoor/OutdoorMaximum object speed10km/hr
TechnologyTime of flight (TOF)Operating temperature10 to 50 deg C
Led brightnessDaylight visibleStorage temperature20 to 60 deg C
Audio alarm100dBARelative humidity85% max
Maximum sensing range5mWeight1.5kg

AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor Technology

The Wingtip Proximity Sensor is powered by the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor, Broadcom's latest 850nm Time of Flight (TOF) technology, delivering exceptional accuracy and reliability for demanding aerospace and industrial applications. As an advanced crash avoidance sensor, this wing tip proximity sensor provides consistent and precise distance measurements across its full sensing range, performing reliably indoors under artificial lighting and outdoors in direct sunlight up to 200 klux. The AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor application is ideal for aircraft wingtip collision prevention, enabling safe ground operations through real-time obstacle detection and enhanced situational awareness.

Design & Coverage Capability

Designed to provide 220 degrees of horizontal coverage, it can be selected for different aircraft with different detection criteria. In this product, it has been designed to cater to the F15 Eagle and F16 Falcon needs :

AlarmF-15F-16
Red led/Continuous buzzerDistance < 1mDistance < 1m
Amber led/Intermittent buzzer1m < Distance < 2m1m < Distance < 3m
Green led/No buzzerDistance > 2mDistance > 3m

Additional design features :

  • These criteria can be changed by the software if necessary.
  • The mounting method has been designed for quick attachment/detachment with minimum FOD-prone wire-locked attachment screws.
  • Using a single 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery, it can provide continuously use for 6 hours.

Environmental/Safety Performance

  • Full darkness to mid-day sun at 200klux for indoor/outdoor lighting conditions
  • IP43 Protection for outdoor use
  • Eye safe Class 1 laser
  • Stowage of the units using a durable water tight military case
  • Charging using USB plug — no specialist equipment required

Why Choose the Flexlink Wingtip Proximity Sensor?

Aircraft ground operations carry a significant collision risk, especially in confined hangars where wingtip clearance is limited. The Wingtip Proximity Sensor functions as a highly reliable crash avoidance sensor, reducing dependence on ground crew judgment and helping prevent costly aircraft damage and personnel injuries caused by human error.

The Flexlink wing tip proximity sensor is a proven, hardware-based warning system that operates reliably in all lighting conditions and can be installed quickly without specialist tools. Powered by the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor, the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor application provides precise real-time obstacle detection with software-adjustable detection parameters. It can be configured for aircraft beyond the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon, making it a versatile and long-term crash avoidance sensor solution for military and commercial aircraft ground handling operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wingtip Proximity Sensor?

A Wingtip Proximity Sensor is an advanced wing tip proximity sensor designed to detect nearby obstacles during aircraft ground operations. Acting as a reliable crash avoidance sensor, it provides real-time alerts to ground crew, helping prevent costly wingtip collisions in hangars, taxiways, and airfields.

How does the crash avoidance system work?

The Wingtip Proximity Sensor uses the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor and Time of Flight (TOF) technology to measure the distance between the aircraft wingtip and surrounding obstacles. When an object enters the warning zone, the crash avoidance sensor activates a tiered audio-visual alarm—amber for caution and red for immediate stop—allowing ground crew to react safely.

Which aircraft is the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor suitable for?

The AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor application has been successfully configured for the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon. Thanks to software-adjustable detection thresholds, the Wingtip Proximity Sensor can also be adapted for other fixed-wing military and commercial aircraft.

How long does the battery last?

The Wingtip Proximity Sensor operates on a single 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery, providing up to 6 hours of continuous operation. The battery can be conveniently recharged using a standard USB connection, making it suitable for extended ground handling operations.

Is the sensor suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. The Wingtip Proximity Sensor is IP43-rated for outdoor use and delivers reliable performance in all lighting conditions. Powered by the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor, the crash avoidance sensor maintains accurate distance measurements from complete darkness to bright mid-day sunlight of up to 200 klux.

For more product details

Flexlink Engineers Pte Ltd

321A Changi Road, Singapore 419796

📞 Tel: +65 6842 0380

📠 Fax: +65 6842 0389

💬 WhatsApp: Chat with us

✉️ Email: flexlink@singnet.com.sg

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