Wingtip Proximity Sensor
Aircraft Collision Prevention for Safe Hangar and Airfield Maneuvering
What is a Wing Tip Proximity Sensor & Crash Avoidance System?
The Wingtip Proximity Sensor by Flexlink Engineers is a Time of Flight (TOF)-based crash avoidance system, fitted with 12 TOF sensors and an ARM M0 controller. Purpose-built to prevent aircraft wingtip collisions during ground operations, it mounts on each wingtip and delivers real-time obstruction alerts to ground crew — enabling safe maneuvering from hangar to runway with minimum manpower.
Designed for military-grade applications, the sensor has been successfully installed and operated on the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon fighter jets.
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
| Application | Indoor/Outdoor | Maximum object speed | 10km/hr |
| Technology | Time of flight (TOF) | Operating temperature | 10 to 50 deg C |
| Led brightness | Daylight visible | Storage temperature | 20 to 60 deg C |
| Audio alarm | 100dBA | Relative humidity | 85% max |
| Maximum sensing range | 5m | Weight | 1.5kg |
AFBR-S50MV85G TOF Sensor Technology
The platform is built on the AFBR-S50MV85G — Broadcom's latest 850nm Time of Flight sensor, chosen for its industry-leading reliability and performance in demanding optoelectronics applications. It delivers consistent, accurate distance measurements across the full sensing range, whether indoors under artificial lighting or outdoors in mid-day sun up to 200klux.
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 :
| Alarm | F-15 | F-16 |
| Red led/Continuous buzzer | Distance < 1m | Distance < 1m |
| Amber led/Intermittent buzzer | 1m < Distance < 2m | 1m < Distance < 3m |
| Green led/No buzzer | Distance > 2m | Distance > 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 significant collision risk, especially in confined hangars where wingtip clearance is limited. Traditional methods rely entirely on ground crew judgment — a single lapse in concentration can cause costly aircraft damage or serious injury.
The Flexlink Wing Tip Proximity Sensor eliminates this risk with a proven, hardware-based crash avoidance warning system that works in all lighting conditions and attaches quickly without specialist tools. Powered by the AFBR-S50MV85G TOF sensor and with software-adjustable detection criteria, it can be configured for aircraft types beyond the F-15 and F-16 — making it a versatile long-term solution for any ground handling operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wing tip proximity sensor? A wing tip proximity sensor is a device mounted on the wingtip of an aircraft to detect nearby obstacles during ground operations. It alerts ground crew in real time, preventing costly wingtip collisions in hangars, taxiways, and airfields.
How does the crash avoidance system work? The sensor uses Time of Flight (TOF) technology to measure the distance between the wingtip and surrounding obstacles. When an object enters the warning zone, it triggers a tiered audio-visual alarm — amber for caution, red for immediate stop — giving ground crew enough time to react safely.
Which aircraft is the AFBR-S50MV85G sensor suitable for? The AFBR-S50MV85G-based sensor has been configured for the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon. Detection thresholds are software-adjustable, making it adaptable for other fixed-wing military and commercial aircraft.
How long does the battery last? The sensor runs on a single 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery providing up to 6 hours of continuous use. It recharges via a standard USB plug.
Is the sensor suitable for outdoor use? Yes. It is IP43-rated for outdoor use and operates reliably from full darkness to 200klux mid-day sunlight.
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