Alternative System for Hangar Bay Access Doors

The Hangar Bay Deck Edge and Division doors, on aircraft carriers are in need of modification, in order to minimize maintenance and increase reliability. In both current applications, guide rails are recessed into the deck and collect debris, non-skidgrit, and oily dirt. Additionally, the wire rope system for operating the doors jams, sometimes causing the rope to part, resulting in significant down time.The LCE/Curtiss-Wright/Burke team proposes changing the door operation system to include electro magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) to raise the door panels a minimum height to release friction. Two independent magnetic lift systems will be utilized for primaryand secondary operation systems. The door will be modified to eliminate the blast guide, which slides in the recessed deck trough. The deck guide trough will be eliminated and replaced with 1-2 inch