GSE & Aircraft Maintenance
The aviation industry faces the challenge of reliably protecting sensitive components and materials from damage – particularly during the loading and unloading of aircraft. This is where our safety solutions come into play: they offer precise protection for pressure-sensitive components and reliably prevent damage during the handling process. It goes without saying that our products meet the high safety requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and thus contribute to operational safety in air transport.
Discover our solutions
for safety in the aviation industry
Precision at every angle
Ground Support Equipment
To meet the growing demands for safety and efficiency in ground-based aviation operations, ASO has developed an innovative collision avoidance system – a flexible retrofit solution for almost all types of ground support equipment (GSE). The system has a modular design and combines tactile and non-contact sensor technology. It therefore not only meets the highest technical standards but also complies with the latest IATA recommendations for preventing damage to aircraft caused by ground vehicles.
At the heart of the system are pressure-sensitive SENTIR bumper contact sensors, which react as soon as a GSE vehicle makes physical contact with an aircraft. They immediately trigger a signal that directly intervenes in the vehicle’s control system – for example, to initiate an emergency shutdown or activate the braking process. This not only cushions the impact but also controls the remaining braking distance to reliably prevent damage to the aircraft.
The system is supplemented by contactless ultrasonic sensors, which provide an early proximity warning, and by SENTIR mat contact mats for presence detection – creating a multi-stage safety concept that can be individually configured depending on the vehicle type.
The collision-avoidance system in detail
More than just a sensor – a complete protection system
Control unit as a central interface, tactile and non-contact sensors, pre-contact warning.
ultrasonic sensor
- Tried-and-tested ultrasonic sensor, compatible with ASO control units
- precise and resistant to interference
ELMON relay functions
- Display unit for distance & status
- Indicator lights, GPS antenna, logbook entry
- Reset button, interface function, audible warning
Technical highlights
Technology that impresses
Fast response
Detection with virtually no delay.
Protection class up to IP68
Dust- and waterproof.
Chemical-resistant
Petrol, kerosene, aviation petrol and much more
Vibration-resistant
Reliable under continuous load.
Direct intervention
Triggers an emergency stop/braking.
USB Logbook
Comprehensive documentation.
Ein System, sechs Komponenten
Versatile
Aircraft Construction & Maintenance
Automated mobile maintenance platforms, racks and scissor lifts must – like ground support equipment – be fitted with safety sensors. SENTIR bumper contact buffers and SENTIR edge contact strips ensure a safe and damage-free approach to the aircraft.
Contact with the soft surface of an active safety contact strip or contact bumper triggers an electrical stop and, where possible, reverses the maintenance device. The residual travel of the SENTIR edge contact strip or the SENTIR bumper contact buffer absorbs the momentum of the maintenance vehicle, thereby preventing damage to the aircraft.
Our SENTIR mat safety contact mats also enable presence detection on lifting equipment and other vehicles – for example, to secure hazardous areas around aerial work platforms and mobile platforms. The SENTIR foot is also available as a pressure-sensitive sensor for GSE height adjustment, which reliably safeguards passenger boarding bridges when docking with the aircraft, for example.
An overview of tactile sensors
Why SENTIR is worth it
Control unit as a central interface, tactile and non-contact sensors, pre-contact warning.
For Aircraft & Operations
- Damage prevention
- Lower repair costs
- Higher availability
For operators and manufacturers
- Modular retrofit system
- Customised design
- Rapid implementation
- Compliant with IATA AHM-913
- Global support network
It’s the system that makes the difference
One system, six components
Ultrassonic-sensor
Non-contact distance detection, IP67.
Sturdy and weather-resistant
Sturdy and reliable – in all weathers, on any apron
SENTIR is rated to protection class IP68, is resistant to oils, kerosene and chemicals, and operates with absolute reliability even under constant vibration.
About ASO Safety Solutions
The global market leader in tactile sensor technology for almost 40 years
200 employees worldwide, with offices in Germany, the USA and China, and sales across Europe.
Our solutions
Find the right SENTIR solution for your equipment
Speak to our team for a personalised consultation.
