Ellsworth Air Force Base

Aperture Door: B1-B Heavy Bombers and KC 135 Tankers
Completed 1985
RRapid City, South Dakota

The aperture hangar doors accommodate the B1-B Heavy Bombers and KC 135 Tankers, allowing the front of the aircraft to be positioned inside the hangar, while the tail end of the aircraft remains outside. The doors are equipped with two sets of guides and two separate cushions, each with vertical and horizontal adjustment capabilities. Air pressure holds the apertures in place, forming a seal around the aircraft and protecting the interior hangar from weather conditions. At the same time, the apertures accommodate ongoing changes in horizontal and vertical aircraft position caused by jacking, fueling and de-fueling during maintenance activities.