The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) had its grand re-opening in their new location at the Winnipeg James A. Richardson International Airport in 2022. The 48 million dollar, 86,000 square foot building transformed the Royal Aviation Museum into a world class destination.
The RAMWC needed a hangar door to move large aircraft in and out of the exhibits and “to allow guests to walk out into Aviation Plaza and enjoy visiting aircraft, exciting events and more” (RAMWC, Twitter).
Diamond Doors provided a custom solution: a 116’ x 30’ automatic commercial bi-fold hangar door. While every Diamond door is custom made to the intended building, this project’s sheer size required further design modification from the standard door. At over 31,000 pounds, the steel frame alone demanded a powerful and reliable lift system.
There are a variety of factors to consider during the design process: the wind load ratings of the building location, door application, structural needs, aesthetic preferences, optional features requested, door weight, and the exterior finishing on the door. The RAMWC was cladded in a four inch insulated metal panel. Using the same material to clad the door creates a seamless look.
To accommodate the weight of the steel and heavy metal paneling, the hangar door was outfitted with a custom engineered dual drive system. Custom engineering maintains a high quality design, scaled to virtually any size door application. Other features and options on the RAMWC door include a 16” bottom rubber seal, foam weather seal kit, photoelectric safety sensors, and the electrical auto-lock upgrade.
This project was completed alongside Diamond Doors dealer, Daytona Door Products who provided installation. Installing a door this size required engineered lifts for install, permits on variances, and a detailed lift plan. The install needed to be accomplished accurately, safely, and on schedule or else the project risked being put on hold.
Ken Fardoe, owner and operator at Daytona Door Products gave his feedback on the project install. “Going into the project, with this being the first bi-fold door we have installed, it was ominous. However, we were pleasantly surprised how well everything went and the quality of the product. Installation went exactly how it was described and things went like clockwork.”
While hangar doors usually pale in beauty and intrigue when compared to the aircraft behind them, the large hangar door at the RAMWC is its own exhibit of sorts, contributing to the grandeur of the modern facility and paying homage to the hangar – where many pilots start and end their journey.
Joel Nelson, VP of Operations at the RAMWC (and licensed private pilot) said “the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is proud to have partnered with Diamond Doors. Our 35 metre door is one of, if not THE, largest bifold doors in North America. The door is a true engineering marvel, and we couldn’t be happier to show it off in our brand new facility. Opening the door always generates excitement from staff and visitors alike.”
As a company founded by a former commercial pilot, and having served the aviation community since 1998, Diamond Doors is proud to have been part of this project and thanks the many contributors that brought the RAMWC to what it is today.
