B737 NG SRM, winglet mod: MDL-AP37-8-0611 and physical visit to hangar would give you some idea of the space inside the winglet.
B737 is small aircraft. The pilots can easily look out for wing tip clearance.
The momentum of a moving aircraft is not going to be stop as wish especially in a wet night when visibility is bad.
A wide body aircraft, B777, A330, A340, A380 would be a better choice. Even so, there are always ground marshall and his assistance to look out for clearance on ground where maneuver is tight.
Fitting a collision system requires a lot of bureaucratic approvals and may interfere with wing tip flux unit for navigation system.
Big modern aircraft like B777 has the optional already approved cameras fitted at both stab. for a clear view of both wings.
Wing tip collision system may be a good idea for a school project but is it practical and commercial viable.
Last edited by Kuchan; 12th Nov 2011 at 11:48.