Abstract: Electrically-operated hydraulic and mechanical apparatus is disclosed for opening and closing a large door, for example, on a cargo airplane. Door latching or locking apparatus is also disclosed, which serves to prevent the door from being inadvertently opened at any time. The hydraulic and mechanical apparatus are sequentially activated so that, for example, before the door latching operation can begin, full closing of the door is required. Conversely, before opening of the door can occur, full unlatching of the latching mechanism must first occur.