How to design an aircraft hangar ?

Aircraft hangars play a number of key roles in the smooth operation of aviation. In many cases, their functions help improve military logistics. To ensure efficiency and safety, a hangar must be designed with a particular degree of care and professionalism.

What functions do aircraft hangars have?

The key purpose for which the hangars are designed is to provide storage for aircraft, gliders, helicopters and choppers. The space inside hangars is also used for maintenance purposes. The sheltered location allows all repairs and safety work to be carried out safely and conveniently. Aircraft hangars also have a storage function, which is very important for aviation logistics. Aircraft hangars can act as storage facilities for aircraft both permanently and temporarily. When temporary hangars are considered, their design allows for quick disassembly and easy transport. At the same time, they are always properly secured and robust. Thanks to their sturdy structure and modular framework, they can be both weatherproof and mobile. Because changes can be made to the hangar design to suit individual needs, temporary hangars are often used by the military.

Designing an aircraft hangar – what is the right procedure?

The design and construction of an aircraft hangar is a multi-stage, responsible task. Preparing a made-to-measure design is the first task, which should be followed by foundation works and earthworks, as well as the erection of the supporting structure. The walls, roof and floor are then made. Nevertheless, any necessary adjustments can be made at the design stage. A properly engineered hangar should fulfil the functions of handling and storing not only aircraft, but also special machinery, delivery vans and a variety of equipment necessary for the proper operation of aircraft. The design must include information on the materials from which to make the hangar. Depending on the budget and the client’s expectations, she/he can choose between profiles made using a more expensive or less expensive method. A lot depends on the location in which the aircraft hangar is set up.

Natural conditions and climatic stress are key. In addition, you should estimate the operational load on a case-by-case basis for each building. The client also has a say in choosing the the span of columns and the number of bays inside the building. Many of these decisions affect structural components such as the pitch of the roof or the height of the entire building. The person responsible for preparing a professional design must also prepare a list of all the necessary safeguards at this stage, to address fire and load issues. The aircraft hangar must also be fitted with properly fabricated windows, gates and doors. Lighting, heating and air-conditioning system should also be arranged accordingly. A proper aircraft hangar design must be both fully functional and safe. It is crucial to use the highest quality materials that meet all standards. This helps create a comfortable space for safe, effective work.

What procedures are involved in the design of aircraft hangars?

When deciding to design and build a hangar, it is worth bearing in mind the procedural issues. It is necessary to submit all the necessary documents on the impact the construction has on the items that are on at the airport, as well as numerous environmental aspects.

Flooring in aircraft hangar – what features should it have?

The flooring in an aircraft hangar is one of the most important parts. It bears the weight of all the machinery in storage, so the efficiency of the operations depends on its quality. A key aspect to consider when designing and constructing an aircraft hangar is the strength of the floor. The floor must withstand a load of several tens of tonnes. Unprotected concrete substrate can be damaged. The flooring in hangars is also vulnerable to damage from the movement of ground support equipment on it, not to mention the trolleys and any other machines moving around the aircraft. The floor must also be resistant to chemicals, especially those contained in aviation fuel, lubricants and operating fluids. Therefore, the resistance assessment must consider both short and long periods of exposure to chemicals. Although the colour of the flooring in an aircraft hangar is not a key issue, it is worth taking care of its appearance for practical reasons. It should be bright and shiny so that the hangar is easier to illuminate, without the need for additional lamps. In addition, the well lit space allows for more comfortable work on the undercarriage and under the wings. When an aircraft hangar is turned into an important visitor reception area, such as government and foreign officials, it is worth taking care of the aesthetics of its key segments, the walls and the floor. In addition to light shades of grey, which are necessary for technical reasons, a different colour can also be chosen to mark traffic routes or accentuate the airline logo. The flooring in the hangar should also be as easy to clean as possible. This is particularly important in very large buildings, which often cover several thousand square metres. In such cases, a difficult-to-clean floor generates unnecessary costs. In some buildings, anti-electrostatic properties can also be an important feature of a good floor. It protects many high-tech devices and components against discharging.

What size can an aircraft hangar be?

Private aircraft hangars for shielding small aircraft, helicopters, gliders and light aircraft, are typically up to 18 metres in width. This much of space guarantees comfortable work without any empty space unnecessarily covered. These hangars can be of any length. Conversely, military hangars or those for storing airline-owned aircraft come in much larger sizes, fully tailored to meet needs and expectations.

Key methods for protecting an aircraft hangar from damage

Hangars are protected in a number of ways so that they can serve efficiently for as long as possible. This includes coating with anti-corrosive, usually polyurethane, paints. The steel structures used in the construction of the hangars are protected by hot-dip galvanising. It makes components resistant to mechanical and corrosive damage. Zinc paints with high rust resistance are also a popular protection solution. It is a very simple and quick method, as well as easy to correct. The hangar steelwork can also be reinforced with additional fire-retardant paint. It protects key components in the event of a fire.