Our Custom-Designed Clear Span Building Projects as Aircraft Shade Structures
Shelter Structures has a long-term relationship with the military. Our fabric clear span buildings provide excellent shade and protection for various aircraft. Here is an overview of some of our previous projects.
Contrack Watts Project
The Navy contracted Shelter Structures for this project. The project involved an overhaul in aircraft shade structures as the Navy phased out the P-3 aircrafts for a newer maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft: the P-8A. The Navy needed a sustainable and cost-effective shelter solution that still met military safety standards. The final fabric structure not only accommodates the aircraft but also the support facilities including maintenance and storage.
USAF Large Fabric Shelter Project
The Air Force contracted Shelter Structures to provide 80,000 square feet of space for storing parts. One notable challenge was creating a structure that needed a water-tight base on an old asphalt surface. Shelter Structures consulted with several asphalt companies and built four clear span buildings with overhead doors to overcome this challenge. This project is currently ongoing.
Cannon AFB Project
The Air Force contracted Shelter Structures to build a specialty fabric building to protect equipment and personnel. UV and heat exposure from the New Mexico sun were the top concerns during this project. Shelter Structures overcame this challenge by customizing the clear span building to provide extra durability and UV protection.
NAS Whiting Field Fabric Aircraft Hangars
Shelter Structures received this Navy contract to build 54 shelters for 111 aircraft, but there was a limited amount of ramp space on the airfield to work with. We overcame this obstacle and met our goals by designing fabric shelters in rows and supporting them with 12” columns. These designs provided the necessary shelter while accommodating the restricted ramp space.
Naval Air Station in Meridian, MS Aircraft Hangars
This Navy contract stipulated that Shelter Structures build 54 aircraft hangars as well as relocate 10 existing hangars already on site. In order to overcome the limited space, we found an efficient alternative—designing 18 triple wide canopies. These canopies allowed three aircraft per fabric structure and ultimately saved project funds while meeting all Navy requirements.
Military Hangars for Naval Air Stations in Kingsville, TX and Meridian, MS
Shelter Structures was contracted to build several military hangars for the Navy at their training ground for student pilots. Harsh conditions were a significant concern for the final product and construction process, including intense sunlight, temperatures as high as 103°F, and the possibility of hail storms. During the tight six-week construction period, operations were frequently shut down due to winds. However, Shelter Structures was still able to put together fabric military hangars with a 15 to 20-year lifespan. After the success in Kingsville, the Navy commissioned another 18 clear span structures as military hangars for Meridian, MS.