Aeroman Aircraft Maintenance and Operations Hangar, San Salvador, El Salvador
Wood Harbinger teamed with Durrant Architects to develop a new Aircraft Maintenance Hangar and Shop Facility. The project required an extensive Design Charrette that evolved from a two-bay maintenance hangar to a multi-phased facility master plan. The total build out is planned to include twelve 118,000 SF heavy maintenance hangars to service B-737, B-757, and A-320 aircraft, central energy plant, warehouse, facility maintenance center, staff training, cafeteria, locker rooms and recreation, and facility management offices.
Phase One design for a twin-bay 118,000 SF hangar included sheet metal, sanding, composite repair, painting, seat repair, and component repair shops. The hangar is served by a 1.5 MVA, 44 kV/480 V substation, three 90 KVA 400 Hz aircraft power supplies, and a central services area that provides shop tool compressed air, aircraft pneumatic air, aircraft cabin cooling, and high pressure hydraulic oil for aircraft systems operations.
Energy efficiency was achieved by incorporating a unique set of features that promote optimal lighting and natural ventilation. A translucent roofing membrane eliminates the need for electric lighting during daytime operations. For operations during non-daylight hours, a gallery of light fixtures is strategically directed at points of the hangar, illuminating critical areas to maximum effectiveness. These systems increase the quality of light with great efficiency.
The translucent membrane roof, in combination with the vertical lift doors and air-induction chimneys, cool the occupied areas of the hangar naturally and economically. These features produce a constant stream of air movement that is focused at the hangar’s ground level. In the hot, humid climate of El Salvador, this airflow significantly increases worker comfort and productivity. In addition to contributing to the cooling of the hangar, the vertical lift doors also contribute to worker safety by preventing bird infiltration, a rampant problem for many Salvadoran structures.