Upon completion, the new hangar will replace the current one that houses Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 Key West Detachment – F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and adversaries Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111, who fly F-5N Tiger II aircraft.
“Thanks to NAVFAC’s diligence and expertise, we’re finally getting started on this much-needed project leftover from Hurricane Irma,” said NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Sohaney. “A new hangar will greatly enhance our mission to support warfighters, and it’s exciting to know that its capabilities will put the air station at the forefront of Naval Aviation training.”
An aircraft maintenance hangar is designed and built with the sole purpose of conducting major aircraft repairs, as opposed to routine aviation maintenance and general servicing.
The work to be performed provides for full design and construction of a two-module Type I aircraft maintenance hangar, approximately 110,000 square feet in size. Type I maintenance hangars are primarily designed for carrier aircraft, but are adaptable to meet requirements for rotary wing and various types of other small aircraft.
The new facility will contain high-bay spaces, shops and maintenance spaces, operation, training, and administrative spaces. The hangar will require a special foundation, overhead bridge crane, and elevators.
The project also includes all pertinent site improvements, site preparations, mechanical and electrical utilities, telecommunications, emergency generator, landscaping, drainage, parking and exterior lighting.
Mechanical systems will include compressed air, HVAC systems, potable and fire protection water distribution, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) system, sanitary sewer, and storm water systems. The existing hangar will be demolished upon completion of the new aircraft maintenance facility.
Work will be performed in Key West, Florida and is expected to be completed by October 2023.