How Our Fabric Structures Are Used in the Aviation Industry
At Big Top Fabric Structures, we’ve been custom designing temporary buildings for a wide range of industries since our founding in 1979. For aviation applications, our fabric shelters are commonly used as hangars and sunshades for aircraft maintenance and storage. Here’s why:
They Cost Less to Build Than Permanent Hangars
Our fabric structures require fewer materials and take less time to build than traditional metal hangars. In fact, they can be assembled at a rate of 2,500 square feet per day. This provides exceptional cost savings for fixed-based operators and other aviation companies that need storage and maintenance shelters for their aircraft. One recent study has shown that 18 fabric sunshades cost less than one metal airplane hangar, so it’s easy to see how our solutions can help save on construction costs.
They Can Be Anchored Directly to the Flight Line
Big Top’s fabric hangars and sunshades do not require a concrete pad as a foundation and can be anchored directly to asphalt. This allows them to be deployed directly on the flight line, offering convenience for maintenance crews and ensuring mission readiness for military applications.
They Offer Superior Protection From Sun Exposure
Prolonged direct exposure to the sun can be detrimental to the health of maintenance crews and equipment alike. Our structures feature a fabric cover that is designed for outstanding thermal performance. In fact, the fabric material repels 99.95% of harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation, helping to maximize the lifespan of aircraft electronics and paint jobs. The fabric also helps the interior to maintain a temperature that is, on average, 15 degrees cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than the outside temperature, keeping personnel comfortable as they perform their maintenance duties throughout the day.
They Are Designed for Long-Lasting Applications
Thanks to their industrial-grade, galvanized steel frame, our fabric hangars and sunshades are strong enough to last for decades with proper maintenance. We can even add extra engineering so that our buildings meet local wind and snow load requirements. Additionally, the fabric cover is NFPA701 flame retardant in accordance with International Building Code (IBC).
They Require No Artificial Lighting
The fabric cover of our hangars and sunshades is translucent, allowing sunlight to fully illuminate the interior space. This eliminates the need for artificial lighting and the energy costs that come with it.
They Are Approved for Military Applications
Big Top’s fabric hangars and sunshades are approved by the USACE as being compliant with US Air Force Sunshade Management (AFSM), Air Force Instruction (AFI), and IBC. They are also Berry Amendment compliant for military use.
They Can Be Relocated
Unlike metal airplane hangars, our fabric structures can be moved when the need arises. This can mean moving the hangar or sunshade intact with a crane, or disassembling and shipping it to another facility.
Learn More
For more information about why our fabric structures are sought out by aviation companies across the country, contact Big Top today. We design custom solutions and provide turnkey installation services for our valued customers in the aviation industry.