The term “airship hangar” or “airship dock” is used to denote a building or other structure where aircraft are housed for construction, repair, storage or overhaul purposes. Hangars were used only for major repair and overhaul or for protection from severe weather conditions. The first hangars were probably the tents which were used to cover aircraft. Although they were later reinforced by wooden frames, the construction of such hangars proved to be quite impractical because they easily caught fire. Other early hangars were constructed like garages with large doors at one end. They were economical to build but also caught fire easily.
During the 20’s the improvements in the hangars design resulted in the construction of larger hangars made of metal, cinder blocks and poured concrete. Today most airports have large concrete or metal hangars for airliners and large transport aircraft.
One of the most important sides of the airport work is the actual provision of building and hangars to house the airplanes and necessary equipment. They have to be carefully and properly designed for this job. Steel and concrete are used for new flight hangars today. The layout and number of the hangar designs depend largely on the use, type and dimensions (length, width and thickness) of the machines. The character of the aircraft maintenance, overhaul and the geographical position of the airport influence the hangar design to some extent.
Any maintenance hangars should meet the following demands:
- convenience of aircraft maintenance and overhaul;
- aircraft manoeuverability;
- it should give possibility to carry out maintenance operations to a number of aircraft at a time.
Answer the questions.
1. When is the term “airship hangar” used?
2. How were the first hangars used?
3. How were other early hangars constructed?
4. What kind of hangars do most airports have today?
5. What is one of the most important sides of the airport work?
6. What do the layout and number of the hangars designs depend on?