Designing a hangar for a business jet manufacturer

Gulfstream Service Centre - Engineering Design

The Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation wanted to construct a new maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at TAG Farnborough Airport in Hampshire. They selected us as part of their team and to provide engineering design services on this project.

We initially supported the project team in working closely with Rushmoor Borough Council to get the planning application to their Development Management Committee just nine weeks after submitting the application.

Given the programme requirements, we developed the design of the steel frame fully prior to the appointment of the steel fabricator. Following their appointment, we collaborated closely over connection design, erection sequence, temporary stability, and co-ordination with the hangar doors, cranes, sprinkler system, and cladding.

Our work on the roof design included wind load assessments with both hangar doors in open and shut positions, as well as prediction and monitoring of deflections during both construction and on completion. This was critical for the hangar doors and the travelling cranes. We also undertook the design of the ground floor slab to the hangar, which incorporated telescopic pits and cable ducts.

Our civil engineers designed the significant external aircraft aprons along with a car parking area for employees and visitors, providing space for over 300 cars that connects to the airport’s perimeter road. We also provided specialist pavement design and runway safeguarding checks, along with the drainage strategy and design and flood risk assessment. Additionally, our geo-environmental engineers also conducted extensive site investigations and drew up the site remediation strategy.

Along with being able to house up to 16 Gulfstream business jets, the building includes three floors of office space, customer facilities, and a café.