Why Fabric Structures Are Ideal for Aviation Applications

More and more fixed-base operators (FBOs) are utilizing Big Top’s fabric structures for their aviation applications. It’s not hard to understand why when you consider all the advantages that our solutions provide over traditional and permanently installed Tee hangars. Let’s take a closer look at why our fabric shelters are a favorite for aircraft storage and maintenance.

Protection for Aircraft & Maintenance Crews

Traditional Tee hangars are often built with metal walls and a roof, which means the interior can heat up rather quickly even on mildly warm days. Big Top’s fabric structures are designed to eliminate this issue thanks to the thermal-reflective fabric cover. In fact, the cover repels 99.95% of UV-A and UV-B radiation for a UPF rating of 5,000 and a conventional rating of 50+. This means:

Maintenance Crews Are Well Protected

The exceptional thermal performance of our fabric hangars and sunshades helps to keep the interior at a pleasant temperature that is, on average, 15 degrees cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than the temperature outside. Your maintenance crews will be comfortable and protected as they perform their duties throughout the day. Plus, we can equip the building with lighting protection so it can be used as a muster station where your employees can gather when the weather turns inclement.

Equipment Lifespan Is Maximized

Sheltering your aircraft from sun exposure can maximize the lifespan of its electronics and paint jobs.

Naturally Illuminated

Big Top’s hangars and sunshades do not require an electric lighting system for daytime operations. That’s because the fabric cover is also translucent and allows sunlight to fully illuminate the interior.

Ensuring Mission Readiness

Big Top’s fabric structures do not require a concrete pad as a foundation and can be anchored to nearly anything, even dirt and asphalt. This means they can be deployed directly on the flight line, ensuring mission readiness. Our fabric sunshades can also be moved around intact with a crane, and they can be disassembled and shipped to a new base of operations for future use.

Custom Designs

Our fabric shelters are fully customizable and can range in size from 20 to 174 feet wide and nearly any length. We can install internal partitions and any number of accessories, from insulation to doors to flooring, so that you can use your fabric structure for any type of aviation application, including hangars, terminals, and maintenance facilities.

Military Applications

With all the great advantages our fabric structures offer, it’s no wonder why they’re a favorite for the U.S. military. Big Top’s fabric shelters are approved by the USACE as being compliant with U.S. Air Force Sunshade Management (AFSM), Air Force Instruction (AFI), and IBC. They’re also Berry Amendment compliant and can be found on Air Force bases around the globe.

Learn More

Big Top’s fabric structures require few materials to build and can be erected at a rate of 2,500 square feet per day, making them a cost-effective option for aviation applications. For more information, contact Big Top today.