> Introduction

Currently the largest military aircraft hangar in the EFASS range, specifically designed for maintenance of the MH-47 Chinook helicopter. The first helicopter hangars were 25m span x 36m long with Fast Jet Door technology. The military structures were packed into two 20ft containers. This specification and door type was purchased by both the US Army and the RAF, with an operational independent assessment taking place at Fort Campbell (the 160th SOAR Regiment). The aircraft hangar was unpacked from its containers and erected by the 160th military personnel with two Rubb technicians. All attributes of the helicopter hangar were tried and tested to ensure that it was adequate to house and maintain a Chinook helicopter with its blades fully deployed. The overall trial was very successful. Repacking was authenticated by the 160th with the aircraft hangar being dismantled, re-packed, redeployed and re-erected in theatre by the regiment. The exercise also helped identify two wish list items which would enhance the product's performance.

Rubb was asked to:

• Design a new military hangar door concept:

     a) That does not require a base foundation and ramps.

     b) That can be operated with only the push of a button, with no bolts, straps or ties.

• Provide a built-in gantry crane to allow major repairs in theatre without additional mechanical plant (forklift truck, crane).

The requests from military personnel were taken very seriously, developed and incorporated into the 25m military structure, establishing the 25m EFASS as a truly state-of-the-art front-line hangar. The first off the production line was purchased by the Canadian Military for use in Afghanistan.