Camp Grayling Army Airfield Rotary Wing Aircraft Hangar

DLZ provided design work for the Camp Grayling Aircraft Hangar, a new 18,200 SF hangar, designed to provide protection for rotary wing aircraft during sever/inclement weather. To provide the most flexibility, Camp Grayling needed a building that would fit either a single CH-47 Chinook, or two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Providing a space that maximized building efficiencies and the unique clearance requirements for the different aircraft, created a unique design problem.

Efficient Use of Space

DLZ worked with the Michigan National Guard to develop several schemes that improved on the Guard’s initial planned layout. The final design provided the ability to store either configuration of aircraft in the facility, while maintaining an efficient structural span and providing operational accessibility. The building was rotated on its axis to provide drive-through capabilities and allow for the two UH-60 Blackhawks to be stacked in the hangar. This increased the length of the building but reduced the inefficiencies of the plan. This also allowed for the overall width of the building to reduce to 90 feet and allow for the maximum width clearance of the CH-47 Chinook, as required by the UFC 3-260-01. The resulting layout provided an efficient use of the space with proper clearances for both parking configurations.

Funding Sources

To manage budget and allow for different funding sources, the project was designed with three tiers of Alternate Bid Items (ABIs). Base bid included the hangar and a mechanical/electrical room. ABI #1 included a storage room, latrines, and a janitor’s closet. ABI #2 included an office space for airfield personnel. This flexibility gave the Michigan National Guard the ability to balance their budget with their operational needs to get the most efficient use of available funds.

Site Improvements for the project involve connecting the new hangar to the existing airfield with two concrete aprons. Additionally, exterior concrete slabs and lighting will be provided at all pedestrian entries, as well as pitched awnings to protect from rain and snow. This requires minimal site grading to account for proper site drainage, as well as rerouting of the exiting site fencing.

The project was designed to meet all relevant codes and regulation, including the following:

• FAA Guidelines
• Military Aviation Guidelines
• Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) 3-260-01 Airfield and Heliport Planning and Design
• NG PAM 415-12 Army National Guard Facilities Allowances
• Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) 4-010-01 DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential

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