How Airplanes Fit into Hangers: A Comprehensive Guide
The transition from the skies to the safety of hangars is a meticulous process that requires careful design, planning, and execution. Understanding how airplanes fit into these specialized structures is crucial for anyone involved in aircraft maintenance, operation, or logistics. This article will delve into the details of the design and operational aspects of airplane hangars, along with the methods used to accommodate these vast machines.
The Role of Hangar Design
The primary task of hangars is to house and protect airplanes from the elements while allowing for efficient maintenance and storage. There are physical limitations to how large a free-span building can be, which in turn limits the size of the airplanes that can be accommodated. Therefore, hangars are purpose-built structures designed to fit the specific dimensions of the aircraft they will house.
Key Considerations: Wingspan: The horizontal distance between the tips of the wings. Length: The overall length of the aircraft from nose to tail. Height: The height of the aircraft, especially for wide-body models.
The Importance of Hangar Doors
Carefully designed hangar doors play a crucial role in facilitating the entry and exit of airplanes. These large, wide doors often span the entire width of the hangar, providing ample space for the aircraft to move in and out. Some hangar doors even slide or pivot open, making it easier to maneuver the planes. This feature is particularly important as it reduces the risk of damage to both the aircraft and the hangar structure.
Space Management Inside the Hangar
The efficient use of space inside the hangar is critical for maximizing the number of aircraft that can fit within the available area. Airplanes are often parked strategically, with their wings overlapping or staggered, to maximize the number of planes that can be accommodated. Ground crew members use specialized equipment, such as tugs and dollies, to carefully maneuver the airplanes into position without causing any damage or disturbance.
Storing Flight-Based Aircraft
When storing flight-based aircraft, the process involves more than just parking them inside the hangar. For smaller, less critical aircraft, they can be stored on the ground with draping covers. However, for larger aircraft, such as commercial carriers, the process is more complex. The wings must be doused with special protective oils, and the planes are usually turned upside down to prevent water and dust from seeping in.
When preparing to park the aircraft, the wings are typically removed and draped over a triangular section of the hangar. The aircraft is then carefully raised and hung over a rail using specialized hooks. It is important to leave some space on either side of the hangar to ensure the planes hang neatly and avoid wrinkles. This process requires precise planning and the use of specialized equipment to ensure the safety and integrity of the aircraft.
Aeroplane Movement
Contrary to popular belief, aeroplanes do not fly into hangars. Instead, they are pushed into the hangars using external traction vehicles. The movement of the plane is not auto-generated but is externally supported by engines until they reach the taxiway or beyond. This process ensures the safety and integrity of the aircraft during transportation and parking.
In some novels, aeroplanes are depicted as flying into and out of hangars. While this might be an artistic liberty, such actions are impractical and dangerous for commercial and military aircraft. The process of moving and storing these large machines requires careful planning and specialized equipment to ensure their safe and secure accommodation.