F-35 Hardened Aircraft Shelters and Support Facilities for Site 414

First Set of F-35 Hardened Aircraft Shelters

As the Prime Contractor, Conti Federal delivered the first of several F-35 beddown reinforced hangars and supporting facilities for USACE Europe. The facilities consisted of reinforced concrete facilities, blast resistant steel sliding hangar doors, complex mechanical and electrical systems, and a specialized, site-specific Building Management System (BMS). The work was completed by following strict security requirements, addressing logistical challenges, and managing multiple subcontractors while coordinating operations on an active military base adjacent to an active flightline.

The project scope new aircraft maintenance support spaces including auxiliary facilities, a two-story secure planning and operations squadron administrative building,  and renovation of an ammunition storage area. Conti Federal also constructed concrete taxiways. Work also included site development (sidewalks and water culverts), parking spaces, roads, and junctions.

Electrical systems feed from the base low-and high-voltage electrical network. Base personnel control these systems with a complex, specialized, site-specific Building Management Control Monitoring System. This system includes a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for the display screens, with each screen customized by discipline. Delivery of the system required close coordination with end-users and the system providers to develop and design the software and to integrate multiple building systems.

Each hangar included multiple utility systems such as water, compressed air, oil waste, fuel, and sewage. Conti Federal constructed electrical, mechanical, fuel, compressed air, fire detection, and telecommunication systems and provide a pathway for utilities to service all structures.

Conti Federal installed a 600 gallons-per-minute (gpm) fuel separator and complex mechanical control systems to operate the hangars’ blast gates. A lightning protection system and an equipment grounding system was also installed on all reinforced hangar structures, fuel rooms, and pumping stations. Permanent solar powered hot water heaters/boilers (solar panels and boiler) were placed on all building roofs requiring hot water.

Conti Federal constructed components in compliance with ICD 705 specifications and fitted out secure operations planning and administrative spaces within the squadron administrative building. These facilities are used by authorized personnel as fully functional secure spaces to store, discuss, and/or electronically process classified data. ICD 705 components included: perimeter construction, acoustical protection, communications, interior utilities penetrations, and an access control system.

“This specific project entailed multiple aspects and facets of original and unique design, especially within the structural discipline. Conti Federal’s ability and experience in the steel and concrete works allowed for solid partnering on site leading to an overall better product for the customer.”

USACE Europe Authorized Contracting Officer