PROJECT

Special Operations Forces AMU & Weapons Hangar

We were the prime architect-engineer (A-E) contractor for the new Special Operations Forces (SOF) aircraft maintenance unit (AMU) and weapons hangar to support the 4th Special Operations Squadron, known for operating the AC-130J Ghostrider gunships at Hurlburt Field.

The 105,041-square-foot multifunction facility provides administrative areas for squadron leadership and a weapons hangar for maintenance of the aircraft and its weapons systems.

Our team also evaluated and adjusted master planning for campus development for the full program build-out, including updated complex infrastructure, utility and project demarcation points. We coordinated the necessary adjustment of the Department of Defense 1391 form to meet mission requirements, and we assisted users in understanding specialized requirements to support weapons system maintenance in the back shops.

The design plan required critical phasing to maintain full functionality of the adjacent active airfield, necessitating additional coordination with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Hurlburt Field and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Client

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mobile District

Location

Hurlburt Field, Florida

Region

Southeast

Services

Federal & Military

Department of Defense

Air Force & Air Force Reserve

U.S. Army/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Environmental Services for Military Facilities

Industry

Government & Military

Solutions That Add Value

Cost controls — After our design charrette and thorough project definition report, the overall associated costs were reduced by more than $2 million. To address the region’s complex, saturated bid environment and to reduce bid risk, we worked closely with the design working group and developed multiple bid schedules, supporting the ability to provide a mission ready design.

Sustainable design — Total building ownership costs are reduced through improved energy and water efficiency. High-bay workspaces and the hangar bay have high volume low speed (HVLS) ceiling fans to improve comfort and reduce energy use. Natural light is maximized in meeting and training rooms, offices, high-bay workspaces and the hangar bay. Modular massing and regional masonry reduce waste generated on the site and decrease ongoing maintenance costs while addressing building resiliency in a corrosive and hurricane-prone environment.

Site Development

For the first phase of the campus, site development factored in the complete campus when establishing utility systems, apron layouts and elevations, and elevations for hangars and support facilities. Siting was coordinated to accommodate future apron expansion, additional hangars, a parking garage, and phased construction to maintain current airfield operations. We coordinated with the USACE Mobile District design team on adjacent projects for stormwater, site utilities and apron paving.

Site Development Scope

Utility system design for water distribution, fire water distribution, sanitary collection, industrial wastewater collection, natural gas distribution, and site electrical and communication networks

Demolition of seven buildings, foundations, and adjacent pavements, sidewalks and utilities

Earthwork removal of approximately 4 feet of organic muck/wetland material below the entire project footprint

Installation of a construction berm

Stormwater discharge modeling and stormwater management design

Design for security fencing, entry control points for airfield access and exterior environmental protection shelters for equipment storage

Seismic design

Topographic survey and geotechnical investigation

Landscape architecture

Hazardous material abatement

Airfield pavement site layout

Architecture & Interior Design

The facilities include a 72-foot-tall one-bay maintenance hangar, AMU, consolidated took kit, internal storage for equipment, weapons shops and storage, administrative areas, outdoor covered storage, and spaces for squadron operations. Translucent exterior wall panels were integrated into the exterior wall of the hangar bay and weapons shop to enhance natural lighting. A canopy and porch at the entrance of the commander suite define the main entrance area.

Spaces include an integrated avionics and electronic warfare room, an armament shop, an administrative area, secure weapons storage, a logistics warehouse, ready rooms, storage, a breakroom showers, a consolidated tool kit, a hangar bay, a fire pump room, electrical/communications rooms, a foam room, covered storage, training rooms, debrief rooms, security manager offices, Preservation of the Force and Family rooms, and an open-floor gun maintenance bay.

Interior design systems included mechanical, electrical, structural, fire protection and cybersecurity systems.