Hangars

Hangar is a large building designed for housing aircraft, vehicles, or equipment. In aviation, hangars provide shelter from weather, space for maintenance, and secure storage for aircraft, tools, and spare parts. They are typically located at airports or military bases and are designed to allow wide access through large doors, with interiors that may include workbenches, cranes, and service areas.

Construction and design features commonly include a steel or reinforced concrete frame, exterior cladding of metal panels or insulated walls, and a concrete floor with high load capacity. Doors are a major design element, often sliding, folding, or sectional overhead types that can span large widths. Some hangars employ modular or preassembled components for rapid construction. Fire protection and climate control are frequent considerations to protect aircraft and sensitive equipment.

Types and uses of hangars vary by purpose. They include aircraft storage and maintenance hangars, maintenance and repair facilities, assembly or manufacturing hangars, military or naval aviation hangars, and general storage or goods-handling hangars. Inside, layouts may feature maintenance bays, offices, workshops, and sometimes mezzanines in larger facilities. Proximity to runways, taxiways, and support services influences usability and efficiency.

Etymology and history indicate that the word hangar comes from the French hangar, with usage spreading in the early 20th century as aviation expanded. While most common in aviation, hangars also serve as industrial warehouses, art spaces, or event venues in some cases. The term emphasizes shelter and large-access space for operations and storage.