hangar

A hangar is a large enclosed building used for housing and maintaining aircraft, though the term can also apply to structures that store or service other large equipment. Hangars provide shelter from weather, space for inspection and repair, and protection from theft or vandalism. The word originates from the French hangar meaning shelter or shed; English usage dates from the late 19th or early 20th century, with the exact origin uncertain.

Typical hangars feature a wide interior span to accommodate aircraft, with doors that can be overhead sectional, bi-fold, or sliding. Construction commonly uses a steel frame with metal cladding, though some facilities employ concrete, brick, or timber. Fire protection, ventilation, lighting, and access to ground power and servicing equipment are important design considerations. Insulation and climate control are used where temperature stability is required for certain aircraft or components.

Hangars vary in type and scale from small single-bay general aviation structures to large multi-bay facilities that service commercial airliners or military fleets. Some include integrated maintenance shops, paint facilities, or fueling provisions; others are simpler shelters for storage. In naval contexts, aircraft carriers employ hangar decks beneath the flight deck to store and maintain aircraft when not in use.

Location and arrangement are driven by operational needs, with many airports housing extensive hangar complexes that enable rapid aircraft turnarounds. Safety, regulatory compliance, and fire suppression are central concerns in hangar design and operation.