FRCSE Hangar 101 Repairs

Simes & Rosch served as the Engineer of Record and prime design consultant, delivering comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering services for the $51 million modernization of Hangar 101 at the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Originally constructed in 1940, this large-scale F-18 refurbishment hangar has evolved through decades of expansions and interior reconfigurations to support changing mission requirements and advancing technologies. This project provided a full-scale infrastructure renewal, including complete replacement and modernization of the HVAC systems and both primary and secondary electrical distribution networks serving the hangar and surrounding areas within Building 101.

The HVAC scope introduced high-performance, energy-efficient systems tailored to the unique demands of aircraft maintenance operations. Upgrades included the installation of a new air-cooled scroll chiller dedicated to the mezzanine level, along with a low-intensity infrared natural gas-fired tube heating system designed to efficiently condition the expansive hangar volume while minimizing energy consumption.

A critical component of the project was the implementation of a highly resilient, redundant electrical distribution system. Designed in a secondary selective configuration with an open tie circuit breaker and fully automated controls, the system enhances operational reliability and flexibility. Either of the two new 5,000-amp, 480Y/277V secondary unit substations is capable of independently supporting the facility’s entire electrical load. Power is distributed via a 5,000-amp overhead busway system extending across the hangar, enabling robust capacity and streamlined maintenance.

Additional improvements included the integration of advanced, energy-efficient LED high-bay lighting with daylight harvesting controls, significantly improving illumination quality while reducing energy usage and operational costs.

The project was successfully completed in March 2023, delivering a modernized, resilient, and mission-ready facility aligned with current and future operational demands.