Hawaii's first C-17 fuel cell maintenance facility enhances military readiness
At a glance
RIM Architects, now part of GHD, designed and delivered a 32,016-square-foot facility at Hickam Air Force Base providing critical aircraft maintenance capabilities through specialized fuel system areas, maintenance shops and administrative spaces. This design-build project earned multiple industry awards for excellence in government facility design.
The challenge
The challenge
The US Army Engineering District needed Hawaii's first dedicated C-17 fuel tank maintenance facility at Hickam Air Force Base. The project demanded specialized maintenance areas meeting strict military specifications and safety standards while incorporating advanced fire suppression systems for aircraft safety. The facility required 24-hour operational capability with backup power to ensure continuous readiness. Beyond these technical requirements, the design needed to achieve sustainability targets without compromising functionality. As part of the design-build team, faced the challenge of creating an efficient workflow between maintenance and administrative areas within a complex operating environment.
Our response
Our response
We led the architectural design, delivering an innovative solution that balanced operational requirements with sustainability. The team designed a 32,016-square-foot facility integrating hangar and nose dock areas with a fuel system maintenance shop. The design features a steel superstructure combining concrete masonry unit walls with exterior insulated finish system and metal siding for durability, along with a self-contained generator system ensuring round-the-clock operations. Custom-designed solutions include a bridge crane over the cockpit for fuel receptacle removal, unique over-wing swing booms supplying complex mechanical systems and breathing apparatus, over-wing fall protection systems, and bespoke hangar doors that precisely close around the C-17's tail fuselage. These innovative design solutions resulted in government cost savings exceeding 30% compared to full-size hangar construction costs.
The facility implements sustainable features targeting Spirit Bronze LEED standards, including enhanced ventilation, energy performance optimization and low-emitting materials. Specialized safety systems include high-expansion foam fire suppression for the hangar and standard sprinklers for office areas. The team applied practical flooring solutions throughout, using epoxy finishes in maintenance areas and conventional materials in administrative spaces.
The impact
The impact
This facility has transformed military aviation capabilities in the Pacific region. As Hawaii's first dedicated C-17 fuel tank maintenance facility, it provides essential maintenance infrastructure while demonstrating excellence in military facility design. The project created an efficient, sustainable workspace for aircraft maintenance operations while meeting stringent safety and operational requirements. Industry recognition includes the 2009 Renaissance Building and Remodeling Award for Public Works Division, Associated Builders and Construction Grand Award for Government Projects over $1 Million and several other honors. The facility serves as a model for future military aviation maintenance facilities, proving that operational excellence and sustainability can work hand in hand.