Fabric shelters have been an integral part of military operations for generations. However, as noted in The Military Engineer, modern technology and engineering have transformed old-style hoops and tents into high-tech tension fabric buildings that can serve almost any military purpose and be deployed quickly anywhere in the world.
Fabric Is Strategically Smart
These days, fabric is not only suitable but often the best choice to create facilities such as:
- Hangars for aircraft or drones
- Sun shelters
- Mess halls
- Guard shacks
- Vehicle inspection shelters
- Warehouse and storage
- Large area maintenance shelters (LAMS)
- Fire department and other base service operations
Fabric has what it takes to meet military construction standards, with advantages that go above and beyond including flexible design with unlimited options and lower overall cost.
What does a military fabric facility look like? Have a look:
- Aircraft storage in Kansas
- US Naval Exchange in Djibouti
- Helicopter maintenance hangars in Rota, Spain
- YMM airport garage and tool shed in AB, Canada
- Montgomery Ventures aviation hangars in Nigeria
Critical Considerations
Every location and circumstance is different, so each set of specs will be unique. Still, there are critical factors to consider regardless of whether your facility will be part of an established military base in the US or abroad or used for a special operation in some remote, off-the-grid location.
Strength and Durability
These two traits ensure safety and longevity. Legacy buildings combine rigid steel I-beam framework with ExxoTecTM fabric cladding to deliver maximum performance, no matter the mission. When needed, proprietary epoxy coatings can significantly extend the life of steel components with little to no maintenance.
ExxoTecTM fabric is naturally flame retardant and proven to withstand harsh environmental conditions and weather extremes such as heavy snow loads, derecho winds, and hurricanes.
Size
Hangars and warehouses not only have a huge footprint, but they also require unobstructed interior space. That calls for clear-span construction. With rigid steel I-beam framing, fabric structures can span over 300 feet in either or both directions.
Permanent or Portable
Tension fabric buildings are engineered for permanence, but they can be designed for relocation.
Legacy tension fabric is lightweight. The cladding is built in sections installed to provide a seamless exterior, but they can also be disassembled and then re-installed at the new location.
Speed
Expedited construction saves time and money on any project which can be mission-critical for certain operations. Fabric structures can be built much faster than comparable wood or brick-and-mortar alternatives, without sacrificing details or quality.
Even better, by purchasing a fabric structure via a traditional contracting process or the DLA’s Tailored Logistics Support Program means you can sidestep the MilCon funding approval process. That saves time to get your facility into operation sooner.
Color
White ExxoTecTM fabric is 12% translucent. In an uninsulated building, the natural light that penetrates during the day can eliminate or greatly reduce the need for artificial lighting. Used as a liner inside insulated walls, white fabric reflects light and helps absorb sounds.
When conditions call for specific building colors, blackouts, or other special needs, multiple colored fabric options are available. Color also allows you to dress up your facility with interesting aesthetics, special insignias, or other official designations.
Operations and Maintenance Costs
Military personnel have better things to do than fuss with avoidable building maintenance. Tension fabric facilities require minimal maintenance, saving both time and money.
The Legacy Difference
Other companies make tension fabric buildings, but Legacy Building Solutions serves the military better at every step. We were pioneers and are still the leader in high-tech tension fabric structures. Our products are proven across all industries. We understand military standards and challenges.
Every Legacy structure is 100% custom-designed and manufactured to customer specifications. That means unlimited options for every detail including:
- Insulation
- Hanging loads such as cranes, conveyors, or fire suppression systems
- Any length, width, height, or roof shape
- Doors and windows in any sizes and configurations to accommodate equipment and personnel
One-stop simplicity and convenience
Another major advantage of working with Legacy Building Systems is our end-to-end approach to each project. From design to engineering to manufacturing, we handle everything in-house. You get exactly the structure you need from one partner who has your back throughout the entire process. That assures close communication, quality workmanship and materials, and faster time to completion.
Completed components are shipped to your location. We can provide a Legacy expert to guide local personnel for installation, or our experienced in-house installation experts can get the job done quickly and efficiently, anywhere in the world.
Mission Accomplished
While rapid deployment can be the #1 priority in certain situations, numerous other considerations affect the vast majority of military buildings. Legacy custom-engineered tension fabric buildings accomplish the mission to the highest military standards, with looks that say “spit and polish.” We serve the military with pride and performance.
