The Swedish defense company Saab and the Upper Austrian company Fabspace Hangars are jointly developing a comprehensive portfolio of mobile hangar solutions that have the resilience of a building and yet are highly mobile. An interview with Saab manager Ricki Boari and Fabspace managing director Franz Kühberger.
Mr. Boari, you are responsible at Saab for the new product range relating to mobile hangar solutions. What can we expect here?
Ricki Boari: As a defense contractor, we are very familiar with the high requirements of armed forces. We know what is important when using mobile hangar solutions and how such a hangar must be equipped. With our container system, we meet a wide range of requirements that go far beyond the protection of an aircraft. What’s more, our DAM (Deployable Maintenance Facility) system is particularly robust. We can offer the stability of a building and therefore greater security. However, this stability does not come at the expense of mobility, as our systems are easy to transport and can be deployed in a short space of time.
Saab has found a partner for this project. Franz Kühberger, you are the CEO of Fabspace Hangars. How did you two find each other and what does your company bring to the collaboration?
Franz Kühberger: After a brief exchange and mutual visits to Sweden and Austria around a year and a half ago, it was clear that we wanted to combine our strengths in order to revolutionize the market. We have now been developing the new portfolio for a year. Fabspace Hangars is primarily contributing its expertise in architecture and building technology. We have been working on mobile solutions since a request from the Austrian Air Force in 2008.
So Fabspace Hangars develops the building envelope and Saab equips it?
Boari: You could say that. In Fabspace Hangars, we have found a partner that can build extremely stable mobile structures. We also have expertise in the requirements for such hangar systems in terms of logistics, maintenance and equipment, as well as protecting the structure from enemy attacks. We are world market leaders in the field of camouflage solutions and these are also used here. Signature reduction in any environment and multispectral protection from sensors on the battlefield are some of our core competencies.
You mentioned a product portfolio – for which armed forces do you offer solutions?
Kühberger: “ We offer the right hangar model for every type of vehicle, helicopter or aircraft. The smallest solution is just 19 by 19 meters in size, while the largest solution offers space for a freighter and covers almost 3,500 square meters. Boari: “ Flexibility and modularity were particularly important to us during development. And we can already see that this is exactly what the armed forces need. Because every request is unique. Thanks to our concept, we can accommodate this diversity.
How quickly can you deliver and how long does it take to set up the systems on site?
Boari: Small systems fit into two 20-foot containers. They can be transported to the site in a transport plane and set up there in just 30 hours without heavy equipment and are then ready for immediate use. Kühberger: “ Our delivery times are currently between two and six months. Demand is high – due to the unfortunate geopolitical situation. In any case, we are aware that time is a decisive factor.
How much Austria is really in the new hangar solutions?
Kühberger: Quite a lot, actually. We are responsible for the design, all structural calculations and parts of the production. We can proudly say that the hangar solutions bear the “Made in Austria” seal of quality (-> current news about “Made in Austria”). And as an Austrian company, it is of course very important to us to offer a high-quality product range for the Austrian armed forces. https://militaeraktuell.at/bundesheer-in-tirol-hubschrauber-stationierung-ab-2028/
How do you see things developing in the future? What trends do you expect?
Kühberger: The requirements for modular systems will continue to increase. The topic of energy supply – we are already relying on solar cells – will also become even more important. Boari: I am also certain that extensions will become more relevant. The mobile hangar will be an essential part of a forward operating base, where objects worthy of protection can not only be stored, but also repaired and, for example, have their own 3D printing stations for spare parts. With as few resources as possible, mobile locations must be created that are self-sufficient and, above all, where outsourced units can be safely housed. Saab’s declared aim is to meet these requirements today.
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