How the US Air Force Parks its Aircraft too Large to Fit Hangars

YouTube / Fluctus

Only Twice A Year

Due to the lack of massive hangars, planes as big as the C-17 are susceptible to airframe damage from the elements. However, planes like that are normally scheduled to be parked inside a hangar that they can fit in every 6 months. 

While inside, the C-17 will undergo maintenance and repairs. They also perform an elaborate process to prevent corrosion. This involves washing the plane and scrubbing off oil, dust, dirt, grease, and salt that could corrode and damage the plane’s exterior.

A C-17 Globemaster costs taxpayers about $340 million and is one of the most in-demand cargo planes in the world. It makes sense that these are well taken care of, even if it’s only twice a year. Hopefully, bigger hangars are designed in the future to accommodate these planes better.