Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Complex (CNATT)

About this Project

• Status: Complete

• Architect: CSCA, San Diego, CA

Provided comprehensive structural engineering services for this 131,000 square foot CNATT training complex for Huey and Cobra Helicopter operations and maintenance. The complex consists of two separate buildings – a hangar bay and an instructional / administrative facility, plus an adjacent parking structure.

The design of the hangar area of the complex required clear, unobstructed entry for the normal operations of helicopters. The instructional / administrative part of the complex included a large column-free multi-purpose auditorium in one wing of the building.

The team relied on 3-dimensional modeling of the structure in Revit to develop workable solutions not only for the project design, but also for the means and methods of construction. For the design, the team developed an innovative “Box” truss system for the hangar bay, a challenge due to tight space constrictions. The 3D space truss is 10 feet wide by 16 feet tall and spans 320 feet across the hangar door opening.