Townsville aviation base expansion uniquely designed for tropical conditions

The Townsville office of engineering firm Ashburner Francis has just completed the design and documentation of electrical and mechanical services for four new shelters that house Chinook helicopters for the fifth Aviation Regiment of the Australian Army aviation unit.?

Ashburner Francis was responsible for designing the electrical infrastructure required to connect the new shelters with the site’s existing power distribution system. Wayne Benson Ashburner Francis’ Townsville Director, oversaw the project —?which included documenting in-ground services, and the design and delivery of all electrical power, air-conditioning and fire detection systems.

Of particular note is the environmental control system that deploys treated air to ensure acceptable temperature and humidity levels can be maintained inside the aircrafts — a strategy designed to prevent corrosion to the aircrafts’ components. ?

“We’re fortunate to have a good understanding of tropical conditions in this region,” Wayne says. His solution involved improving on the existing on-site aircraft environmental controls system by selecting a more energy-efficient combination of heat pumps and heat-recovery chillers, in lieu of gas heating.

“This works more efficiently to remove moisture from the air and heat it to a suitable temperature whereby a build-up of moisture and condensation are less likely to occur on the aircrafts’ metal surfaces,” Wayne explains.

Another important Ashburner Francis initiative was the addition of automatic lowering reels, mounted on the shelters’ roofs, to deliver the treated air to the aircrafts. This practical solution overcomes the potentially hazardous predicament of hoses trailing on the ground and being lifted up to the aircrafts, as and when required.

Ashburner Francis’ work on the project proved overwhelmingly successful and was praised by local stakeholders who described the new working environment as “…far superior to the existing shelters”.

Wayne too has high regard for the entire team who contributed to this project, which commenced more than five years ago. “It was a pleasure to work with such a talented Defence and design team to deliver these integral building services,” Wayne says. His sentiment is echoed by the architects, Architectus .

The practice’s Group Director, Lawrence Toaldo , describes Ashburner Francis as consistently delivering a high level of technical advice: “Working with Wayne and his team again was fantastic. Ashburner Francis is always responsive and comprehensive which means we got a great outcome with no problems. Looking forward to the next opportunity!”

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