The C-17 Aircrew Training Facility at the military airbase in Papa is completed

It is planned to train the pilots and loadmasters of the C-17 giant transport aircraft in Papa soon, after the C-17 flight simulator is put into operation. To this end, the 1438 square metre complex, with a 14-metre-high simulator bay at its centre, has been completed and handed over.

An additional single-storey building is connected to the simulator room. The new facility also includes briefing and training rooms, workshops and offices to support the operation of the simulator. The air base's newest reinforced concrete and steel frame building was commissioned by NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and designed by Óbuda Group based on the plans of STRABAG , using BIM design and construction technology, entirely on a digital basis.

Hangar complex, cargo parachute drying tower built after training centre

The project is backed by the independent military cooperation programme SAC, in which 12 member states participate. The Pápa Air Base, officially known as the Hungarian Armed Forces 47th Base Airfield, has been the main operational base for the SAC programme and transport aircraft since 2008. The participants in the military cooperation jointly use three Boeing Globemaster III C-17 cargo aircraft. The NATO Air Transport Management Programme Office was established to coordinate these processes and investments. As part of the SAC programme, a hangar complex was built in 2016, and in 2024, the STRABAG was also completed. cargo parachute drying tower, also completed by STRABAG, was handed over, and today the C-17 aircrew training building was completed.

At the beginning of last year, the work machines were on the march

The STRABAG experts took over the site in December 2023 and started work in January last year. The contractor was awarded the contract to complete the building. This meant that, in addition to the simulator technology, they were responsible for the construction of the reinforced concrete supporting structure, the complete mechanical engineering, the power and low-voltage systems, the roads around the centre, the car parks, the pavements and the landscaping.

From earthworks to structural engineering

The first phases of the project consisted of the drainage of the site, earthworks, road and utility works. Part of the approximately 3,100 cubic metres of excavated earth was used for backfilling, while the rest was transported to an internal depot.
The reinforced concrete frame structure of the building was constructed using on-site concrete and precast elements. In addition to the 27 reinforced concrete cupolas to support the piers, piers, beams, and 1,065 metres of circular slab panels were
concreted on site.

Solar panels also support energy efficient operation

In the further process of the construction, the master construction works were carried out: the on-site concrete and steel structure installation operations. After the hall was covered and insulated, the windows and doors were put in place.
The building services for the training centre included the IT, security and access control systems.
High-capacity solar panels were installed on the roof of the building and connected to the network established in the previous phase of the development. Environmentally friendly operation is also supported by a heat pump heating and cooling system.
The new building's monitoring system has been integrated with the existing one, with an extended test period and customized settings.

New roads and pavements to help access to the training unit

In addition to the construction of the training unit, the project also included the landscaping of the new building. This involved the concrete surface of the former fighter parking area, which was lifted over an area of approximately 1,700 m², and the laying of an emulsion-laid asphalt grid before the asphalt wearing course was laid. New roads, parking areas, walkways and electric charging stations were also constructed around the facility.

C-17 crew can be trained in realistic situations

The C-17 Aircrew Training System (ATS) simulator, a replica of a working cockpit mounted on a moving chassis, installed in Papa. The ATS provides a realistic environment and a number of mission profiles to help aircrew practice take-offs and landings, flight manoeuvres and how to handle emergencies. This not only helps to develop skills but also makes training cost-effective, previously C-17 crews would have completed quarterly training in the US.