The Aviation Heritage Museum is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Australia’s aviation history. Renowned for its extensive collection of aircraft and artifacts, the museum attracts aviation enthusiasts, historians, and the public alike. Its immersive exhibits chronicle the evolution of flight, and with the acquisition of a Tornado GR4, the museum aimed to take its offerings to new heights.
In a landmark achievement, the museum became the first institution outside the UK to house a Tornado GR4. After restoration by the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS), the museum needed a dedicated, fully enclosed hangar to protect and display the jet to the public. The timeline was tight – the aircraft needed to be sheltered from environmental exposure while being ready for public display in just a few months.
The Challenge
Tight Deadlines & Installation Challenges
When you’re dealing with a rare and delicate piece of aviation history, time is the enemy. The museum faced a pressing need to get the Tornado GR4 housed in a protected environment fast, while ensuring it could be put on display without delay. The hangar had to be ready for its grand opening, but the museum also had a set of complex spatial and operational constraints.
Key considerations:
- Limited Space
The hangar had to be built amongst existing exhibits and infrastructure. This limited both the room for construction and the access for installation. - Aircraft-Specific Requirements
The Tornado GR4, a large and intricately designed aircraft, had to be housed in a space that fit its exact dimensions without compromising access for the public and had to fit seamlessly with the museum’s existing infrastructure. - Operational Disruption
The hangar had to be constructed without impacting visitor access or disrupting the museum’s day-to-day activities. Construction needed to happen in parallel with the museum’s ongoing operations
The DomeShelter™ Solution
Fit-for-Purpose Design & Tailored Engineering
At DomeShelter Australia, we thrive on solving complex problems. The Aviation Heritage Museum needed more than just a temporary shelter—they needed a custom solution that balanced precise engineering, speed of installation, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
We delivered exactly that:
- Dimensions: 11.9m wide x 35m long, with a rise height of 3.5m from the mounting rail to the apex.
- Construction: Post-mounted with high-strength Australian steel hoop sections.
- Cladding: Armourtex® 400gsm white tear-stop fabric, for superior durability and UV protection.
- Endwalls & Entry Points:
- Rear Endwall: Fully framed with heavy-duty fabric, featuring a personal access door with an emergency exit push bar and a manual roller door (2.2m W x 3m H).
- Front Endwall: Fully framed with bi-fold doors (6m W x 5.5m H) for easy aircraft access.
- Gutter System: Custom-designed to integrate with existing museum infrastructure for water management.
- Installation-Friendly Design: Pre-engineered bolted mounting rails eliminated on-site welding and measuring.
Innovative Features
- Phased Assembly Process: The structure was designed for staged installation, allowing aircraft placement first and finalising enclosure afterward.
- Space Optimisation: The framework maximised available footprint without compromising strength or accessibility.
- Corrosion Resistance: Hot-dip galvanised steel and heavy-duty fabric ensured longevity in an exposed environment.
Integrated Solutions
- Weather Protection: The enclosed design shields the aircraft from environmental exposure and degradation.
- Structural Longevity: Engineered for Wind Region A conditions, adhering to AS1170.2-2011 design criteria.
- Efficient Transport & Installation: Securely packed in heavy-duty stillage/crates, with step-by-step installation guidance.
Outcomes
Performance & Long-Term Impact
What started as a tough challenge quickly turned into a showcase of DomeShelter Australia’s commitment to providing tailored, effective solutions:
- Rapid Deployment
The hangar was fully operational in time for the aircraft’s public unveiling.
- Aircraft Preservation
The controlled environment provided by the enclosed space ensured the Tornado GR4 remained shielded from the elements, protecting it from weather-related deterioration.
- Authentic Visitor Experience
By housing the Tornado GR4 in a thoughtfully designed and immersive space, the museum has created a truly authentic experience for visitors. The aircraft is not only protected but is displayed in a way that allows guests to connect with its history, craftsmanship, and significance.
- Longevity & Durability
The use of high-strength materials like galvanised steel and durable Armourtex® fabric ensures that both the aircraft and the hangar will last for decades.
The Aviation Heritage Museum’s new DomeShelter™ Aviation Hangar stands as a testament to innovation, adaptability, and excellence in fit for purpose, industry-specific solutions. Now, the legendary Tornado GR4 will remain protected and proudly displayed for generations to come.
Protecting vauable assets in tight spaces?
DomeShelter Australia designs and delivers custom-engineered hangars that fit seamlessly into restricted sites while ensuring long-term protection. From design to installation, we provide solutions built for precision and durability. Talk to us about your project today.
The Tornado GR4 has been carefully put back together at the Aviation Heritage Museum. (Supplied: Aviation Heritage Museum)
