Portable Engine Maintenance Sheds Shield Mechanics from the Elements

When faced with operational requirements to conduct heavy engine maintenance far away from dedicated facilities, these maintenance crews employ portable maintenance sheds to bring shelter to the airplane. Still in use today with modern inflatable tents, this concept first emerged during military operations at unimproved airfields, offering respite from harsh elements. Fully equipped with windows for natural light and fuel-fired heaters, portable structures could be rolled up to an aircraft undergoing maintenance, while more permanent structures could be built out on a ramp to allow regular maintenance to be conducted on a ramp away from a traditional hangar.

Tangential Runway Concept
December 15, 2025

Airport Design: The Tangential Runway Concept

A novel airport design concept emerged in the 1940s, promising speed and efficiency, but ultimately failed to overcome regulatory and operational realities.
Boeing Canard Concept
December 12, 2025

Boeing Airliner Concept – Open-Rotor Canard

In an effort to maximize fuel efficiency in new airliner designs during the 1980s, Boeing explored advanced technologies, including canard configurations and open-rotor turbofans.
RU-38B
November 7, 2025

The Schweizer RU-38B Twin Condor – A Shadowy Surveillance Aircraft Lost to History

Rare spy plane: A look at one of the most unusual covert aircraft ever flown by the US government and Coast Guard.