Completed in 2024, this project provides a new 28,000 square foot Fighter Alert Shelter for four universal fighter aircraft to accommodate the mission of the 115th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard at Truax Field in Wisconsin.
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Conti Federal has successfully delivered the $25.6 million design-bid-build Fighter Alert Shelter for the Wisconsin Air National Guard (ANG) 115th Fighter Wing. This project is a critical component in supporting the Air National Guard’s adoption of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, making Truax Field the second National Guard base in the U.S. to integrate the F-35 mission into its fleet.
The project involved the construction of a 28,000 square foot, high-bay shelter designed to house four F-35 aircraft in two large bays. The shelter, standing at 50 feet high and 316.4 feet long, features automatic opening front and rear aircraft doors, advanced heating systems, fire detection, and ultra-high-pressure fire suppression systems with closed-head wet-pipe sprinklers, all designed to safeguard the aircraft in the harsh winter conditions of the region.
Conti Federal ensured that the facility was built in compliance with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and U.S. Air Force standards. Conti Federal adhered to High Performance and Sustainable Building (HPSB) Requirements, as well as Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) standards.
Given the facility’s location on an active base, adjacent to an active runway, Conti Federal coordinated construction activities to maintain base operations. Traffic barriers with flashing lights were installed to protect the demolition zones, and dust control measures were implemented to prevent debris from affecting the airfield or posing a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) risk to aircraft.
The construction included extensive utility work, with the installation of water, sewage, stormwater, electrical, and communication lines and conduits along an active runway. More than 1,800 linear feet of open-trench excavation were required, reaching depths of 7-10 feet below grade, requiring dewatering of the trenches due to the shallow groundwater table.
Once the shelter structure was enclosed, Conti Federal’s crews utilized temporary heat through the winter to continue installing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, including fire alarm, fire protection, and compressed air systems. The facility’s interior finish work, including gypsum wallboard, ceilings, flooring, and fixtures, was completed on schedule, with Beneficial Occupancy achieved in August 2023.
Conti Federal self-performed 1,250 cubic yards (CY) of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) hangar paving, as well as 2,400 CY of exterior paving. The concrete work was completed using both slipform and fixed form methods, ensuring durability and functionality. Site access was carefully managed to accommodate over 400 truck deliveries, with sequencing coordinated to maintain project progress and avoid delays.
The shelter’s design incorporates advanced features, including an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and provisions for a backup emergency generator. The facility adheres to permanent construction standards, ensuring the long-term safety, security, and functionality of the structure.
This Fighter Alert Shelter represents a vital investment in the operational readiness of the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s F-35 fleet, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the aircraft in all weather conditions while adhering to the highest standards of security and performance. Conti Federal’s commitment to excellence in construction and safety ensures the shelter will serve as a critical asset for the 115th Fighter Wing for years to come.
In this image: Concrete pour with F-35 in background.
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The 28,000-square-foot high-bay fighter alert shelter can house four F-35 aircraft in two large bays. Its state-of-the-art system is designed to protect the aircraft from the region's harsh winter conditions.
This two-bay fighter alert shelter, standing at 50 feet high and 316.4 feet long can house up to four F-35 aircraft in two large bays in support of the the 115th Fighter Wing.
At an impressive 50 feet high, the fighter alert shelter incorporates advanced features, including an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and provisions for a backup emergency generator ensuring the long-term safety, security, and functionality of the structure.
