McKinley Climatic Laboratory

This F-117A Nighthawk isn’t inside a remote Arctic hangar, but rather the McKinley Climatic Laboratory. This facility is both an active laboratory and a historic site located in Building 440 on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The main chamber was constructed to hold aircraft as large as a C-5A, and under hot conditions, it can achieve 165 °F. The All-Weather Room has a temperature range from −80 °F to 170 °F. Rainfall can be as high as 15 inches per hour, and wind, as fast as 60 knots. Snow can also be made in the chamber. Last, but not least, the Temperature-Altitude Chamber can simulate altitudes up to 80,000-feet, with temperatures ranging from −80 °F to 140 °F. Continue reading for two more test videos. Click here to view more pictures.

The original floor of the building was constructed of reinforced-concrete slabs that were 12-inches thick and 12.5-feet square. The slabs rested on 13-inches of cellular glass blocks over reinforced concrete. In 1990, much of this floor was replaced with 25 feet (7.6 m) square slabs. The walls and door are insulated with 13-inches of glass-wool board sheathed in galvanized steel. To seal the doors, they are pulled against foam rubber seals. The ceiling insulation is on a corrugated steel deck, which is suspended from the roof trusses by chains.

Author

A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.