F35 Fuel Cell Maintenance Hangar Modernization

Christine served as the Qualified Fire Protection Engineer (QFPE) for the four separate general contractors during the construction of new F35 hangars and modernization of existing hangars. For each site, these activities included Christine’s coordination of preliminary and final acceptance test cycles, interpretation of test results, and follow-up on punch lists. Code deficiencies were corrected to bring the fuel cell maintenance hangar up to date with high expansion foam (HEF) suppression, linear heat detection, triple-IR flame detection, explosion-proof design in bays, dry-pipe and pre-action sprinkler systems, and wet-pipe sprinkler system. The fuel cell maintenance hangar also contained a hydrazine (rocket fuel) storage area that required special attention regarding explosion-proof equipment, secured access, updated sprinkler spacing, and independent exterior egress.