This World War II designed Blister Hangar was extensively used throughout Britain during WW II as a type of transportable aircraft hangar. The arched hangar was constructed of wooden or steel ribs and generally clad in steel sheets. It did not require foundations and could be anchored by iron stakes.
MOTAT's Blister Hangar was originally built for the RNZAF during World War II at Ardmore Airfield. It is of a wooden rib design, clad with corrugated steel and a concrete floor. It was in use as an aircraft hangar until it was moved to MOTAT in 1979.
At MOTAT it has been used to both house aircraft in the collection and to provide an aircraft restoration workshop for our dedicated aviation volunteers. These volunteers have given thousands of man hours of their time, as part of their commitment to restore historical aircraft to display them for the benefit of future generations.
The cost of the first part of this project was estimated to be $1.6 million.
NZ Strong was appointed to construct the new foundation and floor, then to shift the Hangar from its present location on the MOTAT Motions Road site and relocate it on the new foundation and floor.
Preparation and construction commenced in September 2007 and progressed according to the schedule set by the Project team of NZ Strong, Studio Pacific Architecture, Value Solutions and MOTAT.
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MOTAT would like to thank the following: MOTAT Aviation volunteers Clyde Graham Charitable Trust South Auckland Charitable Trust Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate Maurice Paykel Charitable Trust Lottery - Environment and Heritage MOTAT Society, Wingnut Films ASB Community Trust The Southern Trust |
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Thank you for helping to make this project a reality and providing a historical resource for future generations.
