IMPROVED AIR FLOW AROUND HISTORIC AIRCRAFT Entrematic I-Class™ 24-foot diameter HVLS industrial fan operated via Entrematic’s digital touch-screen remote provides a more enjoyable environment for museum patrons and event attendees, warmer conditions for aircraft mechanics during cold weather and more than a 20% decrease in gas heating costs. A unique showcase for several meticulously preserved and flying Other gatherings at CAF Dixie Wing’s 12,000-square foot, 400-plus World War II warbirds that changed the course of history, the person capacity hangar include retirement parties for airline pilots, Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing Historical Airpower aviation-theme weddings, corporate events and even memorial Facility is much more than an aviation museum. services for those who served in the military or who had careers in aviation. CAF Dixie Wing, located on the grounds of the Atlanta Regional Airport’s Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Ga., is one of 55 CAF units Attendees at such events are surrounded by the CAF Dixie Wing’s throughout the U.S. Honoring the veterans of World War II by collection of seven restored and fully operational aircraft, among preserving and maintaining a fleet of historical aircraft, as well as which are a North American P-51 Mustang, an FG-1D Corsair as well educating the public on the role each played to help win the war, is as a replica Nakajima B5N “Kate” torpedo bomber that was used in the CAF’s overall mission. Appropriately enough, CAF’s motto is the famous World War II movies, “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and “Midway”. “Keep ‘em Flying”. Comfort is paramount for everyone From a local community perspective, though, CAF Dixie Wing’s hangar facility takes its mission even further. The organization hosts Whether CAF Dixie Wing’s hangar doors are open or not, the several special events and other memorable gatherings each year; overall comfort of museum patrons, event attendees as well as the the largest of which includes the highly popular World War II Heritage organization’s maintenance team is paramount, according to Larry Days, complete with a World War II-theme dance and big band. That Combs, Past Wing Leader, CAF Dixie Wing event alone generates up to $6,000 which accounts for 20 percent of the CAF Dixie Wing’s approximately $30,000 in annual revenue raised from facility rentals. Fully Customizable Commercial Fans Designed to Fit Any Project Largest Available I-Class™ HVLS Industrial Fan Improves Patron Comfort; 2 | Helps WWII Aviation Museum Save More Than 20% on Heating Costs He added that the lack of adequate cross ventilation in the hangar has always been a problem, even with a roll-up door open in the rear of the hangar. Although the facility would experience some breeze during hot and humid weather, it was negligible. CAF Dixie Wing realized that it needed a much more effective approach. Combs explained that a previous Wing Leader took command of the situation. He contacted ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, which had provided CAF Dixie Wing with its Megadoor hangar door, and the company recommended Entrematic. The solution for keeping everyone comfortable at CAF Dixie Wing— especially during the area’s hot and humid weather—is one centrally mounted Entrematic I-Class™ 24-foot diameter HVLS (high volume low speed) industrial fan. Operated via Entrematic’s digital touch- The fan keeps mechanics happy so that they’re screen remote control pad, the fan was installed in late spring 2017. “ more comfortable and productive when working on the planes. Before installing the fan and during the summer, CAF Dixie Wing would run three portable fans to move air in the hangar. Unfortunately, ~ Lrry ombs, Pst Wng Leder,” ommemortve Ar Force Dxe Wng they only provided minimal relief from the heat, primarily limited to right in front of each fan. The fans also took up needed floor space Word of mouth spreads fast and would often get in the way of mechanics working on the planes. “Prior to installing our Entrematic fan, the weather was already “The fan has really kicked our comfort level up considerably,” turning hot, but our mechanics knew the fan was on its way,” related Combs continued. “The fan keeps mechanics happy so that they’re Combs. “They were anxious and kept asking when it would arrive!” more comfortable and productive when working on the planes.” He also stressed that event attendees also have a very comfortable experience inside the hangar. “Word of mouth really spreads fast With the fan drawing down the heated which ultimately encourages more groups to rent out the hangar “ air to floor level, that breaks the chill knowing they’ll have a great experience, even though the weather on the coldest days, might be hot outside,” Combs added. ~ Lrry ombs, Pst Wng Leder, ommemortve Ar Force Dxe Wng ” Combs further pointed out that temperatures inside the hangar when the doors are open and outside temperatures in the shade are very similar. However, “when the fan is running, the perceived level of comfort inside the hangar is felt immediately,” he emphasized. “Shortly after the fan was installed, I walked into the hangar and felt a nice breeze, but I didn’t immediately sense where it was coming from,” Combs recalled. “We had the hangar’s rear roll-up door open, but I didn’t see any leaves moving on the trees outside. I didn’t even hear the fan running, but then I remembered the new fan, looked up and saw it turning.” Fully Customizable HVLS Fans Designed to Fit Any Project Largest Available I-Class™ HVLS Industrial Fan Improves Patron Comfort; 3 | Helps WWII Aviation Museum Save More Than 20% on Heating Costs The Entrematic fan’s blades are positioned approximately 35 feet Now that the fan has operated though its first full winter, Combs above the hangar floor with the fan hung about three feet below the added that CAF Dixie Wing ran its heaters much less which resulted in hangar ceiling’s 38-foot peak. Combs stated that the fan covers the an energy cost savings of more than 20 percent over the previous year. entire hangar floor area with ample air movement while operating at a middle speed selection. Fan will automatically disable if fire suppression is activated CAF Dixie Wing was still experiencing cooler weather when the fan was first installed, said Combs. With the fan running in reverse Being an aircraft facility, CAF Dixie Wing’s hangar does contain a on the lowest speed setting, the museum was pleased with how required fire suppression system. Combs pointed out that if the effectively the fan pulled warm air generated by four gas radiant system is ever activated, the fan will automatically disable itself. heaters down to floor level. Before the fan was installed, most of the “That’s a great feature, and if it wasn’t available, the fan would heat was trapped near the ceiling. not have been approved for installation due to stringent fire regulations,” he added. During the winter months, when the museum’s aircraft are out of service and the hangar doesn’t host any special events, CAF Dixie Always looking to the future, Combs mentioned that CAF Dixie Wing Wing’s mechanics still needed to wear jackets and gloves. “With the is considering acquiring a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter that’s fan drawing down the heated air to floor level, that breaks the chill on the coldest days,” Combs said. Fully Customizable HVLS Fans Designed to Fit Any Project Largest Available I-Class™ HVLS Industrial Fan Improves Patron Comfort; 4 | Helps WWII Aviation Museum Save More Than 20% on Heating Costs nearly fully restored, but currently in storage in Dallas. CAF Dixie Wing has the opportunity to take on finishing the project, and as a Conclusion result, will need additional hangar space. The Entrematic I-Class™ 24-foot diameter HVLS (high volume low speed) industrial fan generate a high volume of air movement to Right now, our only options are to expand our current hangar, or ensure the comfort of aviation museum patrons during hot weather, possibly lease or purchase additional hangar space on Falcon Field. keep aircraft mechanics warm in the winter and save on heating “Whatever happens, we’ll require another HVLS fan to achieve the energy costs. same comfort level as our current hangar and to help keep heating costs down. Entrematic will definitely be the first choice for our next fan,” Combs concluded. Project Specifications 1 Entrematic I-Class™ HVLS industrial fan Fan Diameter: 24 feet Operation: Digital touch-screen remote Coverage: 12,000 square feet Entrematic is a leader in engineering, providing products that help businesses perform more efficiently and profitably. Our stylish-yet-powerful I-Class HVLS Industrial fan comes in sizes 8’ - 24’ and its powder coated surfaces can be customized to any color you can imagine. For more information about our commercial or industrial fans, or our digital-display control systems, visit www.entrematicfans.com or call 866.349.6614 Fully CustomizableFully Customizable HVLS HVLS Fans Fans Designed Designed to to Fit Fit Any Any Project Project.