Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, is set to receive a significant infrastructure boost with the construction of a new B-21 Phase Maintenance Hangar.
The construction project is in alignment with the upcoming deployments of the latest stealth aircraft developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 Raider.
This advanced aircraft is currently undergoing testing and is slated to achieve operational capability by 2027.
The facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base will span about 80,000 square feet (equivalent to 7,430 square meters) and will feature two bays, an airfield apron, utilities, and necessary infrastructure.
Upon completion, the hangar will complement the array of B-21 facilities being developed by the Florida-based company at the base.
These facilities include a radio frequency hangar, a fuel systems maintenance dock, and a weapons loader training facility.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District awarded a $135.5 million contract to Conti Federal Services, marking an essential step in enhancing the long-range strike capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.
As Vice President Ryan Kanzleiter stated, “This most recent award is a critical project to the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base as it interfaces with many current and future beddown projects.”
Established in 1906, Conti Federal Services is a prominent multinational construction and engineering firm.
Renowned for its expertise in complex and high-profile projects, the company has a strong track record of successfully executing projects for the U.S. federal government.
Its core specialties include military and secure construction, critical infrastructure development, environmental remediation, as well as disaster response and recovery efforts.
The hangar isn’t simply a shelter for aircraft; it’s a strategic asset, vital for training and ensuring the Raider’s operational excellence.
The completion of this hangar, scheduled for May 2027, is timed to sync with the Raider’s projected timeline to reach operational capability.
The development of the US Air Force’s B-21 Raider aims to strengthen America’s long-range strike capabilities in response to evolving aerospace threats.
The B-21 Raider represents the forefront of America’s strategic bombing power, primed to replace legacy bombers and incorporate advanced stealth technology akin to that of the F-22 and F-35 jets.
Relevant articles:
– Conti Federal to Build US Air Force B-21 Maintenance Hangar in South Dakota, The Defense Post
– Conti Federal Awarded $135.5M Contract to Construct B-21 Phase Maintenance Hangar at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Yahoo Finance
– Conti Federal Awarded $63.1M Contract to Construct B-21 Fuels System Maintenance Dock at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Conti Federal