Why Hangars Are Essential for Yachts and Support Vessels with Helicopters...

If you're designing a Superyacht or Explorer/Support Vessel with long-term plans for keeping a helicopter onboard, incorporating a hangar into the design is an investment that pays off in protection, performance, and peace of mind.

Here's why:

Protection from the Elements.

A well designed, vented and humidity controlled hangar safeguards your helicopter from daily exposure to the elements. The salty ocean environment and humidity are the biggest contributors to corrosion. Additionally during ocean crossings or bad weather, a hangar is indispensable, offering a secure and controlled environment to protect your aircraft from high winds and rough seas while offering additional lashing points for the aircraft as well as direct protection.

Reduced Maintenance Costs.

Helicopters on yachts without hangars experience 30-35% higher maintenance costs. Corrosion from moisture and saltwater creeps into internal parts, leading to premature servicing. This can result in unplanned downtime, grounding your aircraft and disrupting plans for remote missions where flying is a critical objective.

Enhanced Maintenance Capabilities.

A hangar provides the optimal environment for maintenance teams. Helicopter engineers require clean, controlled spaces to perform their work to the highest standard. Excessive heat, cold, or exposure to the elements can lead to rushed maintenance, which increases the risk of errors and impacts the reliability of your aircraft.

Storage for Equipment and Spares.

Expedition yachts often carry operational equipment and spare aircraft parts, which require proper environmental conditions to remain usable. A hangar not only stores the helicopter but also provides the perfect space for housing spares and equipment, ensuring they are secure and in optimal condition when needed.

Mission Success and Reliability.

The absence of a hangar can compromise your ability to complete maritime aviation missions. Premature maintenance issues caused by environmental exposure can leave your helicopter grounded at the worst possible time. A hangar mitigates this risk, ensuring that your aircraft is ready to fly when you are.

Designing a yacht with a hangar is not just about protecting your investment—it's about enhancing your operational capability and ensuring you can enjoy your helicopter safely and reliably, wherever your adventures take you.

HOY works together with designers and ship builders to help guide owners to make the right choices at the right time during their construction and planning process.