WSU Tech NCAT Hangar and Training

Wichita, KS

This new 84,491 SF academic and advanced aviation manufacturing and automation facility at Wichita State University Tech brings together next‑generation classrooms, advanced laboratories, and a full hangar under one integrated structural vision. Designed for flexibility and long‑term growth, the building pairs efficient steel framing systems with durable materials and clean load paths to support both high‑performance learning environments and specialized aviation functions. The academic wing features a composite steel floor system, optimized floor vibration performance, and expansive clerestory daylighting. Strategic vertical bracing, concealed steel tubes above ribbon windows, and multi‑story curtain wall framing deliver architectural openness without compromising lateral stability. The hangar incorporates long‑span LH joists, vertical bracing, and a steel mega truss over an 80‑foot bi‑fold hangar door. Future expansion, rooftop mechanical capacity, and an exterior covered, runway facing, rooftop patio are already embedded into the structural strategy, ensuring the facility can evolve with program needs. The result is a resilient, scalable, and purpose‑built hub for aviation.