King Aerospace is in the final throes of preparation for the May 1 opening of its expandedMRO facilities at Northwest Arkansas Airport, including the recent completion of testing of the fire-suppression system.

The KACC ARK facility will provide nearly 195,000 sq ft of hangar, engineering, shop, and office space that will accommodate upgrades, maintenance, VIP interior refurbishment, and special mission modifications. Capable of holding multiple widebody aircraft including up to the size of the Boeing 777, the hangars are equipped with LED lighting, technologies for tooling and parts scanning, and advanced, hardy exhaust systems.

In addition, the hangars are fitted with upgraded fire detection provisions using a triple infrared/ultraviolet optical flame detector system that can confirm and respond to the presence of a hydrocarbon-based flame at a long distance. The infrared and ultraviolet sensors work together to detect the heat and UV radiation from hydrocarbon fires. When a fire is verified, the system releases overhead foam water and oscillating monitors. It is designed with a triple-spectrum design to guard against false alarms and can be shut off remotely.

Northwest Arkansas-basedfire detection andmonitoring company Complex Technologies installed the purpose-built, flame-detection systems for early warning. Freedom Fire Pro, a local fire protection service provider,on March 30 tested the system to ensure it meets or exceeds the quick detection, control, and fire extinguishment objectives.

This system has twice the required coverage, providing double the protection and quicker response, says Greg Watson, King Aerospace chief operating officer.

In addition, the facility has also undergone a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) audit to ensure itmeets quality assurance for the mission-critical aircraft work and is transitioning to furnishing the spaces, setting up the shops, and applying finishing touches such as hanging flags and signage, King Aerospace said.

The teamwork and dedication displayed through these complex preparation efforts have been truly inspiring, Steve Sawyer, general manager of operations, said. Everyone associated with airfield operations and the local community have welcomed King Aerospace as family.

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King Aerospace Preps for Opening of Arkansas Expansion - Aviation International News