Description: The Hangar was built in order to provide South Italy with an air defence by airships against the continuous attacks from German u-boats during the First world war.Its costruction began in 1917.They intended to finish it in very short time,but it was not possible and when it was really finished,the war had already ended and all the strategic efforts seemed to be useless. However it became operative and in the 20's the military area consisting of the hangar,barracks,cook-house,storage-house, wash-house , infirmary and some houses for the commander and officials was opened .The first Airship flying over Augusta was a O.S.type of 5.000 m3 (cruise speed : 31 mph at 492 feet) which had been transferred from a Centre Italy air-base. Some years later the engineer Nobile, known for having flown over the North Pole by an airship ,designed and built a new type 7.000 m3 N2 airship.
The unique military building existent in Europe and perhaps all over the world for its dimensions islocated in the area between Pastandrea and Costa deiConti districts.Being built on a hill 32 metres oversea level , it dominates the Megarese harbour andraises just opposite the Swabian Castle on the Eastof Augusta Isle.
The Hangar can contain 12.000 m 3 airship and is the only example made out of reinforced concrete.The load-bearing structure consists of 15 reinforced concrete frames filled in by brick and tiles walls on the orizontal truss connection.
Another interesting element, if it had been kept in working order,was the hangar gate, consisting of a folding gear with 14 elements, each 31m highand controlled by a powerful electrical engine. |
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