Armament Overhaul Test Facility

Hill Air Force Base, Utah

This Design-Build project delivered a maintenance and testing facility for aircraft weapons systems at Hill Air Force Base, eliminating the need to transport 20 mm and 30 mm guns to a remote desert range for testing—a costly, week-long process dependent on weather.

HHI Corporation designed and built a controlled indoor firing range where guns could be tested, calibrated, and maintained safely. During development, engineers identified extreme shock waves (up to 100 psi) from 30 mm gunfire, requiring specialized design to avoid pressure buildup. HHI solved this by incorporating a heavily insulated “muffler” system that reduced pressure to about 3 psi.

The facility includes a 7,000 SF concrete firing range with blast doors, crane, ventilation, and advanced safety systems, including motion detection and remote operation from a control room. A bullet trap system safely captures projectiles for periodic removal.

An adjacent 13,000 SF shop provides administrative space and fully equipped work areas. The project met LEED Silver standards, exceeded energy efficiency requirements, and included full site development and infrastructure upgrades.