Executives from ASSIST-US, Pro Con Inc. and Pease Development Authority broke ground at 100 Aviation Ave. in the Pease International Tradeport to celebrate construction of a new 30,900 s/f aircraft hangar and corporate office facility that will be home to Aerial Surveillance, Security & Intelligence Systems Technologies-U.S., also known by its acronym ASSIST-U.S.
Pro Con Inc. of Manchester is the architect and construction manager for the new design build aviation facility.
According to its founder, Bruce Seibert, ASSIST-U.S. will provide aerial surveillance security services in the form of aerial EO/IR (electro-optical digital and infra red) imagery, and analysis of that imagery, to federal, state and local government agencies, to the owners and operators of America's critical infrastructure, and to first and second responders in time of emergencies.
Pro Con Inc. designed the building to serve as the company's aviation hangar and corporate offices. The 17,520 s/f hangar, which will be able to accommodate up to 6 aircraft, will have a single, 2-part overhead hangar door measuring 120-foot wide 28-foot high. The 13,380 s/f office and support area will feature a dramatic 2-story glass curtain wall at the main entrance. The corporate offices will include executive and administrative offices, as well as several conference rooms.
The aircraft hangar will be equipped with under slab heating. This system will ensure a comfortable work environment and provide effective, energy-efficient heating during the winter months. A state-of-the-art aircraft hangar fire suppression system will ensure the highest degree of safety.
The company will employ up to 30 people initially, and has plans to grow to a roster of 50-60 by 2012. U.S. Military veterans -- pilots, operations, maintenance personnel, and intelligence analysts who have participated in almost every foreign military operation since Vietnam -- will comprise the majority of ASSIST-U.S. employees.
By 2010, the hangar will house up to six aircraft, each having the capability to supply real-time, high-definition imagery to an operations center within the facility, or directly to a client's board room, operations center or desk top over a secure internet connection.
ASSIST-U.S. services and products will initially be available in the northeast this fall. Plans for the future include expansion to other regions throughout the country as demand for these services continues to grow. All of New England and New York are within the ASSIST-U.S. service area.
This is one of several aviation facility projects Pro Con, Inc. has designed managed in recent years in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Pro Con, Inc. is a comprehensive design and construction management firm specializing in all levels of corporate, commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-residential design construction. The company serves clients throughout New England and the Northeast corridor and is recognized as being a leader in the industry.