The airplane emerged from World War I recognized widely for its potential as a military weapon. In the United States, Army pilots and Navy and Marine aviators worked to realize their different visions of the airplane’s ultimate role in American defense.

These advocates faced institutional resistance and meager budgets. They also faced the danger of pushing the capabilities of a rapidly developing technology during regular operations, combat in foreign lands, and public flights that presented their visions to everyday Americans. Innovations in doctrine, organization, and technology resulted in the air forces that would fight World War II on a global scale.

The Museum’s collection of 1920s and 1930s military aircraft contains many one-of-a-kind and sole-surviving aircraft.

 Location in Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Boeing Aviation Hangar
Map highlighting the large central display area on the main floor of Udvar-Hazy Center.
Plan Your Visit Related Topics: Aviation Interwar aviation Military aviation Technology and Engineering World War I The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
In this Exhibit Boeing P-26A Peashooter Object Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk Object Loening OA-1A San Francisco Object Search the Collection
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