Aeronautical Systems Center	

The Aeronautical Systems Center is proud heir to a long tradition 
of aerospace research and development dating back to the Wright 
brothers.  Since the days when Wilbur and Orville developed the 
first real aircraft at Huffman Prairie, through two World Wars, 
Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War, the aeronautical systems 
developed at McCook and Wright Fields have whetted the cutting 
edge of this nation’s airpower.  People are the basis of this 
achievement:  from such inspired Air Force leaders as General 
Henry H. Hap Arnold, General Bernard A. Schriever, and Lieutenant 
General James T. Stewart, to the thousands of scientists, 
engineers, and support personnel, both civilian and military, 
who dedicate their lives to creating and sustaining the Wright 
Field heritage.

This heritage includes legendary aircraft like the P-51 Mustang 
and the B-17 Flying Fortress, as well as the indomitable B-52 
Stratofortress.  More recently, versatile aircraft like the F-16 
Fighting Falcon and the F-117 stealth fighter have extended this 
heritage.  Now the B-2 stealth bomber, the F-22 Advanced Tactical 
Fighter, and the Top Secret Aurora are proud additions to Wright 
Field’s tradition of aeronautical innovation.

Like avenging angels flying out of the past into the future, the 
aeronautical systems developed at Wright Field during four 
generations have defended America’s values of peace and freedom 
around the world.  The men and women of ASC look back with pride 
on this rich heritage as they continue their remarkable journey 
into a new era of aerospace challenge and achievement.