National Museum of the United States Air Force
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Presidential aircraft at National Museum of the United States Air Force

About the Museum

Welcome to the official website of the National Museum of the United States Air Force -- the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world -- located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio. This site is provided as a public service by the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Public Affairs Division.

Use the top navigation bar to find information about planning your visit as well as events and activities taking place at the museum.

Meet the Director

Learn about museum divisions. 

Museum Mission

The National Museum of the United States Air Force collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force’s history, heritage, and traditions, as well as today’s mission to fly, fight, win … air power anytime, anywhere to a global audience through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historical collection. With our educational outreach, we motivate, educate, and inspire youth interest in the United States Air Force (USAF) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The statutory duties delegated by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) are accomplished on behalf of the American People.

We are the keepers of their stories™

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Video by NMUSAF PA
Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: 1909 Wright Flyer
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Dec. 5, 2013 | 0:31
Go to the front of the 1909 Wright Flyer.

The 1909 Military Flyer became the first military heavier-than-air flying machine when the Signal Corps purchased it from the Wright brothers on August 2, 1909. The airplane on display is an exact reproduction constructed by museum personnel in 1955. It is equipped with an engine donated by Orville Wright and chains, sprockets and propellers donated by the heirs of the Wright estate.
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Up Next

Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Introduction
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Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Introduction
Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Wilbur and Orville Wright
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Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Wilbur and Orville Wright
Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Wright 1901 Wind Tunnel
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Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: Wright 1901 Wind Tunnel
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Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: 1909 Wright Flyer
Ohio's Aviation Heritage Tour: 1909 Wright Flyer
ISR Tour: Wright Flyer
2:22
ISR Tour: Wright Flyer
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Contact Us

National Museum of the
United States Air Force
1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(937) 255-3286

Plan Your Visit

Air Force Mission

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win ... airpower anytime, anywhere.

To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision:

With a Total Force of more than 689,000 personnel, Airmen work to support all aspects of airpower, which includes five core missions: air superiority; global strike; rapid global mobility; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and command and control. Airpower also requires people and resources dedicated to unit readiness, base infrastructure and talent management.