Wright Brothers Institute’s Critical Role in the Success of Air Force’s Hangar 18 Software Factory Provides Return on Investment for Air Force, Regional Partners

A synopsis of Hangar 18's inception in 2022.

The Air Force has been undergoing a profound digital transformation, particularly within its software development domain. Following the successful installment of Hangar 18, one of only 17 official Air Force software factories, at Wright Brothers Institute’s (WBI) 5000 Springfield Street location, pathways for operational software innovations and digital literacy are yielding significant dividends for the Air Force and the Dayton region. Following the success of Hangar 18, WBI is now providing dedicated experimentation and collaboration space as the AFRL Digital Testbed; an Air Force Research Laboratory Digital Capabilities Directorate (DCD) offsite location that serves to bring digital literacy front and center for AFRL employees.

An Overview of Air Force Software Factories

The Air Force’s network of software factories plays a critical role in modernizing its digital infrastructure. These factories, designed to develop and deliver high-quality software solutions rapidly, follow a Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) methodology, incorporating security into every stage of the development process. This approach enables faster, more secure software delivery, allowing the Air Force to maintain its technological edge.

Hangar 18 is one of these software factories, delivering cutting-edge software and data capabilities to the Digital Engineering and Acquisition community. In addition, it serves other Air Force entities seeking innovative and agile solutions to meet their operational needs. Founded through the collaborative efforts of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Hangar 18 has successfully leveraged a federation of digital teams and assets to engage in solutions engineering, DevSecOps, workforce development, education, training, and community engagement.

The official AFRL Digital Testbed open house event in June 2024.

The Vision Behind Hangar 18: DevSecOps as the Future of Air Force Software

Since February 2021, WBI has been actively involved in supporting the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) DevOps community as it sought to streamline its software development strategy. This was no small task, as the Air Force has historically faced challenges with transitioning new software into operational systems—often taking years to certify new programs for military use.

The concept of "baking security into the DevOps process," commonly referred to as DevSecOps, was championed by Mr. Nicholas Chailan, the Air Force’s first Chief Software Officer. Early on, WBI conducted projects to help build upon this vision, laying the foundation for what would become a network of Air Force-designated software factories. These factories, like Hangar 18, would be crucial in addressing the time-intensive process of certifying software for operational use.

WBI’s Instrumental Role in Standing Up Hangar 18

The seeds for Hangar 18 were planted well before its official designation in September 2021. WBI’s role was instrumental, particularly in coordinating and facilitating workshops that brought together diverse teams across WPAFB. This included an important collaboration between AFRL and AFIT, a joint venture that ultimately achieved Air Force Software Factory status.

These efforts were part of a broader digital transformation strategy that WBI has been guiding across AFRL and AFLCMC (Air Force Life Cycle Management Center). By bringing together various stakeholders, WBI helped ensure the alignment of both technical and organizational methods that were key to establishing WPAFB's software capabilities.

Hangar 18: Building a Foundation for Future Projects

Hangar 18 has already embarked on several critical projects that are components of a much broader digital transformation for AFRL and AFLCMC. These projects reflect the Air Force’s growing reliance on cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hangar 18's solutions span software development, solutions engineering, and workforce development—addressing key operational needs with agility.

Notably, in 2023, AFRL received a $4 million grant to expand its artificial intelligence and machine learning research capabilities. Hangar 18 is poised to play a central role in developing this and other advanced technologies, such as HyperThought—a data and process management platform. As Matt Jacobson, one of the leaders at Hangar 18, remarked, "WBI has been essential to the growth of HyperThought and the formation of Hangar 18."

This investment coincides with $35 million in state funding from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program for the new onMain Innovation Hub's Digital Transformation Center (DTC) that will bring together government, academia, and private sector industry partners to make Dayton a global leader in the research and development of digital transformation technologies. From Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s website: “Among its top priorities, the onMain Innovation Hub will support the digital transformation of the U.S. Air Force to revolutionize how it designs and manufactures everything from airplanes and missiles to sensors, hardware, software, and more.”

Continuing Support and Innovation

Following the establishment of Hangar 18, WBI continues to play a vital role in supporting the DevOps community at WPAFB. The institute serves as a bridge between government, industry, and non-traditional partners, helping to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation. WBI’s efforts have not only enabled faster software development but have also set the stage for the continuous evolution of the Air Force's digital infrastructure.

Hangar 18 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovative thinking, strategic coordination, and a commitment to digital transformation come together. The Air Force’s ability to meet the challenges of modern warfare increasingly depends on such initiatives—and WBI has been a critical partner in ensuring their success.