How Did The US Air Force Start?

For more than 100 years, the US Air Force has been instrumental in defending America. The origins of the organization dates back to 1903, when two bicycle salesmen from Ohio took to the skies for the very first time in a powered aircraft that was heavier than air. This groundbreaking achievement set the scene for innovations which would put the USA on course to become one of the world’s most advanced and powerful nations.

The Early Origins

The history of the Air Force begins in 1907 when the US Signal Corps’ Aeronautical Division was formed. This division was only made up of 2 enlisted men plus a single officer, and their original aircraft were kite balloons, however, in 1908 their first true airplane was acquired. Between this time and the start of the First World War, the division obtained more aircraft and a tradition of experimentation and innovation was established.

The First World War

It was the First World War which gave early aviators the chance to try their skill in combat. When the United States joined the war effort, the air arm of the Signal Corps was transformed into a section in its own right which conducted both training and air combat operations. Frank Luke and Eddie Rickenbacker were just two of the pilots who became famous names during this period for their successful missions.

Between The Wars

Although the Aeronautical Division was officially commanded by the United States Army, by the end of the First World War, it had moved towards independence. The inter-war period brought more achievements and innovations in the aviation industry, with rocket launches, helicopters and aerial refueling becoming more prevalent. Aircraft designs improved and this led to brand new records being set for flight endurance. In 1926, the Air Service was once more redesignated and given the name US Army Air Corps.

The Second World War

At the start of the Second World War, the President increased the Air Corps’ aircraft numbers to 20,000, and this proved to have been a useful move when Pearl Harbor brought American into the war. The nation’s factories went into overdrive, producing bombers, transport planes and fighters while more Airmen were trained to fight for their country.

It was during this time that women started to play a greater role in the military services, with the Women’s Army Air Corps being set up. In 1941, the Air Corps became the Army Air Forces and then in 1947, it became known as the US Air Force. This was the first time that the title by which this branch of the military is known today was used.

The Cold War And Beyond

The US Air Force took a leading role in developing sophisticated platforms for weapons at the end of the Second World War, and the Korean War saw impressive jet fighter combat while the conflict in Vietnam saw ait-to-air missile dogfights and ongoing bomber operations. In more recent times, the US Air Force has moved into the space arena, establishing networks for early warning of missiles and aircraft while developments in rocketry have led to increasingly sophisticated platforms in space that will protect us from future dangers.

With recent developments comes the need for more advanced flight suits, and Carter Industries specializes in producing military grade flight suits for the US Military. Having been in business for over two decades, our products are made from high-quality materials and in accordance with the Berry Amendments. We supply only authentic and genuine Nomex flight suits that meet the high standards set by the US Air Force.