While AFRL as we know it today was formed by consolidating four former laboratories, its heritage dates back over a century to 1917. If you’ve ever marveled at a stealth fighter like the or the B-2 Spirit , you’re looking at AFRL’s handiwork. The lab’s fingerprints are on nearly every modern aircraft and weapon system in the U.S. arsenal, including the F-22 Raptor and the C-17 Globemaster . One Lab, Two Services
The bedrock of future science.
What exactly are they building right now? The projects sound like something out of science fiction: Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL - Facebook air force research laboratory
A major shift in recent years is AFRL's role as the "One Lab" supporting two distinct services: the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force . This collaboration ensures that technological breakthroughs in the air are seamlessly adapted for the high-stakes environment of orbital space. 2026 and Beyond: The Strategic Redesign
Beyond the Horizon: How the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is Engineering the Future While AFRL as we know it today was
Dedicated units to ensure new tech actually makes it into the hands of the warfighter. Breakthroughs in the Works
In the world of defense, the fastest way to lose a fight is to stop innovating. Since its official launch in 1997, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has served as the ultimate "think tank" for the Department of the Air Force, ensuring that American Airmen and Guardians stay ahead of every curve. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio—the very birthplace of aviation—AFRL manages a massive and a workforce of over 12,500 personnel dedicated to one mission: unleashing the power of innovative technology. A Legacy of "What's Next?" arsenal, including the F-22 Raptor and the C-17 Globemaster
Specialized teams focusing on dominating specific combat domains.