When the U.S. entered WW I, an urgent need developed for an active research and development (R&D) program for military aviation. A site was selected at Dayton, Ohio because of its location relative to America's industrial complex and on October 18, 1917, McCook Field was established.

For the next 10 years it was to serve as the nerve center of military aviation R&D in the U.S. during WW I McCook Field made impressive strides in airplane and engine development, but its greatest contributions came in the years after the war.

Operating on a limited budget, McCook personnel not only improved existing airplanes, engines, and equipment, but they designed, built, and tested entirely new items of all types. At the same time, they lent their efforts and knowledge to the civilian aircraft industry.