JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
"The Hangar," an interactive exhibit that provides visitors with an opportunity to experience various aspects of Air Force service through hands-on activities and immersive displays, was present at a recent U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training graduation at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on June 17, 2026.
"The Hangar" is a touring mobile exhibit comprised of dual semi-trailers with six cutting edge interactive experiences. Visitors engage with an AR app centered around a massive F-16 jet engine before moving to pressure-sensing LED platforms with directional audio briefings.
Using Leap Motion hand-tracking technology, users repair the on-screen hydraulics of a V-22 Osprey. Adjacent, two replica F-16 cockpits feature Microsoft HoloLens with spatially mapped holographic 3D elements and HUD to guide users to run diagnostics on the aircraft's cockpit avionics controls via connected buttons and switches.
A pressure-sensing, digitally connected lug nut lets users perform maintenance on a C-130 tire, synced in real-time with LED's and screen animations to let visitors compete for the top score of the day. "The Hangar" concludes by putting users on the Flight Line of an F-35 jet, using gesture-recognition to marshall an aircraft to the runway.
The exhibit is designed to be immersive, engaging and educational, helping visitors understand the complexity of aircraft maintenance while inspiring interest in joining the Air Force. Its modular, mobile format allows it to be adapted for different locations and audiences, making it a flexible recruitment and outreach tool.