Air-gap deployment means an application runs with zero external network dependencies: no CDN requests, no analytics, no license-validation pings. Defense programs in classified or controlled environments cannot allow any outbound traffic, so a single HTTP request disqualifies a tool. The test is simple: disconnect the network cable and try every feature; if anything breaks, it is not air-gap compatible.
What does air-gap deployment mean?
Air-gap deployment means the application runs with zero external network dependencies. Zero. Not "minimal." Not "just a CDN for fonts." Not "only a license validation ping on startup." Zero.
Why do defense programs require air-gap operation?
This matters because defense programs operating in classified or controlled environments cannot allow any outbound network traffic from the application. A single HTTP request to a CDN, analytics endpoint, or license server means the tool cannot be deployed in that environment. Period.
Where Hitt Hosting SE stands on air-gap
Hitt Hosting SE does not offer an air-gap install yet. A self-hosted, disconnected install is on the roadmap and is being built to the standard above. Some features still call outside services today: orbit data refreshes pull from CelesTrak and NOAA, and the AI features rely on an external LLM. Those have to work offline or be switched off before the install can pass the test below.
| Dependency | Where it stands |
|---|---|
| Fonts | Bundled locally via @fontsource: no Google Fonts CDN |
| Authentication | A local Supabase instance in the planned install |
| Engineering calculators | Run client-side, no server round-trips |
| Orbit data | Pulled from CelesTrak and NOAA today |
| AI features | Call an external LLM today |
| Updates | Signed archives applied offline: planned, not built |
How do you test whether a tool is air-gapped?
If your program requires air-gap deployment, the test is simple: disconnect the network cable and try every feature. If anything breaks, it is not air-gap compatible.