Edwards Air Force Base

What is Edwards Air Force Base famous for?

Edwards Air Force Base is famous for its rich history in flight testing and research. It is known as the "Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe" due to its role in testing and evaluating almost every aircraft since World War II. The base has been host to extensive aircraft testing and has achieved many milestones in flight, including breaking the sound barrier and testing the F-22 Raptor.

The base is also known for its association with the X-15 program, which explored hypersonic and exoatmospheric flight. Additionally, Edwards Air Force Base has contributed to the development of various advanced military aircraft, such as the B-58 Hustler and the F-15.

Edwards Air Force Base has a unique natural environment that is conducive to flight testing, with its vast dry lakebeds serving as emergency landing sites and test areas. The base is named after Capt. Glen Edwards, who was a test pilot and lost his life in a crash. His legacy is honored at the base, which continues to push the boundaries of aviation and aerospace technology.

What is the closest city to Edwards Air Force Base?

The closest city to Edwards Air Force Base is Rosamond, California, located about 13 miles (21 km) to the south. Another nearby city is Lancaster, California, which is about 20 miles (32 km) to the west of the base. Both cities offer a variety of amenities and accommodations for visitors to the area.

What desert is Edwards Air Force Base in?

Edwards Air Force Base is located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. The base is situated in Kern County, near the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, and is approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The Mojave Desert is known for its hot and dry climate, making it an ideal location for the base's flight testing and research activities.

What was filmed on Edwards AFB?

Edwards Air Force Base has been a popular filming location for various movies and TV shows. Some of the productions filmed at Edwards Air Force Base include:

The Right Stuff (1983) - A historical drama film about the U.S. space program and the test pilots involved in aeronautical research at Edwards Air Force Base.

Armageddon (1998) - A science fiction film that follows a group of oil drillers sent by NASA to stop an asteroid from colliding with Earth. The crew was allowed to shoot at the historic launch pad at Edwards Air Force Base.

Race to Space (2001) - A family drama film about a young boy who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The movie was loosely based on the early U.S. space program, Project Mercury, which included several flights made with monkeys and chimps.

Space Cowboys (2000) - A comedy-drama film about four aging "ex-test pilots" who are sent into space to repair an old Soviet satellite. The film features scenes shot at Edwards Air Force Base.

Captain Marvel (2019) - A superhero film that follows Carol Danvers, an Air Force pilot, as she becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes. The film features scenes shot at Edwards Air Force Base, and the base's Hangar 1600 and the ramp just outside of it can be seen in the trailer.

These are just a few examples of the movies and TV shows that have been filmed at Edwards Air Force Base. The base's unique desert environment and facilities have made it an attractive location for various productions.


Edwards Air Force Base