Edwards AFB near Los Angeles, CA

[sksvlad]

This is THE largest US military base, it is bigger than LA herself. But very few will visit Edwards. Why? This photo tells it all.

And it looks like this when you approach the South Gate.

A lot of US Air Force and NASA innovation and testing took place at Edwards, so naturally most of exhibits are one of a kind, prototypes. Here we go.


The following are static displays in front of NASA (inside the base)

The following are static displays at the Western Gate. The base has a 12 mile buffer zone so you must drive 12 miles JUST to get to the security gate.

 

[US-Subs]

It is definitely a cool place, and well worth the visit. But despite their propaganda, they are not even close to being the largest. Edwards measures in at a meager 470 square miles. White sands takes the record at over 3200 square miles, over 4000 with the extension areas (bordering BLM land that the base has control of and locks down during large/long range tests).

 

[sksvlad]

Sorry, my mistake. I'll correct it by saying "the biggest known to me".

 

[US-Subs]

If you get the chance it is also worth a visit. Make arrangements in advance and you can join the annual visit to ground zero on the anniversary of Trinity Site as well, though it is about a 90 mile trip each way from the entry gate, under escort.