Edwards Air Force Base

Edwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in California, primarily within Kern County with portions extending into San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. Established in 1933 as the Muroc Bombing and Gunnery Range, the facility was re-designated as Muroc Army Air Field in 1943 and Muroc Air Force Base in 1948. It was renamed in 1950 for test pilot Captain Glen Edwards. During World War II, the base served as a training site for bomber and fighter aircrews and was selected for the development of the Bell P-59 Airacomet. Historical events at the installation include the first supersonic flight in 1947, the North American X-15 test program, and the initial landings of the Space Shuttle.

The base is operated by Air Force Materiel Command and functions as the headquarters for the Air Force Test Center, the Air Force Test Pilot School, and NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. The 412th Test Wing serves as the host unit, conducting flight and ground testing for aircraft, weapons, and software. Stationed units include the 412th Operations Group and the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron. The 412th Operations Group operates multiple flight test squadrons, including the 411th, 416th, 419th, and 461st. Other resident organizations include detachments of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and international units from the Royal Air Force and Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Infrastructure at the base includes the Rogers and Rosamond dry lake beds, which provide natural landing surfaces. Fixed facilities include the Benefield Anechoic Facility for electromagnetic testing, the Air Force Rocket Research Laboratory on Leuhman Ridge, and Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale. The base hosts a variety of aircraft, including the F-22A Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52H Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, and B-2A Spirit. Transport and tanker aircraft stationed at the facility include the C-17A Globemaster III, KC-46 Pegasus, and KC-135R Stratotanker. Unmanned systems, such as the RQ-4B Global Hawk, are also operated from the site. The installation hosts the Edwards & Sanborn Solar and Energy Storage Project.