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| Missions and Targets on the Range |
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The author "pilots" a B-52 Stratofortress
One of two that are on the south edge of Rogers dry lake, along Photoresolution Road.
This particular one had been used for barrier testing. (Click the image to see a pic of one of the tests)
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B-52s at the edge of the lakebed
View of the two BUFFs (Big Ugly Fat Fuckers) on the south edge of Rogers dry lake. |


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A view from one one of the Flank Towers
In the distance, smoke from the spotting charge of a BDU-33 practice bomb can be seen, rising from the impact point on the target.
On the right, inside the tower, is a surveyor's transit, which we used to "score" the bombs with, before the Video Bomb Scoring System was installed.
Readings were then radioed to the Control Tower, plotted, and the impact point radioed to the pilot.
I spent many a freezing morning, and scorching afternoon, in these towers. |

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A-10 Warthog Gunfire
Of everything I witnessed on the Range (and there was plenty), A-10 gun missions were probably the most impressive.
The sound of that cannonfire rolling up the Range was like thunder. Its GAU-8 30MM rotary cannon can shoot 2000-4000 rounds per minute, and can pierce
through a tank's armor like it was butter. The bullets are about the size of a 50-cent piece, and 4-5" long.
The pilot sits inside a titanium "bathtub", which gives excellent protection from enemy ground fire.
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 US Air Force Photo
 US Air Force Photo
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The "Muroc Maru"
A wooden mock-up of a Japanese Cruiser during WWII. Located on the southwest of Rogers dry lake, it was used as a recognition device, as well as a target for
B-25 Mitchell bombers.
In the lower photo, construction details can be seen. It was originally flocked with chopped chicken feathers, which didn't last long in the searing Mojave heat
and winds. Dismantled in the 1950s, barely a trace remains today.
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Except where noted, all photographs are property of the author, who reserves all rights for their use
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