USGS U-2 FLYOVER
28 AUGUST, 1968 |
RUSSIAN SPIN-2 SATELLITE
15 MARCH, 1998 |
 |
 |
New Runway
A new runway has been constructed parallel to the east of the
already existing one. Almost 3,800 meters long, the new runway
doesn't extend onto the lake bed. |
 |
 |
North Base
- Hangars and Housing
The North Base has undergone much reconstruction since 1968.
The four large hangars have been enlarged and the housing for
base personnel has been completely rebuilt. The addition of
more buildings has also taken place. |
 |
 |
South Base
Hangars
The hangars at this part of the installation have been improved,
and the amount of hangars has also doubled. A major important
addition is the large hangar noticeable at the top of the image.
|
 |
 |
New Large
Hangar
This new addition to the Area 51 installation has been very
controversial. Images of this hangar have appeared in publications
with a black triangular aicraft outside that resembles the hypersonic
aircraft known as Aurora. Other researchers believe the hangar
houses a recovered alien craft nicknamed the "mothership."
|
 |
South Base
Tank Farm
The tank farm visible in the 1968 image, consisting of seven
large storage tanks and three smaller tanks, remains visible
in the 1998 image. The wide separation of the larger tanks is
suggestive of fuel for aircraft. The 1998 image show significant
new construction, incomplete as of the date of the image, suggesting
a major enlargement in the support capacity of the Groom Lake
facility. |
 |
 |
South Base
- New Construction
An entirely new facility, of uncertain nature and purpose, was
added to the Groom Lake complex at some point between 1968 and
1998. |
 |
 |
