Tonopah Test Range
The Tonopah Test Range (TTR, also designated as Area 52) is a highly classified, restricted military installation of the United States Department of Defense, and United States Department of Energy (nuclear stockpile stewardship) located about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Tonopah, Nevada. It is part of the northern fringe of the Nellis Range, measuring 625 sq mi (1,620 km2). Tonopah Test Range is located about 70 miles (110 km) northwest of Groom Lake, the home of the Area 51 facility.
| USAF Tonopah Test Range | |
|---|---|
| Nevada (South) | |
Tonopah airbase and the surrounding test range (composite NASA Landsat-7 image) | |
| Coordinates | 37.78°N 116.77°W |
| Type | Test Range |
| Site information | |
| Owner | United States Department of Energy |
| Controlled by | United States Department of Energy DoE United States Air Force USAF Department Of Defense DoD National Nuclear Security Administration NNSA and other Government Agencies |
| Open to the public | No |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1957 |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander | Classified |
| Past commanders | Brian T. Adkins |
| Occupants | 412th Test Wing |
Like the Groom Lake facility, Tonopah is a site of interest to conspiracy theorists, mostly for its use of experimental and classified aircraft. As such, it is not generally the focus of alien enthusiasts, unlike its neighbor. It is currently used for nuclear weapons stockpile reliability testing, research and development of fusing and firing systems, and testing nuclear weapon delivery systems. The airspace comprises restricted area R-4809 of the Nevada Test and Training Range and is often used for military training.