John Tate (l) and Tim Cox check out the pod developed and fabricated by NWC for use in determining whether ground ranges can receive secure telemetry data, China Lake, 11 January 1980. Rocketeer photo.

PR3 Anne Mooney (at left) holds the certificates proclaiming that she has qualified as both a Navy parachutist and a test parachutist. PRAA Lisa Arsenault holds her certificate for becoming a Navy parachutist. NWC Commander Capt. W.B. Haff displays the patch PR3 Mooney can wear after having qualified, China Lake, 08 February 1980. Rocketeer photo.

A hybrid rocket developed by a group of senior class engineering students at the Univ. of Redlands was brought to NWC's G-2 range last week to be test fired. The rocket is equipped with a telemetry pack and parachute recovery system which is programmed to open after 30 seconds of flight, 26,000 feet down range and at an altitude of about 7,000 feet, China Lake, 08 February 1980. Rocketeer photo.

Flyover testing of TRI-FAST was performed to evaluate the surface-to-air seeker function in both land and sea clutter environments. Mounted on a modified Chaparral missile launcher are the TRI-FAST seeker (at right), a TV tracking aid (on top) and below it an RF acquisition aid, China Lake, 08 February 1980. Rocketeer photo.

James Doohen, Engineer Scotty of the "Star Trek" television series and movie, gets set to take a look at 20th Century technology, the cockpit of an QF-86H Sabre s/n 53-1383 target drone. LCdr. R.L. Reusche II, head of the NWC Targets Division, escorted Doohen during his tour of the F-86 facility. Doohan had a look around Armitage Airfield during his visit to the Center last Friday when he was one of two featured speakers at a banquet held in observance of National Engineers' Week. China Lake, 20 February 1980. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

NWC China Lake UH-1N Huey BuNo 158284 airlifts a winch to the top of one peak that flanks Burro Canyon. Concrete pads poured from the helicopter had been emplaced earlier on two peaks 2,637 feet apart. A cable will span the canyon and will hold test equipment that will be used to instantly analyze the byproducts of blast or burning during destructive testing. China Lake, 22 February 1980. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159228, AIM-9L Sidewinder missile, China Lake, 20 Feb 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake HH-1K Huey BuNo 157177, NWC-012, Armitage Field, China Lake, March 1980. Photo from Naval Aviation Archives (NAVA) Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14, ARBS, and NWC China Lake A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156739, hangar 3, China Lake, 02 March 1980. Official Navy Photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14, ARBS, hangar 3, China Lake, 02 March 1980. Official Navy Photo.

Chains and nylon cables are fastened to the wing section of B-29A Superfortress s/n 44-84084 in preparation for transporting it from China Lake to its new home at Castle AFB. Two CH-54 Skycrane helicopters able to lift upwards of 20,000 lb. were flown here from Kansas to transport the wings over the mountains. All other parts needed for restoration of the Superfortress were previously transported by truck to Castle AFB. China Lake, 14 March 1980. Rocketeer photo by PH2 Tony Garcia.

A trailer containing a high resolution interferometer that is being used by the Optical Signatures Project Office to make infrared measurements of aircraft and missiles in flight, as well as for static tests on the Aircraft Survivability Range was flown here recently from Plattsburg, NY. Transportation was provided by the Air National Guard's 146th Tactical Airlift Wing operating out of Van Nuys, CA. The specially-instrumented trailer belongs to the Defense Research Establishment Valcartier (DREV), located near Quebec, Canada. China Lake, 14 March 1980. Rocketeer photo by Gerry Boylan.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159228, AIM-9L Sidewinder missile, China Lake, 18 March 1980. Official Navy Photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

PRCS Ron Allen congratulates PRAA Lisa Arsenault on becoming the second military woman test parachutist in the Department of Defense on completion of her final qualifying jump Wednesday, March 26. PRAA Arsenault's jump, her 22nd, was one in a series performed to gather biomedical information for research purposes. China Lake, 26 March 1980. Rocketeer photo by Ron Allen.

Swedish JA-37 Viggen in flight with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, 26 March 1980.

The Skytop Test Complex at NWC has the only existing DOD facility capable of firing large strategic missile-sized solid propulsion systems in a vertical, nozzle down attitude. In recognition of significant contributions made by a large number of NWC employees in the conduct of motor testing and propulsion studies to support the Trident I missile program, a Polaris/Poseidon/Trident flag was presented recently to NWC Commander Capt. William B. Haft. China Lake, 28 March 1980. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154361, XE-08, location unknown, April 1980. Photo by Joe Cupido.

Aircraft storage ramp south of the airfield with six F-4 Phantoms (l-r unknown, unknown, VMFA-323 Death Rattlers, VMFAT-101 Sharpshooters, VMFAT-101, VMFA-115 Silver Eagles, unknown & unknown), unknown F-86 Sabre, C-117D Skytrain BuNo 12431, N31310, Naval Arctic Research Laboratory and C-117D Skytrain BuNo 17156, Naval Artic Research Laboratory N722NR at right, China Lake, circa April 1980. Photographer unknown.

Ed Teppo, looks over a target locater and target designator that makes use of a laser. Known as the MULE (Modular Universal Laser Equipment), it is one of nearly two dozen laser programs supported by personnel of the Laser Systems Branch, headed by Teppo. MULE is a type of man-portable gear that can be moved to forward artillery observation posts. China Lake, 04 April 1980. Rocketeer photo.

NWC Support Unit 0176 Naval Reservists - LCdr. Charles Anderson (at left) and LCdr. Sam Alonge - look over one of the RA-5C Vigilante aircraft from which the jet engines will be removed by members of their unit during a two week period of active duty for training. The Reservists will remove the latest smokeless versions of the J-79 jet engines from seven RA-5C Vigilantes aircraft that have been delivered here for use in tests by the Systems Development Department's Survivability-Lethality, and Aircraft Targets Division. Older J-79 engines received from the Fleet will be installed in the Vigilantes and also in a group of F-4s that will be converted to drone targets. The "smokeless" jet engines will be sent to the Fleet for use in the F-4 Phantom. China Lake, 18 April 1980. Rocketeer photo.

USAF F-16A Fighting Falcon s/n 78-0022 from Holloman AFB with two AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles mounted under the wing and one Sidewinder on the wing tip launcher, China Lake, 24 April 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo by Sam Wyatt.

USAF F-16A Fighting Falcon s/n 78-0022 from Holloman AFB with two AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles mounted under each wing and a Sidewinder on each wing tip launcher, China Lake, 24 April 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo by Sam Wyatt.

Pacific Missile Test Center Point Mugu NF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151496, PMTC-91, NAF China Lake, 29 April 1980. T-38A Talon 58-1194 at right. Paul Minert collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

A target radar dish at NWC shows the effect of a successful firing of the HARM missile. A distinct "wing print" can be seen in the mesh and the target horn. China Lake, May 1980. Rocketeer photo.

LCdr. Bill Robertson leads the three members of the Navy's hot air balloon team who will demonstrate its capabilities on Armed Forces Day, China Lake, 02 May 1980.

NWC China Lake UC-8A Buffalo BuNo 161546 roll out ceremony at Field Aviation in Calgary after a major rework, 05 May 1980.

NWC China Lake UC-8A Buffalo BuNo 161546 at Field Aviation in Calgary after a major rework, 05 May 1980.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 156997, XE-23, Armitage Field, China Lake, May 1980. Photo by Bruce Trombecky, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156768, NWC-768, NAS Moffett Field, May 1980. Photo by Tom Chee, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department A-6E Intruder BuNo 157014, MER on the port wing, Armitage Field, China Lake, 09 May 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156768, NWC-768, FLIR evaluation, NAS Moffett Field, May 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 52-2090, NWC-090, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-3900, NWC-801, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake RU-9D Aero Commander s/n 57-6184, China Lake, AFD 10 May 1980. USAF 35th TFW F-105G Thunderchief s/n 63-8343, WW-343, at left and NWC T-39D Sabreliner BuNo 150992 at right. Photographer unknown.

USAF YF-15B Strike Eagle s/n 71-0290, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake C-117D Skytrain BuNo 50821, National Parachute Test Range markings, AFD, China Lake, 10 May 1980. Photographer unknown.

VX-5 Vampires C-1A Trader BuNo 136782, XE-00, AFD, China Lake, 10 May 1980. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake T-39D Sabreliner BuNo 150992, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake YF-4J Phantom II BuNo 151473, China Lake, AFD, 10May 1980. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake YF-4N Phantom II BuNo 151473, ejection seat demo, AFD, China Lake, 10 May 1980. Photo by V.H. Kretsinger.

NWC China Lake NA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152101, FFAR ZUNI pod, Armitage Field, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photo by Bruce Trombecky, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152848 HARM missile nose, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154172, NWC China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, standard ARM "KNOZY" nose, China Lake, 10 May 1980. Photo by Bob Shane.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 155682, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, 09 May 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156768, NWC-768, FLIR, Armitage Field, Hot Line, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photo by B. Trombecky.

NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156768, NWC-768, FLIR, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. NWC hangar 1 in the background. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake A-7E Corsair II BuNo 156883, NWC-883, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. NWC hangar 1 in the background. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 157014, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Hangar 3 in the background. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake UH-1N Iroquois BuNo 158284, NWC SAR, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. At left is Blue Angels KC-130F Hercules BuNo 149806. Hangar 2 in the background. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 159228, XE-10, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485, XE-13, with ZUNI's on #2 and #4 on the Hot Line next to VX-5 A-4M BuNo 158426, XE-14, Armitage Field, China Lake, May 1980. Photo by Bruce Trombecky, Paul Minert collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawks over unknown B-25 Mitchell and B-25J Mitchell s/n 45-8884, C-GCWJ, "Lady Luck" on the flight line, China Lake, 10 May 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

B-25J Mitchell s/n 44-30801, N30801, Executive Sweet west of hangar 1, China Lake, AFD, 10 May 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawks over the VX-5 Vampires flight line, l-r: A-6A Intruder BuNo 151565, XE-20, A-6A Intruder BuNo 156997, XE-23, A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485, XE-13, A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14 and A-7E Corsair II's BuNo 160722, XE-05, BuNo 159271, XE-03, BuNo 160724, XE-06 & BuNo 160616, XE-04. China Lake, 10 May 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Seated on the muzzle end of a tank cannon, this youngster has a bird's-eye view of the crowd circulating in Hangar 3 to see the many Armed Forces Day exhibits and displays. China Lake, 10 May 1980. Rocketeer photo.

A promise made by Capt. Haft to the Blue Angels to present them with a burro if the weather was less than ideal on Armed Forces Day is kept. Blue Angels KC-130F Hercules BuNo 149806 in the background. China Lake, 10 May 1980. Rocketeer photo.

Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawk line, BuNo 154975, #6, in the foreground, China Lake, 10 May 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawks in-flight painting with B mountain in the background by Larry Zabel, 10 May 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 53-1409, next to USAF F-106A Delta Dart s/n 58-797 and Canadian CP-107 Argus s/n 10713, NAS Lemoore, May 1980. Photographer unknown.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1T Sea Cobra BuNo 159228 taking off from Naval Weapons Center (NWC) China Lake with an AIM-9L Sidewinder missile, 18 May 1980. Official U. S. Navy photo.

A Galileo Atmospheric Entry Probe System test vehicle of the kind that will be used to probe the atmosphere of the planet Jupiter lies on the desert floor after being launched from an altitude of 40,000 ft. by a PMTC F-4J Phantom II during a recent test over G-range. The landing, on rocky ground about two miles north of the intended drop zone, caused only minor damage to the vehicle itself. In the background is the main recovery parachute used in this test. China Lake, 11 June 1980. Parachute Systems Dept. photo.

Safety officer CW02 Roy Daughtry (at right) monitors a pre-flight check of a U.S. Army Huey that is here for special equipment tests being carried out by a unit of the Army Aviation Board headquartered at Fort Rucker, AL. After a thorough going over the helicopter will head for the Randsburg Wash area, location of a tri-service evaluation of new equipment on board the aircraft. Aircraft being utilized in this test work include the UH-60 Blackhawk, the UH-IH Huey and the EH-1H special mission helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft - the RU-21 Ute and the OV-1 Mohawk. China Lake, 13 June 1980. Photo by Sam Wyatt.

Charlie Rodgers (far right) Indian Wells Valley Search and Rescue Team captain, learns how to use the "horse collar" hoist during a recent practice at Armitage Airfield as Fred Camphausen, Jerry Gentry and AD3 Paul Popolizio look on. The "horse collar" hoist is used to lift victims and team members into a helicopter. China Lake, 27 June1980. Rocketeer photo.

USMC Maj. John P. Bland by NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245 prior to the test flight in which he became the 1st USMC pilot to launch a Maverick AGM. The AGM-65E Maverick (mounted on the right wing) made a direct hit on the target in the recent firing at Eglin AFB. The launch also was the 1st launch of a Maverick from an A-4 and the 3rd of the AGM-65E, May 1980. Hughes Aircraft Co. photo via John Bland, LCol Retd.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3846, NWC-814, China Lake, June 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1603 on the ramp at Armitage Field, China Lake, June 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3900, NWC-801, China Lake, circa July 1980. Photo by P.W. Minert.

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon drone s/n 58-1195 on the ramp at Armitage Field, China Lake, July 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection.

VX-5 Vampires A-6A Intruder BuNo 157014, XE-22, refueling NASA F-8C Crusader BuNo 145546, NASA-802, circa 1980. NASA photo.

VMAQ-2 Playboys EA-6B ICAP-I Prowler BuNo 160707, CY-14, China Lake, circa80. Official U.S. Navy from Larry McCarley.

VX-5 Vampires TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152862, XE-12, unknown location, February 1980. S-3A Vikings in the left background. Photographer unknown.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160616, XE-04, practice bombs, China Lake, ca. 1980. Official U.S. Navy Photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 151812, XE-17, on the ramp at an unknown location, circa 1980. Photo by Michael Grove, Paul Minert collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake U-9D Aero Commander s/n 57-6183, location unknown, circa 1980. Photo from Naval Aviation Archives (NAVA) Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake HH-1K Huey BuNo 157191, NWC-012, Armitage Field, China Lake, 1980. Photo from Naval Aviation Archives (NAVA) Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07, on the ramp at NAS Lemoore, circa 1980. Photo from Ugo Gabbana Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14, on the line at NAS Alameda, circa 1980. Photo courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake F-4B Phantom II BuNo 149451, in-flight, circa 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo from Bob Lia.

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department F-4B Phantom II BuNo 149451 in-flight over Ridgecrest and China Lake, circa August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 159271, XE-03, June 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848, "KNOZY" HARM seeker nose, July 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3883, NWC-806, China Lake, July 1980. Photographer unknown.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485, ARBS cockpit close-up, China Lake, 16 July 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

AT1 Richard A. Oubre, supervisor of the Cold Line at Armitage Airfield shown working on OV-10A Bronco BuNo 155496, is the NWC Bluejacket of the Quarter for April through June 1980. China Lake, 25 July 1980. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3883, NWC-806, China Lake, circa 1980. Photo by K. Svendsen.

NWC China Lake QF-86H Sabre drone s/n 53-1409, NWC-409, China Lake, July 1980. Photo by P. W. Minert.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3846, NWC-814, China Lake, circa July 1980. Photo by P.W. Minert.

VX-5 Vampires A-7C Corsair II BuNo 159271, XE-03, China Lake, circa August 1980. Hangar 1 at left. Photo by B. Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon s/n 59-1603, Armitage Field, China Lake, August 1980. NWC T-38A Talon s/n 58-1194 at right. Photo from Naval Aviation Archives (NAVA) Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake NA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152101, IHS AP, China Lake, 05 August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 151565, XE-20, Andrews AFB, 09 August 1980. Photo by E.L. Zorn.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, Standard ARM KNOZY, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, Standard ARM KNOZY, TOMSFAC pod, F-GAS, cockpit, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, Standard ARM KNOZY, TOMSFAC pod, F-GAS HARM, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, TOMSFAC pod with a Condor TV seeker and a Sidewinder IR seeker, F-GAS HARM, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, TOMSFAC pod with a Condor TV seeker and a Sidewinder IR seeker, F-GAS HARM, hangar 3, China Lake, 18 August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848, back seater James S. Nichols and TOMSFAC pod with a Condor TV seeker and a Sidewinder IR seeker, F-GAS HARM, China Lake, circa August 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Former RVAH-12 Speartips RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 156640, AC-602, Armitage Field, China Lake, August 1980. Photographer unknown.

AMCS R.L. Brant of the NWC Aircraft Department's Targets Maintenance Branch, waits to turn over the logbook of this first production model of a QF-86F full scale aerial target to LCdr. Steve Carro, a pilot from Pt. Mugu, who flew the aircraft from Armitage Airfield to the Pacific Missile Test Center. The logbook contains a complete record of all maintenance work, refitting, and the development history of this particular aircraft from the time it was first certified for flight. China Lake, 29 August 1980. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 52-6783, NWC-827, China Lake, September 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3919, NWC-809, west side of hangar 2, China Lake, September 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156738, NWC-738, September 1980. Photographer unknown.

AGM-123 Skipper laser-guided bomb (LGB) with fins restrained while on a dolly, China Lake, 28 September 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo by Robert Mann.

AIM-7F Sparrow III air-to-air missile being launched from a Skyguard missile launcher, China Lake, 28 September 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo by Hams.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 151565, XE-20, on the ramp next to A-6E BuNo 157014, XE-22, NAS Lemoore, September 1980. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158134, A-719, in the right background. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152862, XE-12, on the line next to VX-5 A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14, and VX-5 A-7E Corsair II's BuNo 160722, XE-05, and XE-06, NAS Lemoore. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158134, A-719, in the right background, September 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1596, Armitage Field, China Lake, September 1980. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 155602, NWC 612, MRASM, USS Enterprise, 01 Oct 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo, Thomas Tye collection.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-14, Edwards AFB, 5 October 1980. Photo by K. Minert.

NWC China Lake A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156739 with a Skipper LGB mounted under its wing, China Lake, 06 October 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo by Sam Wyatt.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 158426, XE-15, October 1980. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) with Anti Tank (AT-2) submunitions test, SNORT, 09 October 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Getting ready to integrate Skipper and A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156739 for a feasibility test are (l-r) AO3 Derek Graves, AO2 K.P. Fouse, AO1 Auomanu Liupaogo, AO2 Mark Constable and AOAN Stanley Bright. China Lake, 17 October 1980. Photo by Sam Wyatt.

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07, Andrews AFB, 18 October 1980. Photo by Eugene Zorn, Stephen Miller Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 155602, NWC-12, MRASM, over the Sierras, 20 Oct 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 157014, XE-22, November 1980. Photographer unknown.

USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II s/n 78-715, WA-715, on the flight line at Armitage Field, China Lake, 02 November 1980. Hangar 1 and control tower at left. Official U.S. Navy photo by Sam Wyatt.

VX-5 Vampires UH-1 Huey, PHC R. Ziesler inside with Sargent working the M93 Minigun which had jammed during flight, China Lake, ca. Nov 1980/ Official Navy Photo, PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

AD3 Paul N. Limonius (far right) and other personnel of the VX-5 Vampires Power Plants Shop work on a J-52 jet engine from OA-4M Skyhawk BuNo 154294, XE-16, China Lake, 14 November 1980. Photo by PHC R.L. Ziesler and PH2 R. A. Merckx.

PHC Robert L. Ziesler films a Mk 106 bomb run over the shoulder of VX-5 Vampires Lt. Tom Frey, who is in the A-7 flight simulator. Watching is Diana Johnson, an NWC employee who works in the A-7 simulation laboratory. China Lake, 14 November 1980. Photo by PHC R.L. Ziesler and PH2 R. A. Merckx.

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07, location unknown, 30 November 1980. Photo by C.E. Stewart.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160722, XE-05, and Ordies loading a Mk-55 aerial mine, Hot Line, China Lake, circa 1980. Photo by PHC Robert Ziesler, USN Ret.

A-6 Intruder weapons system integration bench, China Lake, Nov 1980. Photo from Thomas Tye.

Extended range guided projectile (ERGP) on a stand prior to ordnance testing, China Lake, 10 December 1980. Official U.S. Navy photo by Robert Mann.

Before the recent tests of the GE 25mm aircraft gun some of the visitors who came here to observe the test had the opportunity for a close-up look at the gun as it was mounted on a modified AV-8A Harrier. The visitors in this group are (L-r.) Col. Curtis Lawson, Capt. K.D. Wilson, Robert Kirkpatrick, Col. Alan Walker, Charles Murphy. Joe Westner, Tom Culligan, and Maj. Vincent D. Diloreto. China Lake, 10 December 1980. Rocketeer photo.

Members of the Combat Damage Effectiveness Team assigned to the 25mm aircraft gun test locate hits on one of the M-47 tank targets. The gun 25mm aircraft gun loaded with a new armor piercing, incendiary round. was manufactured by the General Electric Co. using as guidelines specifications written by the Gun Systems Branch of NWC's Ordnance Systems Department, was mounted on a modified AV-8 Harrier aircraft.China Lake, 10 December 1980. Rocketeer photo.

The first model of the hybrid target acquisition system (HYTAS) mounted on the side of the Huey helicopter seems to be peering at flight test crew members with both its RF and its IR sensors. Crew members, (l-r) are Ken Wetzel, Greg Urban, and Dan Morris. China Lake, 19 December 1980. Rocketeer photo.

General Dynamics/McDonnell Douglas BGM-109G Gryphon ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) being launched from a transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) with 4 missile launch tubes, NWC China Lake, circa 1980. McDonnell Douglas photo.

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