Area 6

[antigravite]

Hi.

It's been a long time. The topic of "Area 6" was missing here. FWIW, let me open it up.

- - - - - - - - -
Stephen Francis Tomajczyk, Us Elite Counter-Terrorist Forces , Motorbooks Power, 29/10/1997 - ISBN 0-7603-0220-0
Esp. see Chapter on NEST (Nuclear Emergency Search Team). relevant source herein (this topic)
- - - - - - - - -

1988. Airborne Response Team (ART) Hangar built.

2000. (December) EA (DOE/EA-1334) document written to establish the AOF at the NTS.

2001. The AOF, located in Area 6 at the NTS, east of Yucca Lake is established, incorporating ART Hangar.

2004 (October). AOF EA modifications.

2004. DOE document issued.
http://nnsa.energy.gov/sites/default/files/nnsa/inlinefiles/doe%202004d.pdf

Josh Begley [joshbegley.com], "How do you measure a military footprint?," empire.is, 05/12/2013
http://empire.is/

Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai, "Mapping the Blind Spots: Developer Unearths Secret U.S. Military Bases", Mashable, 13/12/2013,
http://mashable.com/2013/12/13/data-artist-satellite-pictures-military-bases/#pcGA5DbbaqqC

Sferrin [topic starter, alias], "Mystery picture. (Base near Area 51)", secretprojects.co.uk [forum], 15/12/2013
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,20979.0.html

Keith Rogers, "You know Area 51, but just what in the world is Area 6?," Las Vegas Review Journal, 05/03/2016,
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nevada/you-know-area-51-just-what-the-world-area-6

Clemence Michallon, "Area 6 revealed: Top-secret Nevada facility rumored to be where the Pentagon tests high-tech unmanned drones to detect terrorist dirty bombs is as ultra hush-hush as the more infamous Area 51, DailyMail Online, 07/03/2016,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3479866/Area-6-9-6m-Nevada-airbase-Defense-Homeland-Security-test-aircraft-shows-Google-Earth.html

Tia Ghose (Senior Writer), "Mysterious 'Area 6' Landing Strip in Nevada Desert Baffles Experts," Live Science, 07/03/2016,
http://www.livescience.com/53967-area-6-tests-drone-planes.html

Anon., "Google Earth Reveals Area 6, Top Secret Base," Lifezette.com, 07/03/2016
http://www.lifezette.com/quickzette/google-earth-reveals-area-6-top-secret-base/
{CM note: FB Push via Buffer app.}

Kyle Mizokami, "Area 6: America's Secret Drone Testing Ground? - What goes on in the middle of the Nevada desert isn't exactly clear​," Popular Mechanics, 08/03/2016,
http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/research/a19805/area-6-americas-secret-drone-testing-ground/

Anon. "Google Earth reveals layout of secret 'Area 6'," Aol.com, 08/03/2016,
http://www.aol.com/article/2016/03/08/google-earth-reveals-layout-of-secret-area-6/21324410/

"Area 6: America’s Secret Drone Testing Ground?", UAS Vision, 11/03/2016
http://www.uasvision.com/2016/03/11/area-6-americas-secret-drone-testing-ground/
NOTE: sourcing Los Angeles Review Journal

antigravite [topic starter, alias], "Area 6", secretprojects.co.uk [forum], 06/04/2016
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,27037

A.

 

[antigravite]

Hi.

Area 6 Google Earth Link

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nevada+National+Security+Site+Device+Assembly+Facility/@36.9287815,-116.0169731,3464m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m7!1m4!3m3!1s0x80b8703f93688045:0x42e50cf40ba4ba7b!2sNevada+National+Security+Site,+Nevada!3b1!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0x948fd30af8f679a0

A.

 

[Mr London 24/7]

Perhaps the existing topic can be renamed and merged:

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,20979.0.html

 

[antigravite]

Perhaps the existing topic can be renamed and merged:

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,20979.0.html

Yes. Good idea.

A.

 

[coach46]

A really old story!

For those here who are a bit older: Do you remember the fantastic story about Bob Lazar?

From Wikipedia:
"Robert Scott "Bob" Lazar, claims to have worked on reverse engineering extraterrestrial technology at a site called S4, in the Emigrant Valley and Old Kelley Mine area near the Area 51."

This area S4 is what is called in this topic Area 6. If you look back in Google Earth, you see the paved runway in 2005 already.

 

[Mr London 24/7]

Sadly I seem to qualify as old .... however Lazar's S4 was postulated as Papoose Lake (on the other side of the mountain from Groom Lake).

The real S-4 (Site 4) is part of an Electronic Combat Range (http://www.otherhand.org/home-page/area-51-and-other-strange-places/bluefire-main/bluefire/nellis-complex-facilities/tonopah-test-range/site-four/)

This Topic is about Area 6, encompassing Yucca Lake (and quite different!).

 

[Dynoman]

Predator UAS operating from AOF. Other support aircraft include King Airs, PC-12 and helicopters of the NNSA.

 

[RavenOne]

Predator UAS operating from AOF. Other support aircraft include King Airs, PC-12 and helicopters of the NNSA.

Ah the Airbus Helicopters BO-150DBS which were registered to EG & G (courtesy of Rotor Roster 2003 ) which was in my old database I did for the marketing sales team in my old helicopter maint company,

I had a photo of them in a book called Us Elite Counter-Terrorist Forces (Motorbooks Power) Paperback – 29 Oct 1997
by S.F. Tomajczyk (Author) in the chapter about NEST

cheers

 

[Dynoman]

This one?

 

[Dynoman]

More recent NNSA nuclear material detection helicopter, Bell 412.

 

[RavenOne]

This one?

Yep thats the one from the book,

cheers

 

[RavenOne]

More recent NNSA nuclear material detection helicopter, Bell 412.

Nice I take it the King Air next to it is also NEST /NNSA?

Cheers

 

[Dynoman]

It is.

 

[RavenOne]

It is.

Thanks for that, much appreciated take it is N792BP I looked up list of DoE a/c on the FAA registry

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Name_Results.aspx?Nametxt=U+S+DEPARTMENT+OF+ENERGY&sort_option=1&PageNo=1

Have you got a photo of NEST Bell 407 as above?

cheers

 

[RavenOne]

This one?

Also with the accompanying text in the book, it says the aviation unit is actually based at Nellis AFB,

cheers

 

[Dynoman]

I think NEST is HQ'd at the DoE Nevada Field Office in Las Vegas, making Nellis a very convenient site for its rapid response/deployment requirement. NEST did have MBB BO-105, King Air B-200, Convair 580T and Citation II in the late 1990's. EG&G was a major player (operationally) in the NEST operation in the late 90's.

 

[Bill Walker]

EG&G had at least 2 BO 105s equipped for NVG in the 1990s. One flew into high ground at night, and was last reported sitting in a hanger in Nevada waiting for someone to quote on repairs. My firm declined to bid when we were told we couldn't bring our own Gieger counter to the hanger.

 

[quellish]

Predator UAS operating from AOF. Other support aircraft include King Airs, PC-12 and helicopters of the NNSA.

As far as I know, NNSA has no presence at AOF. There are other facilities near or around Yucca Lake that support NNSA security operations.

The AOF supports UAV testing and training. If you want to see what happens when your UAV loses link with control this is the place to do it - and this is done very often.

As far as NEST air support, they are not based at Yucca Lake.
http://www.osti.gov/scitech/servlets/purl/1233292

 

[Dynoman]

From the DoE/EA-1334 Document

"The AOF, located in Area 6 at the NTS, east of Yucca Lake was established in
2001. The scope of work covered by the original AOF EA included construction of a mile-long
runway (1,6 kilometers [km]) and a taxiway. The existing Airborne Response Team (ART)
Hangar, which was built in 1988, was incorporated into the AOF. Additions to the facility
included a new office trailer; asphalt pads for pole barns used to store air frames; and, concrete
pads for storage of fuel and materials. Dirt access roads to the AOF were re-graded. A portion
of the perimeter fence that would have crossed the new runway was removed, and a gate
installed. Several small gas and diesel generators were moved to the AOF to provide back-up
power, in the event that a power outage occurred during flights.
Operations are currently limited to several flights per week of remotely piloted aircraft (UAVs)
and small manned aircraft, including a small manned chase plane that is used to track the
UAVs. Any large aircraft that require access to the NTS, such as a C-130, use the Desert Rock
Airport. Tests currently include, but are not limited to, airframe modification, sensor operation,
and on-board computer technology development. Approximately 15 personnel are employed at
the AOF."

"Flights of the UAV are restricted to the eastern portion of the NTS. Routine flights
would come no closer than 20 miles from the Yucca Mountain proposed repository. As stated in Section 7.2 of the AOF EA, equipment failures associated with the UAVs could include malfunctions that cause the unmanned aircraft to go astray and crash into a facility, such as the DAF or the HazMat Spill Facility. There is minimal chance of this occurring. Furthermore, the size and construction of the UAV would render it incapable of causing extreme damage to an existing structure. Every system associated with the UAVs is fully backed up, on the UAVs and on the ground. If the link with the UAV were to be broken, the UAV is programmed to return home."

 

[quellish]

http://nnsa.energy.gov/sites/default/files/nnsa/inlinefiles/doe%202004d.pdf

 

[antigravite]

http://nnsa.energy.gov/sites/default/files/nnsa/inlinefiles/doe%202004d.pdf

wow thx! Attached are three pictures extracted from this document.

A.

 

[quellish]

Note that Lockheed P-175 Polecat was flown from Area 6, but not from the AOF. Polecat flew from the old lakebed runway.

 

[sferrin]

 

[quellish]

Also worth noting that a number of years ago a company that provided some of the hangars at the AOF posted a ground view of the facility

Environmental Remediation Enclosures - Sprung

Environmental applications of Sprung Structures include waste treatment, recycling, environmental remediation enclosures, fabrication facilities and more.

www.sprung.com

In recent years it has been common to see chase aircraft circling over Yucca using various aircraft tracking sites. The chase aircraft typically support UAV operations from the AOF.

 

[quellish]

It is also worth pointing out that in the various environmental statements for the 2003-2005 expansion the large hangar is labeled “XP Hangar” with the smaller one just behind it the “Falcon Hangar”

 

[jsport]

Sure hope this type of capability is not forgotten.​

https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/category/modern-us-protoypes/​

United States of America/NASA (1994-1997)​

Rescue Vehicle – 1 Prototype Built​

NASA had worked together with the Ames Research Center on a specialist suit portal for the NASA-Langley DOE Lunar Rover with the design having potential applications not just in space, but on Earth too. Particularly, this system was seen as being of potential value to a cleanup response for a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident, whether accidental or the result of a criminal act. The concept would need a large simple vehicle on which to be mounted. Protected from fire, debris, and even explosions, and able to access remote or dangerous sites and still provide enough internal space for a crew and equipment.
The ideal vehicle for the program was the M113-based M577A3 Command Post variant, as it was available, cheap, and provided plenty of internal space. NASA were familiar with this type of vehicle, already having four M113s in use as ‘Armoured Rescuers‘. In order to provide even more room, the final vehicle selected for a prototype was to be a longer bodied version with an additional roadwheel (6 instead of 5). It would be known as the XHRV-1; ‘eXperimental HAZMAT Response Vehicle’.

Artists rendering of the initial concept NASA-Ames-HAZMAT vehicle at the scene of a HAZMAT incident. Note the high original position of the suitports. Photo: Ames/FMC

Two pieces of Concept art for the program. The first one is as it appeared in Popular Mechanics Magazine, February 1994. Note the different position of the manipulator arm and the single suitport rather than the double type. Photo: Popular Mechanics. The second artist’s impression shows it in use following a hazardous materials incident or terrorist attack on a subway. Photo: kraftelerrobotics

Original patent image and artwork based on the patent image. Source: USPTO and unknown
Work on the project began in 1994 when Ames Research took delivery of a single M577A3 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) on loan from the FMC Corporation. The lead for the design work on the vehicle was Philip Culbertson and the efforts focussed on two areas: the front manipulator and the two suitports at the back with FMC and Ames responsible respectively.

Inner view of the suitports showing one nested port attached and the other removed. The amount of space inside the vehicle is very apparent. Photo: NASA. Seen from the rear the vehicle has two suits mounted externally on the back attached to the suitports. Image taken during HAZMAT exercise ‘DART 1998’. Photo: NASA/Ames

Equipment and Protection​

The design mounted two suitports at the back in the rear bulkhead. These were to provide a rapid entry/exit portal to/from the vehicle permitting rapid donning and doffing for up to two specially trained crew.
At the front is a row of additional lights and cameras and presumably an array of sensors for temperature, wind speed, and air sampling, although no radiation sensors or protection is known to have been provided. Below these, on the front right-hand corner, is a distinctive angular mounting point welded to the hull onto which a manipulator arm was mounted. FMC had worked on a similar arm back in the 1960’s which indicated the expected capacity of the XHRV-1 arm had a load capacity of 600 lbs (272kg) and was fitted with a utility tool to the front to cut or grip. Below this arm, and missing from the prototype (although shown in the artwork), was a bulldozer blade which would have allowed the vehicle to create temporary berms or damn around a chemical spill as well as be used for providing support when using the arm extended from the front of the vehicle. In the front centre of the vehicle, on the upper cab, was a telescoping arm on which would be fitted a stereoscopic camera system and spot lights.

XHRV-1 artwork showing manipulator arm and bulldozer blade deployed. Photo: unknown
No weapons of any kind were carried on the vehicle. Internally, the vehicle was equipped with an air-conditioning overpressure system which not only provided respite from the heat of wearing the suits but also served to provide a slight overpressure inside which assisted in preventing the ingress of toxins from the external environment.
An additional item for the vehicle was the provision of what would now be called a drone – but was originally listed as a ‘Robot Helicopter’ – which was affixed to the front top left of the cab and controlled from inside. This ‘helicopter’ would provide real-time stereoscopic television images back to the crew inside as well as environmental sensors.
The driver was provided with an unusual polycarbonate dome over his circular hatch. A second one is shown in one of the pieces of artwork over the crewspace too. These domes provided a wide and clear view of the exterior along with a seal from the environment.
The armored body of the XHRV-1 was identical to that of the M577A3 and provided a completely sealed body against hazardous material as well as some limited protection from debris or even explosions which might occur while conducting assessment or cleanup. Additionally, the tracked body of the vehicle was ideal for accessing a site over tracks, rough ground or over debris such as a collapsed building.

Details of the suitport on the back of the vehicle from the 1997 patent. Photo: USPTO

Crew member demonstrating the donning of the suit in attachment to the nested hatch on the back in the area known as ‘The Porch’. The handle is to assist in the process. Images taken at the FMC testing ground. Photo: NASA/Ames

Illustration of the ‘eXperimental HAZMAT Response Vehicle’ or ‘XHRV-1’ by William ‘Richtor’ Byrd, funded by our Patreon Campaign

Process​

The crew member is cocooned within the APC, protected by its armor from falling debris etc., and sealed from the outside air unsuited. When it comes time to suit up, the crew member simply climbs into the suit within the port in the rear and reseals the nested hatch behind him. All he then has to do is to decouple the suit from the port and go about their duties.
To get back inside, the process is simply reversed. The crew member backs up to the port and re-couples it to the port. Once recoupled, the inner part is opened into the vehicle and the crew member backs out of the suit back inside the vehicle. At no time during the entire process is that crew member of the inside of the vehicle exposed to the outside environment. This is a very efficient system permitting repeated operations by up to several operators over several hours if needs be as the crew members can be rested out of their suit whilst another takes over. The exact crew complement is not known, but the artwork for the patent shows two operators outside, a driver, a commander, and two additional technicians inside for a total of 6 men.

XHRV-1 from the front showing the stowed position for the manipulator arm and additional light fittings on the front. Of special note is the polycarbonate bubble for the driver. Image taken during HAZMAT exercise ‘DART 1998’ Photo: NASA

Advantages​

The XHRV-1 had significant potential advantages over existing hazardous materials response vehicles and procedures. Firstly, the crew were more comfortable and better protected by virtue of the armored body and air conditioning system. Secondly, the ability to return and doff the suit without having to leave the hot-zone permitted more rest for the operator and a longer time they would be able to operate within the zone before becoming exhausted. The vehicle was a standard production machine with a well-proven drivetrain and sturdy body

Decommissioning​

The M577, like the M113, was a simple and rugged platform, but they were obsolete by the 1990’s for military purposes. This programme offered FMC a new potential market to refurbish or build new vehicles for civil purposes, but it was not to be. For unknown reasons, the whole program was canceled despite the advantages of the system and the need for such vehicles in some facilities. The designers had considered it could have seen use not just in specialist facilities handling hazardous waste, but potentially Federal State resources and even some municipal Fire Departments in the major metropolitan areas. The existing prototype was returned to FMC and the manipulator and other controls were stripped off. Since then she has been purchased by the Eagle Field foundation in California and repainted green.

Stripped of fittings and the manipulator, the XHRV-1 awaiting disposal after termination of the program. Photo: Eagle field Foundation

Now in the hands of the Eagle Field Foundation, the XHRV-1 has been repainted to represent a military vehicle instead. Photo: Eagle Field Foundation

Specifications​
Dimensions (L-w-H)	4.86 x 2.68 x 2.50 m (15.11 x 8.97 x 8.2 ft)
Crew	6
Propulsion	Chrysler 75M Diesel
Maximum speed	42 mph (68 km/h) road/3.6 mph (5.8 kph) swimming
Suspensions	Torsion bars
Armor	Aluminum alloy 12–38 mm (0.47–1.50 in)
Production	1

Links & Resources​

Life Sciences and Space Medicine Conference April 1995 report AIAA-95-1062 ‘The Suitport’s Progress’
Eagle Field Foundation
Popular Mechanics February 1994
Kraftelerrobotics.com
Space Architecture Education for Engineers and Architects, Häuplik-Meusburger and Bannova
Patent US5697108 filed 30th of September 1996
NASA Disaster Assistance and Response Team https://dart2.arc.nasa.gov/Exercises/Ex-98/DARTExercise98HazMat

 

[publiusr]

I can see a lunar version of all this.

With atomic facilities on the Lunar surface, you might get away with, say…building solar sails in a crater…central tower has a pendulum to lay down material on a mesh over said crater (road around rim bulldozed flat by this equipment).

The dish mesh electrostatics push the brand craft aloft in one piece…and perhaps sunlight alone shoved it clear of the Moon?

Enough gravity to hold heavy equipment down…but low enough that something super lightweight needs no rocket/shroud, etc.