NWC China Lake TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 156738, NWC-700, location unknown, January 1983. Photo by Michael Grove, Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160264, XE-13, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, January 1983. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-6E Intruder BuNo 159568, XE-21, Armitage Field, China Lake, January 1983. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160722, XE-05, Armitage Field, China Lake, January 1983. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake QF-4B Phantom II BuNo 149451, NWC-401, China Lake, January 1983. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

VX-5 Vampires AH-1J Sea Cobra BuNo 157799, AGM-122 Sidearm missile, China Lake, January 1983. Photo by C. T. Robbins.

A box containing belts of MK-149 Phalanx 20mm armor-piercing discarding sabot rounds is loaded aboard NWC China Lake AH-1J Cobra BuNo 157799 by AO2 Swelling Lippwe (at left) and AO2 Mark Jalonen. Holding an inert sample of this same round is Marine SSgt. Alex Borissenko, who assisted in planning and conducting the helicopter engine ingestion tests, China Lake, 07 January 1983. Rocketeer photo.

The burning of an ASCROC shell grain N-5 propellant shows what could happen in a premature ignition. In the foreground is the frame of a dummy "ordnanceman," all that is left after a one-gallon container of R-98 propellant was ignited nearby, China Lake, 14 January 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332, BIGEYE, Mix Master, China Lake, 20 January 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

F/A-18 Hornet Marine Project Officer Maj. Jon Gallinetti greets F/A-18 project officer Lt. Stu Witt who has just flown NWC's second F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161713 to China Lake from the McDonnell Douglas plant in St. Louis. China Lake, 21 January 1983. Rocketeer photo.

The NASA parachute drop test vehicle for the Space Shuttle program arrives at the main gate after a cross country trip from Colorado, China Lake, 28 January 1983. Rocketeer photo by PH1 Benita Tetreault.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160722, XE-05, Andrews AFB, February 1983. Photo by T. Paskowski.

The mockup of an aircraft at the Minideck blazes furiously as the first of the fire fighting agent pours onto the flames from a monitor (a nozzle mounted on a base or platform rather than on a manned hose) set more than 300 feet away. Four diesel pumps were required to pump the 11,000 to 12,000 gallons per minutes that the monitor shot at fires during the tests. China Lake, 04 February 1983. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Rebecca Carpenter.

Congratulations and a check accompanied the Beneficial Suggestion award presented by VX-5 Vampires CO Capt. P.F. Hollandsworth to Lt. Tom Frey for redesigning the Mk-106 practice bomb. The modified version is now in operational use by both the Navy and the Air Force. China Lake, 04 February 1983. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Greg Hogan.

NWC China Lake AV-8B Harrier BuNo 161398 in-flight, Mk-82's, 08 February 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-6A Intruder BuNo 151565, XE-20, NAS Alameda, 19 February 1983. Photo by Michael Grove.

Joe Chesney, Code 6133's No. 1 technician involved in assembling the DASH loads one of drone helicopters on a transport cart in the G-1 range area Guided Missile Shop.. China Lake, 25 February 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569 take-off roll, location unknown, March 1983. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592, NWC-602, AGM-123 Skipper laser guided bombs (LGB), China Lake, circa 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Ziesler, USN Retd.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592, NWC-602, launching 2 AGM-123 Skipper rocket powered (Shrike missile motor) laser guided bombs (LGB), China Lake, ca. February 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC R. Ziesler, USN Retd. Official U.S. Navy photo by PHC Bob Ziesler, Retd.

ARBS project engineer Carl Burkey checks a part of the system installed in A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485 at Armitage Airfield. USMC A-4M Skyhawks are now being equipped with the Angle Rate Bombing Systems to provide a close-air-support weapons delivery system. The VMA-311 Tomcats of MAG 13 at MCAS EI Toro is the first group to be equipped with ARBS. China Lake, 11 March 1983. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161932, XE-33, AIM-9L sidewinder missile & TER, 30 March 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake Flying Club (former VT-5 F-500) T-34B Mentor BuNo 140919, N47875, Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA, March 1983. Photo by Gary Chambers.

NWC China Lake UH-1N Iroquis BuNo 158272, SAR-016, unknown location, April 1983. Photo by Gerrit Kok.

USMC Maj. Jon “Goose” Gallinetti pointing out details, NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485, ARBS close-up, China Lake, 21 April 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

USMC Maj. Jon “Goose” Gallinetti, NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159485, ARBS, China Lake, 21 April 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Two Marines prepare their AH-1J Cobra gunship for it's next flight defending the "nation" of California from the "nation" of Nevada during Exercise Comfort Level Five held on April 27 and 28. At left are two USMB UH-1N Huey helicopters. China Lake, 06 May 1983. Rocketeer photo.

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) AH-6C Cayuse attack helicopter (s/n 68-17191, 17228, 17298 or 17307) and former USAF B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166, Gun Butts, NWC China Lake, 06 May 1983.

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) AH-6C Cayuse attack helicopter (s/n 68-17191, 17228, 17298 or 17307) and USAF C-5A Galaxy and MH-60 Black Hawk, Gun Butts, NWC China Lake, 06 May 1983.

Cdr. B.C. Boatright, Associate for Air-to-Air Weapons in Code 39, (pictured with NWC China Lake YF-FJ Phantom BuNo 151473) also has found time to serve as project pilot on the conversion of the F-4 Phantom aircraft for use as a pilotless drone target. His work in this latter capacity earned him the NWC Technical Director's Award that was presented to him by B.W. Hays. China Lake, 29 April 1983. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill.

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department A-6E Intruder BuNo 155698, Open House with a TER and Mk-81s, Armitage Field, China Lake, 11 May 1983. Photo from Ugo Gabbana Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake A-7C Corsair II BuNo 156785, NWC-707, MER with practice bombs and an AIM-9 Sidewinder, China Lake, 11 May 1983. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake TH-1N Iroquois BuNo 159270, SAR-011, west side of hangar 3 next to a QH-50A DASH helicopter drone, China Lake, 11 May 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245, NWC-048, on the ramp next to NWC QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-5052, NWC-820, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, circa May 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake Aircraft Department F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161709, NWC-103, Open House with an AIM-9 Sidewinder and Snakeyes, Armitage Field, China Lake, 11 May 1983. Photo from Ugo Gabbana Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

BOA-M missile airframe, Rye Canyon test facility, Saugus, CA, 11 May 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

PR2 Lisa Arsenault Kolb chains the lines of her parachute after completing a jump. The second female test parachutist in the Department of Defense, Petty Officer Kolb will wind up her Navy career on June 6. China Lake, 27 May 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160857, NWC-708, with a AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, Hot Line, Armitage Field, China Lake, circa 1983. China Lake Museum photo.

NWC China Lake A-7E Corsair II BuNo 156883, NWC-709, in-flight with a AGM-65 Maverick missile, 03 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161713, NWC-101, AIM-9L sidewinder missile, 08 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161713, NWC-101. ZUNI pod & sidewinder missile, over Whitney meadow, 08 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161366 in-flight over Owens Lake, 16 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161366 in flight over Olancha Peak, 16 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre BuNo 55-5111, NWC-821, QF-86F Sabre, BuNo 55-5048, NWC-818, F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161366, NWC-101, & F/A-18 Hornet BuNo 161365, NWC-102, in-flight, 16 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake F/A-18A Hornet BuNo 161366, unknown F/A-18A Hornet and A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245 over Olancha peak, 16 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake A-4 Skyhawk formation: TA-4F BuNo 152848 (NWC-041), TA-4F BuNo 154332 (NWC-040), A-4M 160245 (NWC-048) & unknown A-4M, Change of Command flyover, 21 June 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

40th Anniversary Flyover formation over Mike Lab., 21 June 1983. Aircraft are F/A-18A (unknown), A-7C Corsair BuNo 156785 (NWC-707), A-7E Corsair BuNo 156883 (NWC-709), A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592 (NWC-602), QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-3846 (NWC-824), QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-5052 (NWC-820), A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245 (NWC-048), TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332 (NWC-040) & QT-38A Talon s/n 59-1603 (NWC-381). Official U.S. Navy photo.

40th Anniversary Flyover formation over Ridgecrest, 21 June 1983. Aircraft are F/A-18A (unknown), A-7C Corsair BuNo 156785 (NWC-707), A-7E Corsair BuNo 156883 (NWC-709), A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592 (NWC-602), QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-3846 (NWC-824), QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-5052 (NWC-820), A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245 (NWC-048), TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332 (NWC-040) & QT-38A Talon s/n 59-1603 (NWC-381). Official U.S. Navy photo.

40th Anniversary Flyover formation over Armitage Field, 21 June 1983. Aircraft are A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592 (NWC-602), A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245 (NWC-048), TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332 (NWC-040) & QT-38A Talon s/n 59-1603. Official U.S. Navy photo.

40th Anniversary Flyover formation over China Lake, 21 June 1983. Aircraft are F/A-18A (unknown), A-7C Corsair BuNo 156785 (NWC-707), A-7E Corsair BuNo 156883 (NWC-709), A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592 (NWC-602), QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-3846 (NWC-824), QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-5052 (NWC-820), A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245 (NWC-048), TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154332 (NWC-040) & QT-38A Talon s/n 59-1603 (NWC-381). Official U.S. Navy photo.

VMAQ-4 Seahawks EA-6A Prowler BuNo 148618, RM-01, China Lake, circa 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

China Lake Detachment 0217 Seabee Reservists hung a 12 foot diameter metal sign displaying the NWC Aircraft Department logo on the south side of Hangar 3 recently. The logo features an eagle carrying in its talons replicas of the Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles. EO2 George Truesdale operated the crane used to hoist the 3-section aluminum sign in place, while the rigging work preparatory to raising the sign was handled by EO2 Phillip Quinton. AME1 Daniel Curdy, AME2 Chris Marcus, AME3 Gary Soyke, and AMEAN Clayton Temby from the Aircraft Department's AME Shop fabricated the sign. China Lake, 01 July 1983. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-5048, NWC-818, NAS Lemoore, June 1983. Photographer unknown.

NAF China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152848 "KNOZY" HARM nose close-up, China Lake, 2 July 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY console, China Lake, 2 July 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY instrument panel, China Lake, 2 July 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152848 KNOZY cockpit, China Lake, 2 July 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

Art Hickle, who is in training to handle balloon fest flights, watches as the Center's Chief Balloonist Duane Powers tweaks the propane burners used to produce the hot air needed to fill the balloon which serves as a test platform for the TPS 43 low cost decoy tactical surveillance radar program being developed by the Air Force's Rome Air Development Center in New York. China Lake, 15 July 1983. Rocketeer photo by Jerry Morrison.

U.S. Air Force B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166, flown here nearly 10 years ago with the intent of using it as a ground target for missiles or weapons systems, is in the process of being rebuilt here at China Lake. The work of preparing the B-47 for its final flight is being carried out two weekends per month in the gun butts area at Armitage Airfield. China Lake, 05 August 1983. Rocketeer photo by Don Yockey.

VX-4 Evaluators F-14A Tomcat BuNo 161444, XF-47, AIM-54C Phoenix mounted on the forward station and Advanced Common Intercept Missile Demonstration (ACIMD) s/n 0001 fit-test, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 August 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-4 Evaluators F-14A Tomcat BuNo 161444, XF-47, AIM-54C Phoenix mounted on the forward station and Advanced Common Intercept Missile Demonstration (ACIMD) s/n 0001 fit-test, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 August 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-4 Evaluators F-14A Tomcat BuNo 161444, XF-47, AIM-54C Phoenix mounted on the forward station and Advanced Common Intercept Missile Demonstration (ACIMD) s/n 0001 fit-test, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 August 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drones 55-5048, NWC-818 and 55-5111, NWC-821, August 1983. Photographer unknown.

The Seventh Fleet is now conducting open ocean evaluations on the NWC-developed Floating At-Sea Targets (FAST). Assembling a FAST are (l. to r.) Randy Coleman, Jeff Mattck, and Bob Hoffman. FAST can be assembled in less than half an hour, and requires no tools for assembly. FAST consists of a floating icosahedron (20-sided polygon) that exhibits a radar reflective characteristic simulating the size of a destroyer or frigate although it is only 6 feet in diameter and weighs a mere 175 pounds. China Lake, 12 August 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake T-38A Talon s/n 59-1604 during an F-20 Tigershark demo, Palmdale, CA, 01 September 1983. Behind it, in the background is a DeHavilland Vampire, then, what appears to be, the No. 1 F-20A Tigershark. The tail number 82-0089 doesn't match, but you can see the rear of the canopy which matches that of the first F-20A, not an F-5F. Behind that is the Northrop owned red and white F-5F Tiger II chase plane. This aircraft was sold when the F-20 program died. Photo by Ron Monroe.

VX-5 Vampires TA-7C Corsair II BuNo 154458, XE-07, on the ramp at an unknown location, September 1983. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

After a 3 minute descent decelerated by a series of five parachutes of increasing size, the 49,000 pound DropTest Vehicle buried five feet of its nose in the soft dirt at the Parachute Drop Zone, China Lake, 23 September 1983. Rocketeer photo by Terry Pascarella.

The frustum that contains the drogue chute for NASA's Space Shuttle booster Drop Test Vehicle rests on the ground at the Parachute Drop Zone, China Lake, 23 September 1983. Rocketeer photo by Terry Pascarella.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone BuNo 56-2858, NWC-814, and QF-86F Sabre drone BuNo 55-5114, NWC-838, China Lake, 1983. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone BuNo 56-2858, NWC-814, with seven Sidewinder NOLO mission markers, China Lake, 29 Sep 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-4M Skyhawk, BuNo 160245, XE-16, with USAF laser guided Maverick missiles, 01 Oct 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake F/A-18A Hornet dedicated to HARM development takes off on its first AGM-88 HARM missile test, China Lake, 03 Oct 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

An AIM-54 Phoenix missile intercepts a QF-4B Phantom II target drone over China Lake, 12 October 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo from R.L. Lawson Collection.

VA-46 Clansmen A-7E Corsair II's AB-301 and AB-306 in-flight over the China Lake Ranges, 25 October 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3846, NWC-824, Edwards AFB, 30 October 1983. Photographer unknown.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245, NWC-044, next to NWC QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 55-3846, NWC-824, Edwards AFB, 30 October 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

AIM-9 Sidewinder instrumentation package recovery mishap, G-2 range, China Lake, 02 November 1983.

Among the aircraft that will be flying to China Lake for the giant air show and open house on will be this F6F-5 Hellcat (in the foreground), and the North American P-51D Mustang from the "Planes of Fame" collection at the Air Museum at Chino, CA. More than 50 vintage aircraft will either be flying or on static display, and another 40 modern military aircraft will also been seen at Armitage Airfield. China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo by Frank B. Mormillo.

Lts. Stu Witt and Eric Neidlinger pose in front of a NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk while making preparations for their part of the 40th Anniversary Air Show, Armitage Field, China Lake, 04 November 1983. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Rebecca Gill.

A crowd estimated at upwards of 30,000 persons swarmed onto the airfield to view static displays of aircraft and flight demonstrations by warplanes covering the span from pre-World War II biplanes to the newest and fastest jets in the world, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo by PHAN Greg Hogan.

NWC China Lake NA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142630, NWC A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, and NWC A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160857, NWC-708, in the foreground, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, NWC A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160857, NWC-708, NWC TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152848, NWC-041, USAF B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166 and NWC QF-4B Phantom II BuNo 149452, NWC-404, in the foreground, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

Bill Westmyer gives a final polish to a B-25 Mitchell from the Planes of Fame museum in Chino, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160245, QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-3846, NWC-824, and QF-86F Sabre s/n 55-5052, NWC-820, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Official U.S. Navy photo.

USAF B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 56-2831, NWC-828, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 56-2858, NWC-814, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake QF-86F Sabre drone s/n 56-2858, NWC-814, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by Dave Brown.

NWC China Lake T-38A Talon s/n 59-1603 next to an F/A-18A Hornet, China Lake, CA, 05 November 1983. In the background is NWC A-6A Intruder BuNo 155592, NWC-602. Photo by Ron Monroe.

NWC China Lake QT-38A Talon drone s/n 59-1603, NWC-381, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake T-38A Talon s/n 59-1604 next to NWC F-4B Phantom II BuNo 149452, NWC-404, China Lake, CA, 05 November 1983. In the background is Navy Cessna 404 Titan, N405EX. Behind the T-38A you can just barely see a white T-38 tail in the background with a gold version of the insignia. Photo by Ron Monroe.

Hill AFB USAF 466th TFS F-105D Thunderchief "Desert Fox" s/n 62-0299, HI-299, next to Canadian CF-101B Voodoo s/n 101032, south side of hangar 1, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by Ron Monroe.

NWC China Lake NA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142630, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Hangar 1 in the background. Photo from Tailhook Assoc.

NWC China Lake NA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142630 next to NWC A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake QF-4B Phantom II BuNo 149452, NWC-404, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake CT-39D Sabreliner BuNo 150992, NWC-992, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

NWC China Lake T-39A Sabreliner BuNo 150992, NWC-992, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Hangar 3 in the background. Photo by C. T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152848, NWC-041, with HARM seeker nose "KNOZY" parked on the ramp, Armitage Field, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Photo by Jan Jacobs via Tailhook Association.

NWC China Lake TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152848, NWC-041, AGM-88 HARM seeker nose (KNOZY), Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by Bob Niedermeier.

VX-5 Vampires TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 152862, XE-12, hangar 1, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by Craig Kaston via the Tailhook Association.

The opportunity to look inside the cockpit of NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, drew long lines, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, with an ATM-84A Harpoon training round and iron bombs on a MER, on the ramp next to USAF B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166, China Lake, 5 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, China Lake, circa 1983. Photo from L. McCarley.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159569, NWC-601, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by J. Kishpaugh.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 155592, NWC-602, Hot Line, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake A-6E Intruder BuNo 159592, NWC-602, piloted by LCdr. Jim Tankersley leaps into the air during a flight demonstration, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160722, XE-05, hangar 1, Armitage Field, China Lake, November 1983. Photo from Paul Minert Collection, courtesy A. Romano www.navarchives.com

NWC China Lake A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160857, NWC-708, with a Walleye and Mk-8x bombs next to B-47E Stratojet s/n 52-0166, Armitage Field, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

NWC China Lake UC-8A Buffalo BuNo 161546, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photo by C.T. Robbins.

Antonov AN-2 transport s/n 1R16550, N22AN, south side of hangar 1, Armitage Field, NWC China Lake, 05 November 1983. Photographer unknown.

VX-5 Vampires A-7E Corsair II BuNo 160724, XE-06, takeoff, November 1983. Photographer unknown.

NASA's Space Shuttle booster Drop Test Vehicle draws a crowd from visitors in hangar 3, China Lake, 05 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

McDonnell Douglas F-18 A-18 Hornet ejection seat test photo observing the 30th anniversary of the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT), China Lake, 18 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

Four ZUNI Rockets are launched from a sled in a photo observing the 30th anniversary of the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT), China Lake, 18 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

A probe beneath the rocket sled dragging through water slows the rocket sled down as it nears the end of the Track in a photo observing the 30th anniversary of the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT), China Lake, 18 November 1983. Rocketeer photo.

NWC China Lake F-86F Sabres NWC-854 and NWC-853 (s/n 56-2842) fuselages, China Lake, 1983. Photo Ron Cheshire via Duncan Curtis.

AGM-88 HARM, AGM-78 Standard ARM and AGM-45 SHRIKE anti-radiation missiles, circa 1983. Official U.S. Navy.

A Dept. of Fish and Game truck brings crates containing captured bighorn sheep to the Center's Search and Rescue helicopter (UH-1N Huey BuNo 158272, SAR-016) near the Old Dad Mountains in San Bernardino County. Once the crates are aboard the helicopter, it flies to Eagle Crags on the Center's Mojave B range where the animals are removed from the crates and turned loose. China Lake, 09 December 1983. Rocketeer photo.

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