Dreamland: The Secret History of Area 51

Area 51, a top-secret military installation, has been shrouded in mystery since 1955. Aerospace historian Peter Merlin reveals the true story of its transformation into a premier flight test and evaluation facility for advanced aviation technology and high-tech weapons based on declassified documents and interviews.

Format: Hardback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2023
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

Area 51, a top-secret military installation located in the remote desert northwest of Las Vegas, has remained a subject of intrigue and mystery since its establishment in 1955. Aerospace historian Peter Merlin, in his remarkable work, delves deep into the myths and conspiracy theories surrounding this enigmatic facility, unveiling the true story of its transformation from a humble temporary outpost to one of the nation's premier flight test and evaluation centers for advanced aviation technology and high-tech weapons.

Based on a wealth of declassified documents and extensive interviews, this compelling narrative is meticulously researched and richly illustrated with over 700 images, many of which have never been published before. Author Peter Merlin, a renowned expert in aerospace history, has made numerous appearances in film and television documentaries for renowned channels such as the History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic, and Smithsonian. This manuscript adheres to the same rigorous academic standards as his previous works published by NASA and the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The origins of Area 51 trace back to the early days of the Cold War, when the United States government sought to establish a covert location for the development and testing of advanced aircraft and weapons systems. The site was chosen for its remote location, vast expanses of desert terrain, and minimal civilian population, providing a secure environment for top-secret operations. In the 1950s, the base was established as a temporary outpost to support the U.S. Air Force's research and development programs.

Over the years, Area 51 underwent significant expansion and modernization, with the construction of numerous hangars, runways, and support facilities. The facility became home to a diverse range of aircraft, including experimental prototypes, fighter jets, bombers, and spacecraft. The base also played a crucial role in the development of stealth technology, which remains one of the nation's most advanced military capabilities.

Despite its secrecy, Area 51 has been the subject of numerous rumors and conspiracy theories over the years. Some believe that the facility is used for the development of extraterrestrial technology, while others suggest that it is a secret base for the storage and testing of nuclear weapons. However, the truth is far more mundane. Area 51 is primarily a research and development center, where scientists and engineers work to advance the state of aviation technology and develop new weapons systems for the United States military.

Peter Merlin's work sheds light on the complex history and operations of Area 51, providing a detailed account of the facility's development, its role in the Cold War, and its contributions to modern aviation and military technology. The book is meticulously researched, well-written, and extensively illustrated, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the mysteries of Area 51 and the broader field of aerospace history.

In conclusion, Area 51, a top-secret military installation hidden in the desert northwest of Las Vegas, has been shrouded in mystery since its establishment in 1955. Aerospace historian Peter Merlin's remarkable work delves deep into the myths and conspiracy theories surrounding this enigmatic facility, unveiling the true story of its transformation from a humble temporary outpost to one of the nation's premier flight test and evaluation centers for advanced aviation technology and high-tech weapons. Based on a wealth of declassified documents and extensive interviews, this compelling narrative is meticulously researched and richly illustrated, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the mysteries of Area 51 and the broader field of aerospace history.

Weight: 2992g
Dimension: 223 x 286 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764367090