Variable Angle Launcher Complex, Camera Car & Track, CA State Highway 39 at Morris Reservior, Azusa, Los Angeles County, CA

Significance: Morris Dam Test Facility (MDTF) was built at the Morris Dam Reservoir for the purpose of obtaining basic hydrodynamic data for use in design and development of Naval Ordinance, particularly air-to-water projectiles. The Variable-Angle Launcher (VAL) and its predecessor, the Fixed-Angle Launder (FAL) were a consolidated effort between the scientific and military research and development communities. The VAL was the only structure in the nation where full scale, air launched projectiles could be tested at high velocities and variable entry angles into a body of water. MDTF served as a valuable resource during WWII and the Cold War era, spanning over 50 years. This is a unique complex where the setting has been unaltered by major modern development. The design is unique and all of its material is original. The components exhibit high quality, professional workmanship typical of contemporary naval military facilities. The facility has retained its overall feeling and appearance from the Cold War Era maintaining a strong sense of time and place.

Survey number: HAER CA-169-D

Building/structure dates: 1948 Initial Construction

launch complexes azusa variable angle launcher complex variable angle launcher complex camera car camera car track highway state highway reservior morris reservior los angeles county los angeles california historic american engineering record david maul us department of the navy photo ultra high resolution high resolution historic american landscapes survey historic american buildings survey navy us navy library of congress wwii photographs

1933 - 1970

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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