Operational

Desert Rock Airport

Mercury, United States

DRA KDRA

Airport Information

Continent North America
ICAO/IATA KDRA / DRA
Elevation 3314 ft (1010m)
Coordinates 36.6194, -116.0330

Current Weather

Current weather: Sunny
26.7°C
Sunny
April 5
15:13
Local Time
3.6
km/h SSE
16
km visibility
7%
humidity

Runways

Runway 02/20

ASP
Lighted
Length 7,515 ft (2291m)
Width 100 ft (30m)
Surface ASP
Status
Operational

About Desert Rock Airport

Desert Rock Airport is a fascinating airport located in Nevada, United States. It is a unique airport due to its history and its current use as a testing site for the United States Department of Energy. This airport has had a long and storied history, and it continues to play an important role in the world of aviation and national security.

Desert Rock Airport was originally built in the 1950s as part of the Nevada Test Site, which was established by the United States Department of Energy for nuclear testing purposes. The airport was used to transport personnel and equipment to and from the test site, which was located in a remote area of the Nevada desert. During the Cold War, the airport played a crucial role in the testing of nuclear weapons and the development of the country's nuclear capabilities.

Today, Desert Rock Airport is still used by the Department of Energy for testing and research purposes. The airport is closed to the public, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only. This is due to the sensitive nature of the work that is carried out at the airport, which includes testing and research on nuclear materials and technologies.

One of the most interesting features of Desert Rock Airport is its location in the middle of the desert. The airport is surrounded by rugged terrain and is situated in a sparsely populated area. This makes it an ideal location for testing and research activities, as it provides a controlled environment for experiments and ensures the safety of the surrounding area.

In addition to its unique location, Desert Rock Airport also has a number of impressive facilities. The airport has a long runway that is capable of handling large aircraft, as well as a terminal building and hangars for storing equipment and vehicles. The airport also has a control tower and other support buildings to facilitate operations.

Despite its remote location and restricted access, Desert Rock Airport plays an important role in the world of aviation and national security. The airport is used for a variety of testing and research activities, including the development of new technologies and materials for use in the nuclear industry. The work that takes place at the airport helps to advance scientific knowledge and ensure the safety and security of the country.

Overall, Desert Rock Airport is a fascinating and important facility with a rich history and a critical role in the world of aviation and national security. Its remote location, unique facilities, and important work make it a key asset for the Department of Energy and the United States government. While the airport may not be open to the public, its impact and significance cannot be understated. It is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the people who work there, and to the importance of the work that they do.