Air Force Plant 42

Air Force Plant 42
United States Geological Survey (USGS) · Public domain · source
Name	Air Force Plant 42
Location	Palmdale, California
Coordinates	34, 37, 48, N...
Type	United States Air Force Plant
Built	1951
Used	1951–present
Ownership	United States Department of Defense
Controlledby	Air Force Materiel Command
Garrison	412th Test Wing

Air Force Plant 42 is a vital United States Air Force aerospace manufacturing and flight test facility located in the Antelope Valley of Southern California. Primarily situated in Palmdale, California, with portions extending into adjacent areas, it functions as a government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) industrial plant. The facility has been a cornerstone of advanced military aircraft development and production for decades, hosting major defense contractors and playing a pivotal role in numerous classified and historic programs. Its operations are integral to the technological supremacy of the United States Armed Forces.

History

The site's origins trace to the early years of the Cold War, with land acquisition beginning in 1951 to support the burgeoning aerospace industry. Initially used by Convair for work on the B-36 Peacemaker bomber, the plant's significance grew rapidly. During the 1960s, it became a central location for the Lockheed Corporation's legendary Skunk Works division, which developed revolutionary aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Nighthawk. The facility was officially designated as Air Force Plant 42 in 1964 by the United States Department of the Air Force. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it was a key site for the B-1 Lancer program and the development of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, cementing its reputation for cutting-edge, often clandestine, aerospace projects.

Facilities and operations

The plant encompasses over 5,800 acres and features extensive infrastructure dedicated to aircraft manufacturing, modification, and testing. Its core facilities include multiple large-scale assembly buildings, specialized paint hangars, and secure areas for sensitive compartmented information. A primary feature is its direct access to the adjacent Palmdale Regional Airport and United States Air Force Plant 42 Airport, which provide essential runways for flight test operations. The site operates under the GOCO model, where the infrastructure is owned by the United States government but day-to-day manufacturing and engineering activities are conducted by private aerospace firms. This model leverages the expertise of major defense industry partners while maintaining government oversight and security.

Tenant organizations

The plant hosts several of the world's leading aerospace and defense contractors. Northrop Grumman operates major production lines here, notably for the B-2 Spirit and sections of the F-35 Lightning II. Lockheed Martin conducts final assembly and testing for the F-35 Lightning II and houses advanced projects within its Skunk Works unit. Boeing maintains facilities for aircraft modification, sustainment, and work on programs such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and the B-1 Lancer. These tenants are supported by the United States Air Force's 412th Test Wing, which is headquartered at the nearby Edwards Air Force Base and manages flight test activities and base support functions at the installation.

Role in aerospace development

Air Force Plant 42 has been the birthplace or primary production site for many of America's most advanced military aircraft. It is synonymous with the development of stealth technology, having produced the F-117 Nighthawk and the B-2 Spirit. The facility continues to be central to the F-35 Lightning II program, the Department of Defense's largest acquisition project. It also plays a crucial role in the modernization and sustainment of legacy fleets, including the B-52 Stratofortress and the E-3 Sentry. The plant's unique ecosystem fosters innovation, serving as a critical node in the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) continuum for next-generation platforms, including unmanned systems and future air dominance concepts.

Infrastructure and location

Strategically located in the Mojave Desert, the plant benefits from favorable flying weather, restricted airspace, and proximity to major test ranges like the R-2508 Special Use Airspace Complex and Edwards Air Force Base. Its infrastructure includes over 2.5 million square feet of industrial space, secure storage facilities, and specialized laboratories. The site is part of the larger Aerospace Valley region, which includes critical assets such as the NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory. This concentration of talent and resources creates a unparalleled aerospace cluster, ensuring the plant remains indispensable for national security projects and maintaining the technological edge of the United States Air Force.

Category:United States Air Force facilities in California Category:Buildings and structures in Los Angeles County, California Category:Aerospace museums in California Category:Industrial buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places