Home > California > Azusa%252Bvicinity > Variable Angle Launcher Complex, Control Station, CA State Highway 39 at Morris Reservior, Azusa, Los Angeles County, CA
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Item Title
Variable Angle Launcher Complex, Control Station, CA State Highway 39 at Morris Reservior, Azusa, Los Angeles County, CA
LocationCA State Highway 39 at Morris Reservior,
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Created/Published
Documentation compiled after 1968.
Notes
Survey number HAER CA-169-B
Building/structure dates:
1948 initial construction
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.
Collection
Historic American Engineering Record (Library of Congress)
Contents
Photograph caption(s):
1. VARIABLE-ANGLE LAUNCHER CONTROL STATION, VIEW OF INTERIOR WITH VAL LAUNCHER BRIDGE SEEN THROUGH WINDOWS, LOOKING NORTHWEST.
2. VAL CONTROL STATION, VIEW OF INTERIOR SHOWING EXTERIOR DOOR, WINDOWS AND CONTROL PANELS, LOOKING SOUTHEAST.
3. VAL CONTROL STATION, VIEW OF CONTROL PANELS SHOWING MAIN PRESSURE GAUGES, LOOKING NORTH.
4. VAL CONTROL STATION, DETAIL OF CONTROL PANELS.
5. VAL CONTROL STATION, DETAIL OF CONTROL PANELS.
6. VAL CONTROL STATION, DETAIL OF CONTROL PANELS.
7. VAL CONTROL STATION, DETAIL OF CONTROL PANELS.
8. VAL CONTROL STATION, DETAIL OF EXTERIOR SHOWING EXTERIOR DOOR, WINDOW AND EXPOSED CONCRETE SURFACE LOOKING NORTH.
9. EXTERIOR ELEVATION OF CONTROL STATION WITH OBSERVATION DECK ABOVE, March 23, 1948.
10. 22'X34' original blueprint, Variable-Angle Launcher, 'CONTROL STATION PLAN AND ELEVATIONS' drawn at 1/2'=1'-0'. (BUORD Sketch # 208474).
11. 22'X34' original blueprint, Variable-Angle Launcher, 'CONTROL STATION STRUCTURAL DETAILS' drawn at 1 1/2'=1'-0'. (BUORD Sketch # 208401).
12. 22'X34' original blueprint, Variable-Angle Launcher, 'CONTROL STATION HANDRAIL AND WINDOW DETAILS' drawn at various scales. (BUORD Sketch # 208431).
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