About this Unit
Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, located in California's Mojave Desert, was established in 1943 as the Naval Ordnance Test Station to support World War II weapons development and testing. Over the decades, it became a premier research, development, and testing facility for the U.S. Navy, playing a crucial role in the advancement of air-launched weapons, including the widely used Sidewinder missile. The station has continually supported U.S. military readiness by innovating and evaluating cutting-edge armament and electronic warfare systems. Today, NAWS China Lake remains an essential hub for the Navy, responsible for a significant portion of its land holdings and weapons testing operations.
Historical Facts
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Birthplace of Top Gun: While the original Navy Fighter Weapons School (“Top Gun”) was established at NAS Miramar, some of the earliest air-to-air missile research and pilot training that influenced Top Gun took place at China Lake.
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Largest Landholding in the Navy: Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake covers more than 1.1 million acres—making it the largest single landholding in the U.S. Navy and accounting for about 38% of the Navy’s land worldwide.
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Home of the Sidewinder Missile: The famous AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile was developed at China Lake in the 1950s. It remains one of the most widely used missiles in the world.
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Secret World War II Beginnings: China Lake was established in 1943 as the Naval Ordnance Test Station to support the development and testing of rockets and other weapons for World War II.
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Innovative Civilian Scientists: China Lake was known for its unique blend of military personnel and civilian scientists and engineers, fostering a collaborative, innovative environment that led to breakthroughs in missile technology.
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Desert Location for Safety: The remote Mojave Desert location was chosen so that dangerous weapons tests could be conducted safely, far from populated areas.
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Hollywood Connections: China Lake's dramatic desert landscapes have been used in movies, television shows, and commercials, including scenes from “Star Trek” and “Iron Man.”
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Birth of the Zuni Rocket: The 5-inch Zuni rocket, a staple of U.S. military aircraft armament in the 1960s and beyond, was also developed and tested at China Lake.
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Major Earthquake Impact: In July 2019, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near China Lake, causing significant damage to the base’s infrastructure and temporarily halting operations.
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Advanced Electronic Warfare: China Lake has long been at the forefront of electronic warfare research, including the development of radar jamming pods and countermeasures to protect U.S. aircraft.
