Message posted by Peter Merlin on February 26, 2011 at 13:06:38 PST:

The original runway 14-32 was built for Project OXCART. According to Area 51 Standard Operating Procedures, Landing Area Rules, dated 1 December 1968, runway 14/32 included a 8,625-foot concrete strip with a 6,000 foot asphalt extension to a concrete turnaround pad followed by another 5,000 feet of asphalt. The asphalt overrun was not lighted, and therefore not considered "remaining runway" during hours of darkness. That runway was built in 1960 for the A-12.

The lakebed extension was a safety feature to prevent loss of a high-value asset. A pilot who had to abort a takeoff could land straight ahead. If he ran out of room, he could turn off onto the Abort Circle (known as "The Hook") that is marked on the lakebed surface.

In the Mid-1980s the runway was extended approximately 5,000 feet on its south end because the lakebed end became flooded during the wet months, so its total length was now about 13,625 ft plus the 11,000-foot overrun which was beginning to show the effects of age. The apparent length, as it appeared on aerial and satellite photos, led to the myth that it was the "world's longest runway." It was, in fact, a very average runway with the world's longest overrun.

Runway maintenance costs began to outweigh the benefits of building a new airstrip. Construction of Runway 14L/32R began in 1991. The old airstrip became Runway 14R/32L. As the new airstrip approached completion, the north half of Runway 14R/32L was closed, along with the lakebed extension. At approximately 10,000 feet, the old runway was now the shortest airstrip at Area 51. Eventually it was closed altogether.

The new runway is about the same length as the main portion of the old runway, but does not have a lakebed extension. There is, however, a lead-in line to the Abort Circle marked on the lakebed.

In Reply to: I believe 32 was that long posted by C. Reed on February 25, 2011 at 18:26:36 PST:

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