Message posted by Joerg (Webmaster) on December 08, 2012 at 21:34:07 PST:
Nice catch! Looks like our friends have been busy once again. Would be nice if we could pinpoint the date when the image was taken. The new hangar near the north ramp appears to be complete or in its final stages of construction. It turns out that, as expected, it is in fact very similar to the two hangars in the NE corner of Nellis AFB. It will likely be used for engine tests. The new dining hall, just west of the Janet ramp, is still under construction. The parking lot around the new Base Headquarters is packed, indicating lots of activity there. I believe the choppers are in fact the security Pave Hawks. The one parked at the South Ramp may be undergoing maintenance. Lots of vehicles parked at the new hangar on the south end of the base. It is certainly in use, but unfortunately I see no further clues about the project it houses. It does appear, as someone pointed out, that the the old U-2 runway/west taxiway between the north ramp and the King Air ramp is being cut up. Possibly to make room for an expansion of the base to the east (the new engine test hangar being the first such expansion). Or the taxiway could simply need a new surface. No indication that the new building under construction just north of the North Ramp will be connected to the ramp. It appears to be outside the North Ramp perimeter fence.
In Reply to: New Groom Lake Satellite Picture posted by TomMelon on December 08, 2012 at 14:52:00 PST:
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