Muroc Maru

Last updated
AAF Temporary Building (Target) T-799
"Muroc Maru"
Part of Muroc Army Air Base
Rogers Dry Lake, California
Muroc Maru with B-25.jpg
The "Muroc Maru" overflown by a B-25 Mitchell
Coordinates 34°50′40″N117°53′24″W / 34.84444°N 117.89000°W / 34.84444; -117.89000
TypeTarget facility
Site information
Open to
the public
No
ConditionRazed
Site history
Built1943
Built byU.S. Army Air Forces
In use1943–1950
Demolished1950
Garrison information
Garrison Edwards Air Force Base, California

Muroc Maru, officially AAF Temporary Building (Target) T-799, was a replica of a Japanese Takao-class cruiser constructed on the floor of Rogers Dry Lake in southern California during World War II. Used to train bomber pilots and bombardiers in techniques for attacking warships, Muroc Maru remained in place until 1950, when it was demolished.

Contents

Construction

AAF Temporary Building (Target) T-799 was built during 1943 on the southern end of Rogers Dry Lake in California for the purpose of training United States Army Air Forces bomber pilots, navigators and bombardiers in bombing, strafing, and the identification of warships, including skip bombing techniques. The lakebed site was chosen for the construction of the training structure as the bright sand dunes, sculpted to give the appearance of a wake around the 'ship', created the illusion of the vessel being at sea. [1]

Designed to mimic the size and appearance of a Takao-class heavy cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy, the structure was constructed from four-by-four lumber and chicken wire, with tar paper covering the "hull" to complete the illusion of a solid, fully constructed ship. [1] The structure cost $35,819.18 to build ($594,041 in 2021 dollars [2] ). [3]

Operational history

The Lockheed XF-14 overflying the "Muroc Maru" Lockheed XF-14A over Muroc Maru.jpg
The Lockheed XF-14 overflying the "Muroc Maru"

Upon completion of the structure, Army Air Force pilots assigned to train at the nearby Muroc Army Air Field – now Edwards Air Force Base – using the "ship" gave it the nickname Muroc Maru, after the location of the vessel and "Maru" being a common suffix for Japanese ship names. The structure was used for training until 1950, when it was declared a hazard to air navigation and disassembled following clearance of unexploded ordnance. [1] [4]

See also

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References

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  2. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  3. Merlin, Peter W.; Tony Moore (2008). X-Plane Crashes: Exploring Experimental Rocket Plane and Spycraft Incidents, Accidents and Crash Sites. North Branch, MN: Specialty Press. p. 12. ISBN   978-1580072229.
  4. "Man in Space: A National Historic Landmark Theme Study". National Park Service. 8 January 2001. Retrieved 2017-12-01.