Edwards AFB in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Leaps in Technology

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 17, 2013

1. Leaps in Technology Marker

Inscription. The United States Air Force has always relied upon the application of leading-edge technologies to fulfill its mission of airpower projection. From the XP-59 of 1942 to the B-2, C-17, and F-22 of today, the Flight Test Center has been essential to the USAF strategy of developing and deploying the worlds’ most advanced and effective military aircraft. The F-86 and F-16 (displayed here) represent stellar milestones in this technological continuum and share many similarities. Both were state-of-art when first flown at the AFFTC; aerodynamic and mechanical marvels subsequently emulated by friend and foe alike. Both were essential to the USAF domination of the world’s war-torn skies. Both are absolutely beautiful in form and function and are physical embodiments of the challenge, excitement, and spirit of military aviation. These airplanes are displayed in the colors of our test support fleet during their respective 1950s and 1990s periods of service. This display is dedicated to the military and civilian warriors of the 412th Test Wing who labor on the shores of this famous patch of barren, dry, and dusty lakebed; to their

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pride in past accomplishment, and their passion for providing America’s Air Force with the best airplanes in the world. May they take pride in wearing the widely recognized and respected patches of the Test Wing, the Flight Test Center, and the U.S. Air Force.
Dedicated July 10, 2002.
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Erected 2002.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 2002.

Location. 34° 55.305′ N, 117° 53.628′ W. Marker is in Edwards AFB, California, in Kern County. It can be reached from Popson Avenue near Wolfe Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Edwards Air Force Base is not open to the public. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Bldg 2750 Popson Avenue, Edwards CA 93524, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

in the Mojave Desert,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 17, 2013

2. Leaps in Technology Marker

This marker is visible in the middle.

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: F-86F (here, next to this marker); F-16B (here, next to this marker); Bell XP-59A Jet Aircraft (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sound Barrier Cracked (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Medal of Honor (approx. half a mile away); Rocket Engine NF-104A (approx. half a mile away); Jackie Cochran (approx. 0.8 miles away); F-111A "Aardvark" (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edwards AFB.

F-16B on the left and F-86F "Sabre" on the right. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 17, 2013

3. F-16B on the left and F-86F "Sabre" on the right.

F-86F "Sabre" on the left and the F-16B on the right. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 17, 2013

4. F-86F "Sabre" on the left and the F-16B on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 630 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 16, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 3, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.