While Area 51 in Nevada is widely known for its association with aliens and UFOs, New Jersey boasts its counterpart, Picatinny Arsenal. Unlike the former, Picatinny Arsenal is a research and development facility dedicated to the U.S.
Army’s innovative projects. This site has been involved in numerous secretive endeavors, ranging from nuclear weapons to cutting-edge smart bullets. Let’s delve into some intriguing facts about New Jersey’s Area 51.
History
Established in 1880 as a powder depot for the U.S. Navy, Picatinny Arsenal evolved into a testing ground for artillery and explosives. During World War II, it played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project, operating the largest ordnance plant that produced over 6 million pounds of TNT monthly.
The facility also pioneered the proximity fuse, enhancing the effectiveness of shells by detonating them near their targets. Post-war, Picatinny Arsenal continued its contributions, expanding into the realms of nuclear weapons, rockets, missiles, and satellites. Notably, in 1958, it successfully launched the first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, from Cape Canaveral.
Projects
Picatinny Arsenal, housing over 6,000 scientists, engineers, and military personnel, is the hub for various U.S. Army research and development projects. Noteworthy projects include:
- Davy Crockett, a portable nuclear weapon deployed in the 1960s, though never utilized in combat.
- XM25, a grenade launcher with air-bursting rounds, tested in Afghanistan but faced technical issues and cost overruns.
- XM29, a combined assault rifle and grenade launcher canceled in 2005 due to weight and complexity.
- XM307, a smart machine gun with programmable 25mm rounds, canceled in 2007 due to size and cost.
- EXACTO, a self-guiding bullet capable of changing its course mid-air, still in development and successfully tested in 2014 and 2015.
Secrets
Similar to Area 51, Picatinny Arsenal is veiled in secrecy and tight security, featuring fences, guard towers, and checkpoints. Access requires special clearance and an escort due to restricted areas, with many buildings and laboratories off-limits to the public and media. Some rumored or revealed secrets include:
- An underground tunnel system connecting buildings and bunkers, potentially extending to other locations in New Jersey and beyond.
- Alleged UFO crash site covered up by the military in the 1970s, with witnesses reporting the transportation of a disc-shaped object from Picatinny Arsenal to another facility.
- Reports of paranormal activities by workers and visitors, such as strange noises, voices, apparitions, and poltergeists, leading some to believe in hauntings related to past accidents and explosions.
Conclusion
Picatinny Arsenal emerges as a captivating site with a significant impact on the U.S. Army’s history and future. Beyond its role, it remains a mysterious and intriguing place, filled with secrets and legends. Whether one believes in extraterrestrial beings, ghosts, or advanced weaponry, New Jersey’s Area 51 undoubtedly stands as a compelling entity.
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