3. INTRODUCTION
The Yuma Proving Ground (USAYPG) is a US Military
installation in Arizona, US.
It is one of the largest military installations in the world.
Situated 32 miles from Yuma, the installation covers 870,000
acres.
The west and south sides of the site are bounded by the
Colorado and Gila rivers.
The installation features a proving ground and a military
reservation where weaponry and military technology are
tested.
The proving ground is spread across 3,367km2 in the
Sonoran Desert.
4.
5. DESIGN
A $100m automotive test facility was opened in
July 2009.
A joint project between General Motors and the
US Army, the facility can be used to test about
80% of the Army's vehicles.
A community centre opened at Yuma on 29 April
2010.
The 62,000ft2 centre includes recreational
rooms, an exercise room, a spacious hall and a
kitchen.
6.
7. PROTECTION
Yuma features a wide range of protection
equipment.
Ground weapon systems are available from
small arms to long-range artillery.
Helicopter armament and target acquisition
systems are available. Artillery and tank
munitions are also present.
Land mines and mine removal systems also
available.
8.
9. TECHNOLOGY
The technology at the base includes
state-of-the-art fibre optics systems.
The base features cargo as well as
personnel parachutes.
These are incorporated with guided
system technologies.
10.
11. AIR FACILITIES
The site's Laguna Army airfield has
two runways, the 6,118ft-long 18/36
and the 6,000ft-long 6/24.
In addition, there are multiple airstrips
and 12 drop zones located at the base
for unmanned aerial systems.
