Museum
McKinley Climatic Laboratory
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McKinley Climatic Laboratory is a unique museum and active testing facility located on Eglin Air Force Base. It houses a massive chamber capable of simulating temperatures from -65°F to 165°F, along with rain, ice, and snow conditions. Visitors on guided tours can see aircraft like fighter jets and helicopters undergoing rigorous environmental tests. The lab has been instrumental in developing military aviation technology since World War II. It's a fascinating stop for aviation enthusiasts and anyone curious about how planes are prepared for the world's harshest climates.
Don't miss
- See aircraft being tested in extreme cold and heat inside the climatic chamber
- Learn about the history of the lab's role in WWII and Cold War aviation
- Tour the control room and observe real-time testing operations
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit McKinley Climatic Laboratory
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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