Theorydocumented from 1955

Area 51 Classified Aircraft Explanation

The documented explanation for Area 51's secrecy: a Cold War-era Central Intelligence Agency and US Air Force flight-test site for classified reconnaissance and stealth aircraft, including the U-2 and the A-12 OXCART, confirmed by declassified CIA and USAF records.

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Theories & Explanations

Area 51 Alien Reverse-Engineering Theoryfrom 1989
Area 51 Classified Aircraft Explanation contradicts Area 51 Alien Reverse-Engineering Theory.

Places

Area 51
Area 51 Classified Aircraft Explanation attempts to explain Area 51.

Objects & Artifacts

Lockheed U-2
Area 51 Classified Aircraft Explanation is supported by Lockheed U-2 — The CIA's declassified U-2 programme history attributes a majority of 1950s-60s UFO reports in the area to U-2 test flights.
Lockheed A-12 (Project OXCART)
Area 51 Classified Aircraft Explanation is supported by Lockheed A-12 (Project OXCART).

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What Actually Happens at Area 51?

What actually happens at Area 51: the declassified U-2 and OXCART test programmes behind its secrecy, and the unverified alien reverse-engineering claim.