Operation Crossbow Site, World War II military testing facility at Eglin Air Force Base, United States
Operation Crossbow Site is a complex of nine concrete and brick structures spread across 14 acres within Eglin Air Force Base. The facility was constructed to replicate a German V-1 launch facility, allowing military engineers to test defensive strategies.
Military personnel built this replica German missile facility in January 1944 to develop bombing strategies against Nazi rocket installations. Research conducted here helped refine tactics for neutralizing enemy defensive weapons and launch sites.
The location holds significance as a record of American military engineering and strategic problem-solving during wartime. Its preservation reflects the nation's effort to document important technological and tactical developments.
The location sits within a military installation, so access is restricted and security procedures apply. Visitors should check ahead about available tours or special access options before planning a visit.
Engineers designed this facility specifically to test the most effective methods for destroying enemy missile installations using the heaviest available bombs at low altitudes. These findings proved crucial for later air campaigns against German military targets.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
