Secrets and Spies Podcast: Current Affairs | Geopolitics | Intelligence The Secret History of Area 51 with Peter Merlin (Repost)
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Sep 7, 2024 Peter Merlin, an aerospace historian and author of "DREAMLAND: THE SECRET HISTORY OF AREA 51," dives deep into the fascinating history of Area 51. He discusses its role in the development of iconic military aircraft like the U-2 and F-117, shifting focus from conspiracy theories to real Cold War operations. Merlin also elaborates on the impact of atomic tests on the base and the evolution of stealth technology. He emphasizes the human stories behind the classified projects, offering a unique perspective on this enigmatic site.
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Origin of Interest
- Peter Merlin's interest in Area 51 began in the early 1980s after reading about the U-2 spy plane's testing there.
- The concept of a secret U.S. base sparked his decades-long research into classified projects.
Open Source Intelligence
- Peter Merlin, lacking security clearance, relied solely on declassified documents and open-source information.
- He highlights the surprising amount of publicly available information on Area 51, challenging the notion of complete secrecy.
Early Acknowledgement and Media Suspicions
- The government publicly acknowledged Area 51's existence in 1955, using the Atomic Energy Commission as cover.
- Media quickly suspected more, fueled by inconsistencies surrounding a 1955 plane crash involving base personnel.
