The GAMA area

Point C on the overhead. The abbreviation GAMA is an acronym within an acronym. GAMA is GLCM Alert and Maintenance Area, and GLCM is Ground Launched Cruise Missile. The GAMA area contains, within its generous ground area, various administrative and storage buildings but also, most notably, six large above ground shelters in which fully operational cruise missiles were stored.

These shelters were specially designed and constructed to protect the GLCMs and crews against nuclear and conventional strikes. They are about 10 m high, with a reinforced 2 metre thick concrete ceiling. Below was a massive titanium plate, 3 m of sand and a reinforced concrete plate. The shelters were completely covered with tons of clay. They were designed to withstand the blast of an air-bursting nuclear explosion above the base or a direct hit from a 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) conventional bomb.

The GAMA area is far and away the biggest and most notable artefact remaining of the former air base. Yet, sad to say, I can not bring you pictures of anything inside the GAMA area, as it is VERY out of bounds to the public, and is protected under the Official Secrets Act. But most of all, it's triple-fenced. All I can do is bring you pictures of said fence in an attempt to show you why I can't show you inside the GAMA.

In quite recent years I understand that, while still a protected place, it has gone into private hands, and is being used for the storage of hundreds of cars and other vehicles.

Most recently the area has been used by filmmakers. A Star Wars film was partially shot here, as well as some Fast and Furious footage. Jeremy Clarkson and his team recorded some car footage here too.


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