Defense Threat Reduction Information Analysis Center (DTRIAC)

Weapons Display Area (WDA)

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency maintains a large collection of nuclear weapons displays, systems and components at the Defense Nuclear Weapons School (DNWS), Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The Weapons Display Area (WDA) is an integral part of courses taught at the DNWS, providing students a unique opportunity to see, first hand, the evolution of nuclear weapons technology and to apply the concepts developed in the classroom. In addition to its prominent role in training, the WDA not only benefits the DOD but is used by the DOE as well. It provides the National Laboratories, and the nuclear community as a whole, with an opportunity to study the design features associated with each weapon.

The WDA is a unique national treasure. It is the most complete comprehensive collection of its kind, tracing the entire evolution of U.S. Nuclear Weapons from the Little Boy and Fat Man, all the way to the most current stockpiled weapon.

This collection is not open to the general public. However, even with this constraint, a yearly average of 2,200 individuals tour the facility. Those requiring information should contact the Defense Nuclear Weapons School, General Information and Customer Support: dnws@ao.dtra.mil.