This week in Edwards flight test history Published April 20, 2017 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On April 20, 1987, the new control tower was officially opened with the takeoff of an F-15. The new facility, which is stressed to withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake as well as 120-plus mph winds, replaced the 10-story red and white structure that had been a landmark since 1956. Today, the cab of the old tower is at the Century Circle exhibit outside the West Gate entry point.