Fallout – Wendover Airbase

The Fallout TV series prominently features Wendover Airbase as the Brotherhood of Steel’s key operational hub, a fortified pre-War airport transformed into a military stronghold in the post-apocalyptic world. This location captures the faction’s disciplined, militaristic presence amid the ruins of the old world. Specific areas like the ordnance storage, control tower, airmen dormitories, and hangars were utilized to depict training grounds, headquarters, and interrogation sites, blending historical authenticity with the show’s irradiated wasteland aesthetic.

The Scene

In the series, Wendover Airbase serves as the Brotherhood of Steel’s primary base, where pivotal character moments unfold for Maximus, a squire aspiring to knighthood. Key sequences include a brutal beat-down in the ordnance storage area by Thaddeus and others, latrine-digging duties in the western section, and operations in the control tower and headquarters near hangar #1. Airmen dormitories house communications and medical facilities, while a parked C-123 aircraft and staff car feature in Maximus’s tense interrogation by Cleric Quintus. These scenes highlight the Brotherhood’s rigid hierarchy and preparation for reclaiming technology in the wasteland.

The Real Filming Location

Wendover Airbase filming occurred at Wendover Airport in Utah, previously Wendover Air Force Base until its closure in 1969. This remote site on the Utah-Nevada border spans a vast complex of hangars, runways, and buildings preserved from its World War II era. Notable spots include the Enola Gay hangar, tied to the 509th Composite Group’s training for atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The base’s ordnance areas, control tower adjacent to hangar #1, northeastern dormitories, and squadron hangars provided authentic backdrops, evoking desolation perfect for Fallout’s themes without major set alterations.

Why This Location Was Chosen

Producers selected Wendover Air Force Base for its inherent post-apocalyptic vibe, stemming from its WWII legacy as the training ground for the atomic bomb missions, mirroring Fallout’s nuclear devastation narrative. The expansive, weathered infrastructure—runways, hangars, and isolated dormitories—naturally suited depictions of a Brotherhood stronghold, minimizing construction needs. Its remote desert setting enhanced the sense of isolation and endurance, while historical authenticity added depth. Hollywood has repeatedly used the site for similar reasons, valuing its preserved military relics that align seamlessly with dystopian storytelling.

Visiting the Location

Wendover Airfield operates as a public museum today, welcoming visitors to explore its WWII history through guided tours of the Enola Gay hangar, control tower, and barracks. Located at approximately 40.7281496, -114.0401505 near Wendover, Utah, it’s accessible via Interstate 80. Open daily with varying hours—typically 9 AM to 5 PM—admission includes exhibits on the atomic missions. Self-guided walks cover filming spots like ordnance areas and dorms; reservations recommended for groups. Nearby lodging and dining in Wendover town make it ideal for day trips, with no restricted zones from Fallout production.