Cheyenne Mountain Complex

Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Bunker & Facility Main Entrance.

## Pre War History

Commencing construction in 1961, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex was purpose-built to function as a command and control center for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Its primary role was to serve as a fortified facility, a key component of Cold War defensive strategy, protecting against potential threats posed by long-range Soviet bombers, ballistic missiles, and nuclear attacks.

NORAD's mission was to act as a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada, providing aerospace warning, safeguarding air sovereignty, and ensuring the protection of both Canada and the continental United States. Before its integration, NORAD was overseen by a United States officer, typically holding the rank of a Four-Star General or Admiral, with a Canadian Lieutenant-General or equivalent serving as the Vice-Commander.

Over time, the significance of Cheyenne Mountain and NORAD expanded significantly, driven by the escalating tensions between the United States and Chinese forces during the protracted Sino-American War.

## Defenses Like No Other

Constructed during the Cold War era, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex (CMC) was initially nestled beneath more than 2,000 feet of solid granite, covering an expanse of five acres. This formidable installation boasted exceptional defensive features, with a robust spring system in place—continuously operational—to safeguard critical structures from shifting even an inch in the face of large-scale explosions or seismic activity. It held the unique distinction of being the sole facility certified by the Department of Defense to withstand Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) devices, ensuring the integrity of its electrical systems.

The bunker itself was meticulously engineered to endure the impact of payloads as formidable as 30 Megatons, a remarkable feat when contrasted with the 250-750 kiloton payloads that had become commonplace prior to the looming threat of nuclear conflict. It featured multiple sets of 25-ton blast doors, each serving as a formidable barrier against the devastating forces of a blast wave. Additionally, an intricate network of system valves, equipped with specialized filters, was meticulously deployed to capture and neutralize chemical, biological, and nuclear contaminants.

## Project Safehouse: The Ultimate Bunker

Cheyenne Mountain found itself at the epicenter of what would later evolve into Project Safehouse, a collaborative initiative between the U.S. Government and Vault-Tec aimed at safeguarding a segment of the nation's population in the event of nuclear conflict.

Launched in 2054, the inception of this project was spurred by a series of international crises in the preceding years. The dissolution of the United Nations following the European Commonwealth's incursion into the Middle East in 2052, the devastating destruction of Tel Aviv by terrorists, the rapid spread of the New Plague in 2053, and limited nuclear exchanges among Middle Eastern powers in 2054 all played pivotal roles in prompting its establishment.

As it expanded, eventually earning the moniker of the first "Underground City" of its kind, colossal volumes of earth were excavated to facilitate its remarkable growth.

## Underground Livin'

Cheyenne Mountain underwent a comprehensive reconstruction, starting from the uppermost structure and working its way down. Much of the pre-existing infrastructure surpassed the initial defense requirements for a Vault, prompting the renovation efforts to focus on the integration of cutting-edge technologies designed to accommodate a human population.

A state-of-the-art Nuclear Fusion Reactor was installed as the primary power source, supplanting the original six generators. In addition to this, Vault-Tec Reactors were introduced to provide supplementary power, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. The expansive battery bank was also expanded to serve as a fail-safe in case of total energy failure, maintaining vital systems until repairs could be carried out.

The original diesel reservoir was repurposed to store coolant, enhancing the facility's efficiency. Its substantial 4.5 million-gallon industrial Water Reservoir seamlessly integrated into the primary water system, complemented by a reserve of 1.5 million gallons. Leveraging advanced filtration technologies, it not only functioned as a highly effective heat sink but also supplied a source of pristine drinking water.

## America Lives On

Cheyenne Mountain swiftly evolved into a vibrant community, drawing in a population comprising both civilians and military personnel. Within the confines of the complex, the Residential sectors emerged as lively hubs of old-world charm and entertainment. These subterranean neighborhoods offered a glimpse into a bygone era of comfort and leisure, providing an array of amenities and luxuries to enhance the residents' quality of life.

The Residential sectors boasted a rich tapestry of recreational options. Here, residents could indulge in the pleasures of fine dining at gourmet restaurants, where a symphony of flavors catered to every palate. Cutting-edge theaters and cinemas screened the latest films and hosted live performances, offering a cultural oasis amid the underground confines. Meticulously landscaped parks and green spaces provided a breath of fresh air, with lush gardens and serene walkways serving as a sanctuary for relaxation and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, chic bars and lounges created the perfect ambiance for socializing and unwinding, allowing residents to escape the rigors of their subterranean existence.

In the heart of this underground haven, an exciting touch of extravagance awaited those in search of excitement: a fully-fledged casino, named "The Black Hawk." Here, the residents could try their luck at a variety of games, from poker and blackjack to slot machines, adding an element of thrill to their lives. Cheyenne Mountain's Residential sectors stood as a testament not only to the commitment to preserving a semblance of normalcy but also as a tribute to the indomitable human spirit, which could carve out spaces of comfort and joy even in the most extraordinary of circumstances.

## Military Might

The Military Sectors of Cheyenne Mountain were nothing short of awe-inspiring. This underground complex had been meticulously engineered to serve as the epicenter of all military operations in the event of a catastrophic nuclear attack, and its vast array of resources underscored its strategic significance.

Central to its overhaul were the state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, purpose-built to facilitate the production of a wide range of weaponry, power armor, robots, and even vehicles, should the need arise. These facilities were equipped with complex waste management systems, ensuring the safe disposal of any harmful byproducts. While vast stores of resources were meticulously stockpiled in expansive storage bays, concerns loomed over the long-term sustainability of these supplies, prompting careful scrutiny by the complex's top brass.

## Armor & Weaponry

The armories within the military sectors were nothing short of treasure troves, brimming with an impressive arsenal of Energy, Ballistic, and Plasma Weapons. Furthermore, tucked away within secure chambers were a series of experimental prototypes, reserved for deployment in only the most exceptional circumstances.

Cheyenne Mountain's military readiness extended beyond armaments to encompass cutting-edge Power Armor. The facility housed an assortment of iconic models, including T-45, T-51, T-60, and prototype X-01 suits. Notably, development efforts were underway for the X-02, intended as a successor to the T-51 following the sealing of the complex's protective doors.

## Ground Superiority

Whole garages were a testament to the complex's preparedness, housing an impressive array of vehicles, including Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), off-road vehicles, and mainline tanks. These stood ready to be deployed in the eventual reconstruction of America, whenever that day might come.

## Fury From The Skies

During the comprehensive renovations, massive hangars were seamlessly integrated into the mountainside. These hangars were interconnected with expansive service elevators and intricate tunnel systems, facilitating the swift movement of cargo, personnel, and even entire vehicles with remarkable efficiency. The incorporation of this system was deemed one of the most formidable challenges in the complex's refurbishment. In the event of a direct threat, formidable blast doors would seal shut, and power to the elevators would be cut to thwart intrusion attempts. The hangars housed fleets of Fighter Jet's, Vertibirds, including both cargo and automated variants, alongside a collection of Stingray Deluxe aircraft and a limited number of cargo planes.