In response to several theories put forward on what the object in the LA Times photo might have been (terrestrial explanations), I've decided to test
these theories against the evidence available. Below you will find two theories that when held up to the evidence, do not seem capable of being
accurate...
Regarding the theory that the object could have been an American Plane…
First American Jet Aircraft - Bell XP-59A Airacomet – Max Speed: 404Mph
In service: 1941 – Training missions only
Pic of Aircraft:
Fastest Aircraft before Bell XP-59A was the P-38 Lightning
According to this source:
p38assn.org...
The P-38 had a top speed of 360mph. Later versions of the plane achieved at top speed of about 415mph.
So it is possible that the object is an aircraft from Earth, circa 1942, as we did have airplanes that could achieve these speeds at this time
(barely).
However, putting this theory into context, we would expect communication between an American Aircraft and the ground. According to this:
“Though by 1918 radio communication was beginning to make an appearance in front-line air operations…”
Source:
www.globalsecurity.org...
Radio communications were well established by 1942, between pilots and ground crews. Standard operating procedure would have dictated that a target
be hailed on Radio if not immediately identified as a United States Aircraft. The fact that no confirmation of Radio contact exists in the records of
the event, furthers the conclusion that the object was not a U.S. Airplane.
Further refuting the theory that the object was an American Plane, we have the Army Air Force (the Air Force did not exist at this point in time, and
was a division of the Army) reporting no American planes in the sky at the time in question. The 4th Interceptor Command had already been returned to
‘White’ status, and was not actively patrolling the skies.
It is my conclusion based upon the above evidence, that the object in question was not an American Plane.
____________________________________________________________
Regarding the theory that the object could have been a Japanese Plane…
The fastest Japanese plane in existence at the time was the Tamiya 1/48 Hyakushiki #ei.
This page has some specs on the vehicle:
www3.towerhobbies.com...
Pic of a scale model of the aircraft:
It is listed with a top speed of 390mph. This plane was first flown in 1939, allowing the opportunity that it could have been the object in question,
however it was not placed into ‘active service’ until 1943, narrowing the possibility significantly. Unless a document surfaces placing this
aircraft in ‘secret service’ before it’s publicly known ‘active service’ date in 1943, it’s highly unlikely this craft is the object in
question.
The other likely candidate for a Japanese Plane that could move this fast, would be the Zero, or its full name: Mitsubishi A6M2 type 11 Zero. The
Zero came into production in 1940, so it was definitely around during the time of the event. It had a top speed of 533 km/h (287 knots, 331 mph) at
4,550 m (14,930 ft), just under the speed of the object in question.
Also, we must keep in mind, that Tokyo, Japan is approximately 5500 miles away from Los Angeles. For this to have been a Japanese fighter plane at
all, it would have needed to refuel, or to launch from an Aircraft Carrier.
Distance info is here:
wiki.answers.com...
The attack on Pearl Harbor used ‘Zeros’ however they were launched from an Aircraft carrier at sea.
The Akagi, the Aircraft carrier involved in the Pearl Harbor attack (and the only one of its class) was occupied near Australia during the Event in
Los Angeles:
“On 19 February 1942 she launched air strikes against Darwin, Australia, sinking nine ships, including USS Peary. In March, 1942 Akagi covered the
invasion of Java.”
So we can determine that no aircraft were launched from the Akagi towards Los Angeles on the night in question.
Other carriers capable of launching aircraft were all assigned with the Akagi:
“On 19 February 1942, together with her sister ship Soryu she (the Hiryu) launched an air strike against Darwin, Australia.”
These vessels were designed to work in tandem. They were not separated, and all of them were destroyed in the Battle of Midway. None were in the
proper place to launch an aircraft at Los Angeles in late February of 1942.
One final note, to keep Japanese attacks on the US in context (both in the theatre of war in Europe, and in the attack on Pearl Harbor)…
The Japanese were known for the ‘Kamikaze’ style attack, and it stands to reason that if the object in question were in fact a Jap Zero, it would
have dropped bombs from its armament, or Kamikaze attacked an oil refinery.
If on a scouting mission, where a return trip were planned, the fuel requirements for such a mission would necessarily double, in order for the plane
to have a chance of reaching it’s point of theoretical (and already proved non-existent) origin at sea. This factor further argues that the object
would have attacked, if it was in fact a Japanese Fighter Plane.
It is my conclusion based upon the above evidence, that the object in question was not a Japanese plane.
_________________________________________________________
Comments and alternate theories are welcome!
-WFA
Edited for linking...
[edit on 3-4-2008 by WitnessFromAfar]
