Mystery Object #1
Mystery Debris Field 1:
This was found during P-MAN IV, in shallow water near the shore near an old Japanese military boat repair area in the Koror area. Several pieces, none more than 2.5 ft X 4 ft, were found clumped together (I stepped on them by accident!). As can be seen, a red tinge was detected on some pieces.
1. Boatyard 67: This object appears to be aluminum and measures ~ 2.5 feet by 4 feet. Looking to my right, the edge is rounded and was at one point riveted to something else. The opposite end has no rivets and is straight. As can be seen, the object has an aerodynamic (or hydrodynamic?) curve to it.
2. Boatyard 68: This is another object found in the same field, made of the same materials and of similar construction. Although aluminum generally holds up well in salt water, if it has been burned (so-called crystalline aluminum), it degrades over time. Note the faint red tinge, which was present and not a photo artifact.
3. Boatyard 69: Here one can see the exposed aluminum surface better. Also there may be an inspection port adjacent to the right edge of the ruler.
4. Boatyard 70: This was the most unique piece in this debris field. Again note the aerodynamic curve. Also note the round inspection-like port with the oval center. The red tinge again is real.
Boatyard 71: Extending to my right from Boatyard 70, note the tapering of this piece.
Video clips:
We haven't been able to identify this object's origin, but we're hoping that some BentProp visitor will download and view one of the following video clips, have a great blast of recollection, and e-mail us with a really good guess about what it is! The files listed below are basically the same clip, presented in several different media and levels of resolution. If you have a broadband connection, definitely download one of the better-quality files (I like the Real Media format the best). If you have a slow dial-up internet connection, go for one of the smaller files. They've got less resolution, but you can still get a pretty good idea of the nature of this object. If you think you know what it is, please drop us a note via e-mail. We'll get back to you right away!
Some of the clips listed here must be viewed using the free download of RealOne player. Others require the free Apple QuickTime viewer. And some require the free Windows Media Player. All of these viewers are easy to download and use - just click the links in this paragraph to check out the viewers. If you have trouble viewing clips from within your browser, you can also right-click on any link below and download and save the file to your own computer for viewing outside the browser.
Larger files (better quality):
Smaller files (lower quality, but faster downloads):
- Real Media file - 644 KB (very small file, but not bad quality)
- Windows Media Video file - 470 KB
- QuickTime file - 556 KB
From the curved pieces, can you answer any of the following questions?
a) Is it aviation related (note rivet patterns)?
b) If aviation related, is it Japanese or American (in this location, could be either)?
c) Does the unique inspection port provide clues as to type?
If you can answer any of these questions, please send us an e-mail message!