On Aug. 1, the Sentinel Hub posted a low-resolution satellite image of the possible presence of a sizable flying-wing-like aircraft at Area 51. Based on the image, it was close to the expansive and distant 2014 hangar on the base's southern end. Keen-eyed observers think that it is a secret aircraft based on their analysis.
Area 51
First Publication of the Area 51 Aircraft in High Resolution
Eight months earlier, The War Zone released a high-resolution image of the base showing a large and exotic-looking aircraft. It is fighter-sized and is located on the northern side of the same hangar in a portable structure without a canvas roof. The Air Force's commanding officer appeared to later confirm the aircraft's clandestine character.
Initial Analysis About the Mysterious Aircraft in Area 51
The Drive posted on its website its theory about the aircraft. According to the website, if there is an aircraft in the satellite image from Aug. 1, it is significantly larger and might have a v-shaped flying wing. That is, if it isn't a low-lying cloud's shadow on the earth. At first look, it appears to be undoubtedly plausible, given the aircraft's shape and the fact that it is directly over the taxiway in front of the hangar. It is possible that the aircraft is an airplane and not a shadow because of its color tone and even what looks to be its shadowed shape, but this is far from certain.
Even though Area 51/Air Force Flight Test Center Detachment 3 testers and support workers are renowned for being extremely cautious when it comes to enabling their test objects to be observed from passing satellites, it was an overcast day. Additionally, because of its limited resolution, this satellite is unable to deliver accurate information about any sight-sensitive airframes. However, it seems obvious that mistakes can happen given that the second aircraft sat outside for days earlier in the year. Some would even contend that occurrences of a similar nature can be utilized to mislead enemies, but that doesn't always make sense.
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Cross Examination of the Area 51 Aircraft Analysis
The basic interpretation of the photo by Twitter user Ruben Hofs said that the shadow doesn't appear to be caused by a low-hanging cloud, but it's not apparent if a higher cloud could.
The independent satellite image analyst and contributor to The War Zone, Damien Symon, shared thoughts on the same issue. Despite the significant lack of detail in the low-resolution imagery, Symon said that the spotted item might be an airplane wider than the 75-foot wide taxiway it would appear to sit on.
It's unclear what this object is, if it even qualifies as an airplane. It appears to be rather big. But keep in mind that low resolution often makes things appear smaller or impossible to see at all, such as thin wings and tail surfaces. The taxiway is 75 feet wide at its thinnest point, and this aircraft is not at its thinnest point but looks to overlap well beyond the concrete boundaries.
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