Possible Airplane Drop Tank
Overview
This target has been classified as metal debris, resting in 40 feet of water and measuring roughly 12 feet in length. The object has been identified as an aircraft drop tank. It lies on its side and is partially settled into the lakebed and has sustained significant damage and is broken in the middle. A prominent horizontal seam runs along the tank's midline, and there is a circular fitting near the damaged section. The seam is consistent with the joined halves used in the construction of aircraft drop tanks, while the circular fitting may be associated with the fuel plumbing that connected the tank to the aircraft. The tapered cylindrical form, horizontal seam, and circular fitting support the identification as an aircraft drop tank. We are unable to determine the circumstances by which the tank entered Lake Union.
Previously, Coastal Sensing & Survey had classified this target as LU73. Described as a kayak.
Aircraft drop tanks are external fuel tanks designed to extend an aircraft's range and could be released when no longer needed. They were expendable by nature and made from a lightweight construction. Post World War II aircraft drop tanks were used for other purposes such as floats, small sail boats, and racecars. Shipwreck City is actively researching this object's history and will provide more details as we learn more.
Links & Resources
Coastal Sensing & Survey: https://www.coastalsensing.com/survey-target-logs-lake-union/tag/LU73
DCS Films: No record available from this source for this target
Lake Union Virtual Museum: No record available from this source for this target
