Current:Home > MyA piece of 1940s-era aircraft just washed up on the Cape Cod shore -AssetLink
A piece of 1940s-era aircraft just washed up on the Cape Cod shore
View
Date:2025-04-19 02:37:11
A piece of military equipment from the 1940s and 50s washed up on a Cape Cod beach last week.
A park historian with Cape Cod National Seashore, a part of the U.S. National Park Service, inspected the object that washed up on Marconi Beach and learned it was the fuselage of a RCAT (Remote Control Aerial Target).
"RCATs were drone planes used for target practice for anti-aircraft training off Marconi at a former United States military training camp (Camp Wellfleet) during the 1940s and 50s." the group wrote in a Facebook post.
The group said the piece of material looked like it had been in the water for "some time," and staff picked it up so it wouldn't be swept away by an incoming storm.
Bazooka rounds, ammo, projectiles have all washed up through the years
According to the agency, aircrafts that were equipped with an RCAT would "take off from a now defunct runway located in the woods of Wellfleet," before the RCAT would then be "rocket-launched off the aircraft at 0 to 60 mph within the first 30 feet, and then controlled remotely from the bluff."
Camp Wellfleet was a former military training facility in Wellfleet, Massachusetts that was abandoned in 1961, according to a website dedicated to remembering the men and women who served there, since "nature and erosion helped it virtually disappear without a trace."
The training facility was operational for nearly 19 years. There have been a number of items including "anti-aircraft projectiles, bazooka rounds, smoke grenades, and small arms ammunition" have been recovered in the area, mainly along the beach.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
- NFL trade deadline grades: Breaking down which team won each notable deal
- Ashanti and Nelly Share Sweet Update on Family Life 3 Months After Welcoming Baby
- NASA video shows 2 galaxies forming 'blood-soaked eyes' figure in space
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Investigation into Ford engine failures ends after more than 2 years; warranties extended
- Colorado US House race between Rep. Caraveo and Evans comes down to Latino voters
- Federal authorities investigating after 'butchered' dolphin found ashore New Jersey beach
- Man charged with murder in death of beloved Detroit-area neurosurgeon
- Tropical Storm Rafael to become hurricane before landfall in Cuba. Is US at risk?
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Selena Gomez, Mariska Hargitay and More Stars Who’ve Voted in 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
- Savencia Cheese recalls Brie cheeses sold at Aldi, Market Basket after listeria concerns
- Texas border districts are again in the thick of the fight for House control
- Tropical weather brings record rainfall. Experts share how to stay safe in floods.
- Who is Steve Kornacki? What to know about MSNBC anchor breaking down election results
- Cooper Flagg stats: How did Duke freshman phenom do in his college basketball debut?
- Republicans try to hold onto all of Iowa’s 4 congressional districts
Recommendation
51-year-old Andy Macdonald puts on Tony Hawk-approved Olympic skateboard showing
The GOP expects to keep Kansas’ open House seat. Democratic Rep. Davids looks tough to beat
Democrats hope to flip a reliably Republican Louisiana congressional seat with new boundaries
Tropical Storm Rafael to become hurricane before landfall in Cuba. Is US at risk?
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Illinois Democrats look to defend congressional seats across the state
Jaw-Dropping Amazon Fashion Deals: 3 Long-Sleeve Shirts for $19, Plus Up to 69% Off Fall Styles
Nancy Mace tries to cement her hold on her US House seat in South Carolina