During my recent trip to Bikini Atoll, I took on a "mission" to document the airplane wrecks that are scattered around the USS Saratoga (CV-3).
Before the "Baker" test, there were six airplanes on the deck (and some inside the airplane hangar). We have found most of them and even found a Kingfisher floatplane that was NOT on the deck of the Saratoga (details in the post below).
Each of the airplane types has been identified, pictures and a full photogrammetry model are also provided. I have also posted the "live" photogrammetry models on-line for readers to view, rotate, zoom, etc.
One of the airplanes has a tail section on the port and the front section on the starboard and, given the detective work, we believe that they might be the same plane that got literally crushed when the Saratoga hit the bottom.
Below is a link to the post and I've included a "map" that I created showing the locations of each airplane in case any future visitor wants the "cheat sheet" for where to locate it.
Enjoy!
wreckedinmyrevo.com
PS - I mention this in the post, but it is also worth mentioning this here. Unbeknownst to me, Bradley Sheard had taken on a similar project a couple months earlier and we ended up doing a lot of collaboration after we both returned. His website also has a lot of information: bikini underwater photography wreck diving shipwrecks brad sheard
Before the "Baker" test, there were six airplanes on the deck (and some inside the airplane hangar). We have found most of them and even found a Kingfisher floatplane that was NOT on the deck of the Saratoga (details in the post below).
Each of the airplane types has been identified, pictures and a full photogrammetry model are also provided. I have also posted the "live" photogrammetry models on-line for readers to view, rotate, zoom, etc.
One of the airplanes has a tail section on the port and the front section on the starboard and, given the detective work, we believe that they might be the same plane that got literally crushed when the Saratoga hit the bottom.
Below is a link to the post and I've included a "map" that I created showing the locations of each airplane in case any future visitor wants the "cheat sheet" for where to locate it.
Enjoy!
Airplane Wrecks of the USS Saratoga (Bikini Atoll — 165 fsw)
Intro This is my 250th post and it is an epic one! Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy! Everybody that goes to Bikini dives the USS Saratoga (CV-3) aircraft carrier and there is certainly ple…
wreckedinmyrevo.com
PS - I mention this in the post, but it is also worth mentioning this here. Unbeknownst to me, Bradley Sheard had taken on a similar project a couple months earlier and we ended up doing a lot of collaboration after we both returned. His website also has a lot of information: bikini underwater photography wreck diving shipwrecks brad sheard
