Or more precisely, "I conclude Bin Laden was not killed May 1st 2011 EST."
Can someone flip out flight computer and help me solve this math problem.
1. Two modified MH-60 flew from Afghanistan to Abbottabad undetected by PAF. It is at least 200 miles flight as crow flies,probably more to evade PAF. Range of MH-60 is 450 miles at cruise speed. More extra fuel means less load.
2. One MH-60 had mechanical defect and had to be destroyed.
3. Second MH-60 flew back to Afghanistan with OBL corpse.
4.Total numbe of JSCOC unknown. Min. number of crew for both choppers: 4, probably 6
6. "Ride" for one team was destroyed. They either used other MH-60 to return to Afghanistan or were extracted by SAR
Math problem: how to fit two JSOC teams, two flight crews, corpse, extra fuel in one MH-60 and fly at maximum range of 450 miles or more.
{there is a version of the story that MH-60 flew from Ghazi Air Base in Pakistan, but it contradicts the rest of the claims about clandestine mission evading PAF with hi-tech wizardry and hauling corpse back to Afghanistan)
I am glad to see that at least some of us are thinking analytcally.
You make very cogent logistic points, and they too point to this being a Paki assisted scam. I doubt that Seal Team 6 even knew of it, but I bet they have suspicions now.They thought it was a clean kill, but it was as dirty as hell IMHO.The body had to disappear quickly for the scam to work.
That bidy should have never been dumped s quickly. It should have been handed over to our NAT allies for their independent verification. They too spent millions hunting for OBL.But they did not even get a nod, even after towing the Obama line in Libya.Very strange.
Fuel: Many MH-60R's have aerial refueling capability. This was almost certainly needed and used.
Two ships: I have seen no full account of all assets used; there were at least three ships, as one back-up took the load of the crippled one.
Total number of JSCOC unknown: I saw a version that stated 24 sets of boots. Normal troop load of MH-60R is 11; this would mean three ships, plus at least one back-up.
Ghazi Air Base: Highly unlikely; arrival of a bunch of spooky Seals would cause great stir and arouse questions....possibility of target alerted and moving too great.
Just saw report that 2 'Hawks AND 2 'Hooks were involved.
Capacity and range issues solved.