Is a 'Dorito' shaped aircraft spotted over Area 51 a classified test flight?

A recent sighting near the highly classified Area 51 military installation has reignited debate among aviation observers about unacknowledged military programs. On January 14, videographer Anders Otteson, known for documenting activity near the base, captured footage of an unusual aircraft.

Otteson was camping near the restricted zone of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) in southern Nevada. Around 3:00 a.m., he observed a low-flying object after an earlier sighting of what appeared to be a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

The Classified Test Flight Question

The second object’s shape was described as an "equilateral triangle with a flatter trailing edge." Otteson nicknamed the object the “Dorito shaped aircraft” due to its distinctive geometry. Crucially, he noted it looked different from the known B-2 bomber.

This sighting immediately raised the question: Are we seeing a classified test flight of a new US Air Force base prototype? The video, captured on thermal imaging footage, has been linked to similar unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) sightings from over a decade ago.

In 2014, similar triangular objects were photographed. These included sightings over Wichita, Kansas, and Amarillo, Texas. The images from 2014 were never officially identified.

Historical Context: The "Flying Dorito"

The term "Dorito" is not new to military aviation circles. The nickname was previously given to the General Dynamics/McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II. This was a proposed, all-weather, carrier-based stealth bomber for the US Navy. The A-12 was a flying wing design in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The program was ultimately canceled in 1991.

However, the recurring black triangle aircraft shape fuels speculation. Rumors persist about unacknowledged “black projects” like the speculative TR-3A or TR-3B. These are often associated with the highly secretive testing grounds of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).

Aviation Analysis and Official Response

A key challenge in identifying the object is the nature of the footage. The use of thermal imaging and the aircraft's distance can distort the visual signature. Some analysts suggest the image could be a known B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at an odd angle. The B-2’s jagged trailing edge can appear solid at long range, especially on thermal cameras.

When news outlets inquired about the 2014 sightings, officials were evasive. A US Air Force spokesperson stated they could not confirm if the object was a military aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also offered no explanation. This lack of official confirmation only deepens the mystery for aviation observers.

Ultimately, the Area 51 aircraft sighting remains officially unconfirmed. It highlights the US military’s ongoing development of advanced flying wing design platforms. These programs operate with extreme secrecy. They continue to generate intense interest and speculation among the public and aviation enthusiasts alike. The incident underscores the difficulty in distinguishing between a highly classified test flight and an actual unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP).

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