Very interesting.
And Lonepalm, you’re getting people to think by raising legit issues with the story. At least you’re getting ME to think, and that isn’t necessarily easy! :)
Things we do know line up with a US operation. Our assets in the area in that time frame, the attempted stealth air-refueling rather than landing to take on fuel in the UK. But there is also significant doubt based on the known characteristics and capabilities of the assumed weapon used.
The pipeline remains a puzzle, though there are some fairly incriminating pieces.
And some respected people (Travis McGee, Lonepalm, Monkeywerx, etc.) have put together some pieces, raised some issues with parts of it, and presented alternate possibilities.
Interestingly Travis McGee lives about 20 minutes away from me though I have never met him.
WWG1WGA
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)