Sept 2010: Code number: 43-502 - Project Phantom 43: "The Electric Rod"

Rumoured to have been destroyed shortly after WWII, The Project Phantom 43 vehicle - nicknamed "The Electric Rod" was developed during the latter stages of the war by the US military. Completely electrically powered - the vehicle was essentially designed to be a reconnaissance craft to travel behind enemy lines at night without being detected. The electric motors were extremely quiet, allowing it to travel undetected acoustically.

 

The image below is of a photograph poster of the E-Rod, featuring the pin-up model and test driver Miss Laura Lange from 1943. The poster suggests that the US forces were considering using Miss Lange and the E-Rod as a moral boosting public relations exercise. Showcasing the US Military's latest technology combined with the sultry test driver.

This prototype is the "PP-43c" and was unarmed with only limited armour, as it is rumoured gross weight was becoming an issue for the vehicle - limiting it's top speed and range. We're not sure how many prototypes were developed in total - as information regarding the E-Rod is very patchy.

Kustom-17 investigations have located original "top secret" blue prints of the PP-43c showing the basic plans and construction dimensions. The plans are dated May 1943, so suggestions are that they were the last of such plans to be drawn up. We believe that the PP-43c began testing and evaluation in December of that year.

 

 

 

Oct 2010: Recently uncovered by Kustom-17:  Original photography of the "The Electric Rod" - Code numbered: PP 43-502. We believe this shot was taken during the early design testing of the vehicle at a secret test facility in the US during late 1942. We originally speculated that the "E-Rod" was developed late in '43, but testing and development must have kicked off well and truly earlier. This photo shows the vehicle going through a charging operation prior to a test run. Note the side charge point and fitting. We're excited by this photo as it proves existence of the PP 43 - 502, and clearly shows variations in the design compared to the previously discovered artwork and blue prints for the design. Stay tuned!

 

 

Dec 2010: This latest photograph of the PP 43-502 is the first of the rear of the vehicle. Rear details such as the tail lamps, rear window, louvered rear sheet metal, and lower valance panel are all quite clear. The photo also shows us a glimpse of the interior dash panel and instrumentation?