The source of the mysterious “vroom” sounds in the area of Fort Indiantown Gap are still a puzzle for some people, while others are convinced they know the origins of the noise.
LebTown first reported on the topic on March 11, after Campbelltown area resident Brad Tipton submitted an enquiry.
“Quite frequently we hear a long loud ‘vroom’ coming from the general direction of the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation,” he wrote in an email. “The sound comes sometimes early morning, but more often in the evenings. It is not the booming of munitions or blasts when they have live fire exercises.”
Tipton said many other residents of the area had heard the sound, with guesses to its source ranging from a fuel pipeline transfer station burning off pressure to weapons testing by the Pennsylvania National Guard.
But Tipton didn’t agree with the latter suggestion, noting that the sounds did not occur “during normal hours when we hear the Gap live fire, which is distinctly different.”
Lt. Col. Keith Hickox, state public affairs officer for the Guard, agreed that it didn’t sound likely that the noises came from the Gap.
If anything, Hickox said, the sound could be coming from the A-10 aircraft that “occasionally use our range.” He described the sound of the 30mm weapon system “much like hitting a highway rumble strip at a fast speed.”
Although he said there wasn’t enough solid data on the sounds to pinpoint a source, Hickox said it’s probable that “the sound is being generated elsewhere.”
Read More: Increased security coming to Fort Indiantown Gap; construction of two gates to start this spring
Since the article was published, no new information has surfaced to provide a clear answer to the question. However, that hasn’t stopped LebTown readers from sharing their guesses.
And many are convinced it’s weapons fire at the Gap, despite Tipton and Hickox thinking otherwise.
“Guns from A-10,” Mark Light wrote in a succinct comment under the article.
Steve Morris agreed that it must be the 30mm Gatling guns on the A-10s.
“It’s A-10 gun runs down the valley,” added Jason Frederick Cleck. “They’re famous for their ‘Brrrrrrrrt’ sound. Just Google it.”
“The sound of freedom is music to my ears,” Eric E. Reddinger chimed in. “The sound is also known as Nunya’ Business!”
An email from an anonymous reader noted the A-10 aircraft “fly the range area on a varied schedule.” He said the 30mm cannon makes a “vrrrmmmm” sound lasting “no more than 2 or 3 seconds in duration.”
“You don’t hear the jets unless you are close to Gap,” the message said.
Several readers did offer alternative ideas, however.
“I live in Jonestown, and this noise has been a regular occurrence for the last several years,” wrote Bobbi Devine. “I didn’t realize it was heard that far away. I always thought it came from the Supreme plant.”
Tim Wells posited the source as NASCAR racing in the area.
And Tim McShane guessed the source could be Elster Hauck, a Cleona-based manufacturer, test-firing its burners.
“That is the sound that is heard,” McShane stated. “Early morning is when I hear it.”
Another anonymous reader sent an email suggesting an entirely different idea.
“I believe there is a propane cannon somewhere nearby Fontana to scare off unwanted birds, geese, or other animals from an orchard lake or someplace or not desired,” the email said. “Could be wrong but that’s my thoughts. I happen to live then a less than a mile off the base perimeter at Fort Indiantown Gap. I can tell you today Tuesday has been awfully loud and the windows are rattling more than usual.”
What do you think, readers? Does anyone else have another idea where the sound is coming from?
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