PROJECT BLUE BOOK

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"HEADQUARTERS ities (5
CONTINENTAL AIR COMMAND Auth: Cu es
MITCHEL AIR FORCE BASE, NEW YORK mg App {2550 WE,
| (Date) (Anitinis)
INT 873.6 (E) "
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SUBJECT, Unidentified Flying Object 50

TO; Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air
Force, Washington 25, D. C. ;

1, Attached for your information are two narrative reports scon-
cerning radar sighting of an unidentified flying object.
4
2- The fact that the object was sighted on the scopes of two (2)
radars is considered worthy of speciel note.

-

S$. Comment of technical exrerts, this headquarters, was solicited
‘ and is quoted in part for your consideration:

a. "While it is relatively well known that various ionospheric
conditions cause reflections at lower frequencies, it is usually consid-
ered that these layers have no effect at the frequencies used by the two
radar sets mentioned excent when temperature inversion or other atmos-
pherioc or tropospheric conditions cause ducting and spurious reflections.
Presuming that such idealized conditions existed at the time of these
observations, it is conceivable that an actual small change in physical
lateral motion in reference to the radar set could cause a seemingly
greater change in relative vosition of the ‘object’ as observed on the
radar scope due to the varying cath lengths the radar energy takes to
and from the ‘object’ as a function of the frequency sensitive layers

v and angles of incidence of the pronogated wave, However, the creat dif-
6 " ference in the frequencies of the L-Band CPS-5 and the S-Band CPS-4
f y radar sets and the evident correlation of observations between these two
. sets almost rule out the possibility of anomalous propagation effects.

b 4S Further, the magnitude of the velocity and accelerations of the three

¢ dimensional movements ‘of the 'object' reported are beyond the capability
\ of known heavier or lighter than air vehicles in controlled flight.

\

N

\ be “Also substantiating this unlikelihood, is the fact that
tL the ‘object’ was reported as remaining stationary in free space for a
mean-period of two minutes.

oe “Further validity is lent to the contention of the reports
by statements that first indications, which were at high altitudes, were

rN Nan my St ‘al
~ DY

CU

R INTERVALS;
POWNGRADED AT 3 YEA Rvs
D AFTER 12 YE
WOLABSOOD Dik 5200.10

“at NE

— 2") -s | 7

—

IkT 373.6 (B), "Unidentified Flying Object", (cont)

observed on the CrS-4 height-finder before being observed on the CPS<5
——*burvweiltance radar-set>~ This follows logic and field experience, inas-
mudh as the high altitude coverage of the CPS<-5 is known to be poor and
the antenna is not capable of being automatically tilted as in the case
of the CPS=4 on which the controller may tilt the antenna within wide
limitations to observe any high altitude or high angle objects. It is
to be noted that previous field experience with s CPS-5 surveillance
radar set has indicated that targets vicked up at ranges and altitudes
indicated in subject report would probably have a reflection aspect ratio
in the order of magnitude of a B-29 or greater. :

ad. "In the absence of detailed vertical and horizontal cover=
age charts for the specific radar sites and comprehensive weather reports
for the area during the period of time these observations were noted, a
more complete study or evaluation at this time is not feasible,

. "3 ®. "In summary, no known electronic phenomena, nor combinations
of several electronic phenomena could conceivably produce all of the ob-—
servations covered by the attached reports."

4. The frequency of reports of this nature has recently increased;
instructions have therefore been directed to all radar installations within
this command to report scope sightings of unusual objects,

| 5. It is recommended that reports of unidentified objeot sightings
be reconsidered for submission from all Zone of Interior Air Force agencies.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL; a

? Sam

8
1. Report of lst Lt. F.E.Parker
2e Report of lst Lt, F.K.Mattson

GRADED AT 3 YKAR INTERV ALS
IFIED AFTER 12 YEARS’
~ DOD DIR 6200.10 =

10 Mareh 1950

FARRATIVE REPOAT OF
» SG61ST AC & W SQ, SELLRIOON 475, |e.

1ST

On the first occasion of noticin= the strane object 5 ‘ar 50,
at 2505, I head just coms from the Selfridse AFB Cfficers' Club -nd
as I turned down jirisght Jlvd. on the way to the min gate i noticed
a strance object directly over the Post Exchanse 3ld-., descendin:
vertically at a slow rate. I stopped the car and watched this
object descend to an aporoximate heisht of 5,000 fest, hovering;
there for an>oroximate one (1) minute then proceeding in a westerly
direction to approximately fifty (50) miles west of my vosition.
Then the odject turned south and flew eporoximately fifty (50) niles,
then turned around and flew back north for avproximately fifty (50)
miles, then stopped and disappeared from my view. The above took
place in four minutes (time checked with my personal wrist watch).

True prospective was not possible because it did not diminish
in size or intensity as it increased its distance from mm. The
movement was as stated above but I cannot state the fivcures -ivon
above as accurate, because of the false prospective. An airrlane
flow by on an avnroximate heading of 285° at 3,000 feet just after
the object moved on a heading of 270°. It was sasy to determine
the relative size and tne diminishing size of this aircraft (C-47),

as it proceeded on its course amd completely faded at anoroxinately
eight te) miles.

The object was distinzuished from an airplane by its vertical
descent and its creat spsed in the lateral plane. It was distin,uisred
from heavenly bodies dy its rapid change in relative position fro:
the vertical to the horizontal. Also its abrupt chanze in course.

The only way I can desoride the licht from this odject is by

comparing it to the light of a house window at nicht, at a distance
of thirty (50) yards and the yellowish clow it -ives off. The

object had a slishtly darker color and a sreater intensity than a
house lisht as mentioned above.

The object did not lisht up the area beneath it, althouch it
seemed to burn with an extremely intense dull licht, nor did it
lisht up the surrounding light haze. in watchins this odjoct I was
unable to determine the size, tie intensity and the size of the licht
did not chance a: reciably (not noticeadls to ine) durins the entire
time I watched its movement.

Altheush I had just come from a stas party at the Cfficers' Club,
I was completely sober, havin>z only one lass of beer durin the entire
evenins. ccoause of this, I did not mntion this exnerience until

¢ my ns) per aor I sav is happeninss on the radar scones
AX, “4 and AN/CPS=-5 Kadar). ATS:
OWNGRADED AT ® vy 12 YEARS.

Dp D er
UNCLASSIFIED De ik 500.10

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——— ee ie

Tus second oxperisnce was as follows, I went on duty as
Controller at 1630, 8 iron 1950. At 1945 hours a blip was vointed
out to mo tint was at 270°, sixtyeeizht (68) miles, 40,000 fect
(msasured by the iI scope). ie (Cpl and I) watehed this blip
and it did not ove for three (3) minu®™S, then faded. At 2002 hours
the target was picked uo asain and it vas at 40,000 feet, latcral
movement was detzcted in a northeasterly direation; as this tine I
estimated the sveed at 1,500 m.n.he At 2006 hours a tarzcet apvreared
at 350°, fifty-sic ht (58) miles at 45,000 feet. There wera four (4)
jet airoreft flying in the local area at this tim at 24,000 feat
and the altitude of the jet aircraft on a bearin: of 340°, tairty-
eicsht (38) miles, was checked at 25,000 fset on the “RI scope, the
pilot stated that he was flyin: at 24,000 feet. This lends supvort
of the accuracy of the rRi scone. The ecrsage object faded after

one minute. Captain —_— and Lt came in and I left the
radar scones.

At 2020 hours I returned to the HRI scope to see an object at
350°, thirty-eicht (38) miles climb from 30,000 feet to 45,000 feet
in one (1) minute, with no lateral movement detected. I went off
duty and left the GCI room at 2025 hours.

Gn the first occasion it was cloudless, moderately bricht
moonlight nicht, with a light haze; on the second occasion, it was
clear with unrestricted visibility and no moon.

I am 27 years of ace and have been a rated pilot in the USAF
since October 1942, havins over 2,900 hours flyins time. I have
had seven (7) months experience as a Radar Controller.

lst Lt, USAF

" NawNeR ANT AT © vwrin INTERN ALS
 wCLASSIFLED aciER 12 YEARS.

UNCLASSIFIED DOD DIk& 5200.10

C tte ~AA0057¢

5

Raina imearene +E
. Department of the Air Force
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 5D-0S1/DML/fmn

Washington

UNCLASSIFIED

D 2-21 : 1, March 1950

SUBJFGT: “PROJECT GRUDGE” Unconventional Type ‘ircraft
: (Unexplained "Blip" on Radar Scopes Caused by
Metallic Targets)

SPECIAL INQUIRY

Commanding General

Air Materiel Conmand
Wright-Patterson Air Force Bese
Dayton, Ohio

ATTN: MCIAXS

The attached copies of a spot report regarding the above subject, ©

FRRONNEL ~—SC{T-1)
jated 10 March 1950, are forwarded for your infommation and file.
Incl /s/ JAMES F. X. O'CONNELL C
a Spot Rpt dtd 10 Mar 50 Lt Colonel, USAF > 2
aby {in dup) | District Commander P
; Y
lst Ind MCTAXA~1/J Jr /ed

eadquarters Aud, Wright-Patterson AFE, Dayton, Ohio.

c. bid fighter planes obscrve anything unusual, or did they ‘
t any unusual turbulence in the area?

DOWN. E i. A ie a BAY INTERVALS:
FOR TIP COPANDING QUIN CATS? DECLASSI LEU i208 12 YEARS.
UNCLASSIFIED DOD Ds 5200.10
Incl RT py ~~vwm HAROL) Ee  ATSON
n/c Hasn “i pa ag * Colonel, USAF
WF-L-8 NOV 45 Soom eth e *contmae vite Chief, Intelligence Dept

vv

PLA nN IDEN Lo. UNCLASSIFIETy

HEADQUARTERS Wits) STATES ALI FORCE
WASHINGTON

The In-poctor Consre1 USAF
27th District OS 'i\co of Spacinl Invostigazyicr:
Box 526, tPA, Detroit 32, Wiiehigan

10 Yerch 1950

SPOR DIELLIIENCE REPCE

SWIJECT, Unceaventional Type ‘Meraraft
(Unexplainad mt be " on Radar
Scopes Caused by Uetallic Tergets )

TOs Director of Special Invasticetions

| Headquarters United States Mix Forvs
Washington 25, D. Ce.
ATTN: Counter Intelligerce Divisica

Le SYNOPSIS: Joe Lt. ' , Rafar Oporetor
roLiar, of

and Cont ist AC & W ridge hax Fares Pass, Leis. ,
and ist Lt. » Gone dutics, fms arganiuaticnn,

on 9 arch 1950 ooearve in rader econes vpxplainad ir
lip" acted in a mouliar mamsr. It was se inane
that the unidentd fied "Blip" was of an tnserronbicnal trne eiroreft.
Observations of "Blip® elso recorded by enlisicd pecaonr:3: on duty

during the comerned. period of tims:

2. DATATTSs wae on duby with the 6éist Radar Saction

iarch 1550 to the positions of local jot aircraft. Obse7~

vations control wore normal until aporeriirtely 1945S ours, at vhicn

observed & “Blip” on the "Hil" soops et approximately

ho, » range ard ‘aniumth holding steady at 270°, é¢ miles. "Blin"
wag for a fow secondo, then faded, a74 cans * pos!: et a diffaexuns
location approwimtely five (5) “minutes later. At this tino other raiar
br aorte observed the "Blip" and questioned it. fhe.astinated sped,

was fot well. founded but asuused to be aboub ESCO niles per hour,

is a combination of vestical spaced ard herdzo.xsal eycei besed on various
veotors corived from tho instwuwnts. The “lip was.obecrved wien

ploked up the second tims to mova laterally to a bearing of $i:3° and
wes observed to bo consistent for about threo (3) minutos with the “Pri”
BCOpe during this veriod of tims, did not recom the infer-
mation ina log. Hover, his amricsity esucad him to contact —
jot fighters in ths area +o Gatomnine their altitude, tom7ing, and

eorld ba weed as a double chock on the radar ecops.

oe tha Radar Roori ahd turned over controller work to

m .
“*

an 9

ete Coon

>

DOWNGRADED AT'S 2 YRAR INTERV A
DECLASSIFIED APT" 12 YEARS
! Dob DIR 5200.10

COIN. ea, nay dd A ee Be os SSIFIED

2 ee SS —

@ SFO - UNCLASSIFIED.

Subject: Unconvenbimmal ivyps yr? Muara ‘20 ter 50
(Unexplained "Blip b ar
Seopes Canred ty Katalide Targets)

that the roday erecs rocard in
ous readings and somdinnte the various scopes. Whon
m% aourred the wridonslfied “Dlip", na notices 4 vory 38
ase in aAliwiuio ca "RI" acops bo out 15,009 feot. Tre
noted. Ths “Dlip” we egain picid wo os espracctimatelke
on the "PPI" eacp3.

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unlersicvuling of vearings and vors0, a 360°
four (i,) eal quadrants, the Mrat curduam, 41.0.,
1, 90° to 1u0° Zens 2, 120° to 279° Zora 3, and
fne radar lines being cardinal directions —
era west, Some of the entries froa tre "PPT" scors
hew's, 156°, 45 miles, phantom ofraratts 20!)7 henrs,
airavacs; 20b3 hears, 16°, 54 ri1e8 EOS horse,
050 hourn, 13° 2 67 wiles: 2031 houra, 1 136°, 7 wiles:
79 oe Tho * reading 3 ox meee Boone: eg. reveal at
32 tiles, 15,000 forts E106 hours see. Fi} ok
hours, 125%, 58 milac, 25,000 feats 21% howe
0 foots 2109 her ora, “157%, 1) niles "23,009 feats pies
Sian, gett Z e123 hours, 14:5°, 52 nites. 35,080
é mllos, uety Ene foots "or; heures 137°, GO
ats ut, 5 5 hours; 129°, 70 rilea, 38,009 fost. The ott
period of tims, honevor, ne varios tines ae”
a we a to three (3) second observation waa made of

A "DLip*.

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PERMEReeteers acces that tne approximate Biro
unidentified "Blin ree seer 30.6 Doe Oe thet the
" ot tims aS sypmrest iy ‘was £ the vactore of various jot
2 em hy. 0160 bslisvs that tho
vankine? ceatines on the part of the "BILO
Pry Beane 4 acves the radar would hold steady on tho "BJ"
port Sorads waa te a minute o7 Go
speeds to be from L420 miles an hour horivental te
bi) per cotsrvad inovo activity to be in
resdinzs8. leined that: the Rader Obsar-
vation Reca waa in 938 and the resdines on the legs for the :
time elcnent consernsd wold very and it wos caused by the man maldne
rooerdings to have his wach péoition wrens. Both Symmes
recalled 15,000 fest epeoty voriztions within a matter of seconxin
on the pars "of the uddentifled "Blip’. The vapid chang2s in vertical
would occur betmcen 30,000 end 45,000 feat. At ons time, Lt.
a the unidentified "Blip* to'a distance of 120 niles
; : : . ra ’

t.

2 . .
CONFOE Ti ee

as close as 36 miles in Zono . Ii.
March 1950, at aprroximtely 2305
stag party in the Officers’ Club and having
during the course of tho evening, he had observed a
the mA, ag oy at this tina, was driving his
Cc the directicn of the PX on Solfridco
| He slowed his car dom and observed the light, ths
‘wrillgancy undetermined but described to be the epproximtes
color and sice of an electric light within a house showing through 2
ize & distance of about 50 to 75 feet on a dark
night. The light was descending vertically over the Base and at,
cp de nce op tide a flare but, due to the color of the light, it
zed it could not havo been a flare. n stopped his.
proceeded westrard ©
tely 40 to 50 miles. The light
then went southward approximately the same distence, stopping and
returning northward from the contér line of sight the sam distance
giving the north-south movement approximately 60 to 100 miles. This
_cceurred within four (l,) minutes of time. y:

| 3. COMMENT: Persons furnishing this dnformtion appeared to be
partioulerly sincere and interested. . ;

lh. ACTION: Two copies mailed through District Office No. 5 to
Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Yiricht-Patterson Air Farce
Base, Dayton, Ohio, ATTN: MIA. ‘ Additional copies forwarded tos

-. 5th OSI District (1G) (2) 4;
.  @ormanding General, Tenth Air Foreo (2)
- Gommanding Officer, pet Fightar~
Commanding Officor, Shist ACY Gp. 8

Re iO fg

Major, USAF
District Commander

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GRADED AT 2 YEAR INTERVALS:
PECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR 5200.10 -

a aan Or CLASSIFIED