PROJECT BLUE BOOK

. PROJECT ARD
1. DA?E LOCATION 8 12. CONCLUSIONS
e1 LONG BEtCH & Was Bolloon
23 September 1951 ,CalifoniaA o Probobly Dalloon
3. DATE-TIME GROUP TYPE OF OBSERVATION o Possibly Balloon
4.
Local 0755PDST Ground-Visual Ground-Rodar o Wos Aiscroit
aI Probably Aircroft
GMT. Air-Visual Air-Intercept Rader D Possibly Aircroft
5. PHOTOS SOURCE D Wos Astronomical
Y.s D Probably Astrenomicol
C No F-86 Pilots o Pessibly Astronomicel
7. LENGTH OF.OBSERVATION NUMBER OURSE D Other
0o Inselfielent Dota lor Evcluation
Not Reported 1. Unknewa
iII II
10. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SIGHTING 11. COMMENTS
Shape was round. Color was silver. It is Evaluated as oon.
believed the pilots saw a radiosonde balloon.
SEE CASE FILE
TE
−
ATIC 7ORM 329 (REV 26 SEP 52) -

airc
At appra:i:ntely
Cnan Gaoro reliego nontiored E
on
the racar nor uns it ravorted to te olserved visually from round.
The F-S6' iever. contin ally traexed by raiar.
UNCLASSIEIED.

TC, the balloon wole on the overlay. The balloon woud" be at
an altitude 6.) nearly straipat aheed o the airernit. -ue to the
size o. the could have been risjudged Iloon-
could have a roc. Once aain the orbitting at the object
cce
Bnse was chocked with nogative results. No other ball pons the
vicinity.
. III. COMOLL:IONS
Mith the information i that the cbject was
- definitely the radiosonde ballocn rcleas Long Bench biunici-al H
trort.
However, since the balloon was near the outh of two of the :-3 elements,
and assuring that The oject was an illusion due to the relative
Eotion batween the balloon and the aircraft, i de concluded that the uidont:
abjeet was balloon.
UNCLASSIFIED
13

-. T .
-
- - 4 14
T - Pll
a 4 -
- -
-
TO- -
- ---
-
-
III
:- 4
.
9
14
11

. -
Path of aircraft (roportod)
350 0O' Path of
laproc
: i
118° 30 O Coorce AFP
.
Flight 2-B
-
UNCLASSIFIED CORC
117° 00' 1170 00
00 UNCLA
/ UNCLASSIFIED
O Morch AMB
Long Bouch A.P. Prevailing Wind at
Flight I -A 40,0001
1180 40'1 Long Beuch Radio
33° 50'N 30
I 0 10 20
219 Scale (nautical niles)
Overl.
1170 Q Flicht.-A
.

porirental flight tests were cor rne
at the no sighting.
Additional info recuested as to adaitional detail: of
the incident such as tines and locations during the attempted interception
by the F-86's ind other wossisle balloon launchings.
.
UNCLASSIFIED.
.

4
t PX -
- 8
SC. T
-
-
-
I
1
I

wept
wins,fighter e aircraft
Santa Maria, San Die regularly scheduled to release weather
balloons which can easily rise may
off reflection, and can are 350 gram balloons..
-
DOWNGRADED AT S YEAR INTERVALS4
YHARS
DECLASSIFIED AFTER
DQD DIR 5200.10
A I -T
U
7
=
1575 mm =
8 - T - 3
tm 1
8 I 1 - 8
-
+ :
NAC 2
(CYZ2(V1ICM)
VAEMCIER EXCESL BA BENWIRRION OL LHE DINECLON OH
MEH 1O VAOWVNPHOSISED DESROM IR BHOHIBLED BA FYN
C MIHIM LHEWEVIM OLLHEETGIOWVEVC' N  C
TEWAMOLDE OCED WWHOTE OU HHALA DS SNVRA SNION OS WHE SEAO
C20L
..A-OT7: *

ing with X-1 and X-5; N.A.C.A Douglas w: Northrup
Edwards AJB Neather S tion reported that Santa Maria.:Sah Diego and Long Beach
are regularly scheduled to release weather balloons which can easily rise to 50,000
expand "like e house" thev are 3 gram balloons. Balloons released
usually drift over Long Beach and Riverside, the flight that was re-
ported as sighted. attached to the balloon as a 'sounding set": and
may give of
Major socke to Captain one of the pilots who sighted the
VSESE T - -
m.m 419
T 2 I
80 i of min Fis. -
T - : - =
- -
7 -. aill A . 8 de
EN -
10 5 5
-4 -
bil
IE0
DUCE VCEICIEZ' EXCELL BA SEKWIREIOK OL INE DIVECIOS CE
L2 EYMEMICN CN AHE BEATVLION OL LR COMLENUZ IM VMA WAMNES 1O YM NM/NLHOVISED DESCON R BHCHIBLED BA FVW DEXENCE CE LHE AWLED RLYLGD WDHIM IE WEVWTME OE LHE ESIOWYCE YCL DON R C
ATA WOL OE SHOONCED TA MHOTE OH IM SYETX OHED
BTWDV3VHEAEED
n 26

55, O0o feet and als appearad te bo a sw-pb wine, fightor-tjr airorsr,.
am
He was also not-d to bo in a constunt wrbit.
2 -
55 A
N N
-
-
DHP
BE LA0
AMES H HARVEY
US Captain USAF
S
2
4
2
UNCLASSIFIED -
111

Over Long Beach, California 231e
on 23 September 1951
SPECIAL INQUIRY
Auth. US, 0S
Init.RA
TO: Commanding Officer De20 NOV 1951
Air Technical Intell rence Center
Wright-Patters Base
Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: ATI
1
-
1. Attached tion are two copies of
Bsail - the report investigation by Special Agent T. RAGSDALE, 18th
p OSII District, fi Le 24-129, dated 30 0 subject as
.
2. No further investigati action this
case, and the files of the Office of Special Investigations
sidered closed in instant case.
+o AFR 205-1. dated 14
March 19l9, which prohibits the disclosure of classified information
to unauthorized personnel.
4
1S-167440
AY
L-F27CE-MPAF3-L-9 APHS1 1SM
//

at
additional jetails of.
the incident attempted interception
::
8

ate
1
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- - =
YSS
CA -
-
4 +a
T
eT sa
- WETR -
TET
AY
UNCL
FED
9-8
(3-4Pρ)
−
1

1X
4 .
88
3
3 II
a 6
2 =
24
1. - #
S - 1 4 a
t -
a 4
E 541 1
a
9
--
a
BETR TE
515-161529-A

RE ST
Headquarters, 27th Ai.r Division (Defense)
Norton Air Force Basa 4 --
San Bernardino, California Ill
JEe Ill
-
1.- Reference is made to your letter of 22 October 195l, entitled
"High Flying Unidentified Object", your rile nunber 27ADDI 3ho.l re-.
questing this District Office to conduct an investigatien corrernins
the sighting of an unidentified object over Long Beach, California, on N
23 Saptember 195l.
3 -
2 Attached is the original report prepared by
Special Agent FR RAGSDALE, sets forth the results of our in-
vestigation pe
3. This District Ofcice antieipates her investi-
zation caze unles ieaddarter
1 - -
cc: Hqs OSI
UNCLASSIFIED
515-161529-19
-
I

at an altitude between 5 Object appeared
to be a swept aircra A check with airoraft
manufacturers in the Souther California area revealed that none
had scheduled test flights experimental aircraft on the date
object was Weather balloons leased by three weather
stations in Souther California, which to a height in ex-
cess of 50,000 as found that all three o I these
stations released a balloon stations released a ballo on the the morning 3 September September 1951.
mS 8 The operators of these stations said that there possibility ossibility
that the ob ject that the object sighted was
released just prior to released just prior to e tine this object wa this object wa reportedly seen.
DISTRIBUTION ACTION COPY PORWARDED TO FILE STAMP
, 27th Air Div 2 Commanding General
(action copies) 27th Air Division (Defense)
Norton Air Force Base
Hqs OSI 2
File 2
+ APPROVED
.
l
KEDOE VKDOFE
Colonel, USAF UNCLA$SIFIED
(2-0PP)
District Commander.
AFHO FORM 10--57744-1 U. S. GOWER PEINTING COPICS
15 jAN 49 0-208 515-161529

1n8
constant orbit in the vicinity o? March Air Force Basa. Calt
at an altitude betwsen 50, C00 feet-and 55, O00 fect. Objeet aprsgared to
be a swept-wing, fighter-tyes da
. 2
"Santa Maria, San Dego and Beach ara regulariy scheduled to
release weather balloons which ear Gasily rise to 50,co0 feet; may have
a kite attached that can give off r fleetion, and ca graatly.it.
they are 350
B - =
III "The inclosed report
. recaived by Captain J. R. STELE, Chief
- Controller, from Major-LB MELZER,Operations Officer, 750th
AC&W Squadron The report was read back and verified by Major MELZER.
"Major ecked sratcha
Tower Operator Edvards Al o.iet
BOYD replied in -the negatiy rel Bord euggested that North Ameri-
can national Airport be checked. Major
32 MELZER checked Bell Airera. .C.A., Douglas, North American and
Northrup, but only an answered any of these calls and
reported that there had been no activity all morning. Bell has been -
experimenting with X-l and X-5; N.A.C.A. with the XF-92; Douglas with
the D.558; and Northrup with the X-3.
9
UNCLASSIFIED
au
1
515- 529

Harvey and my flight of dispatched Kill Deer r to investi-
gate this bogie. When we sighted this bogie he appeared to be over
Muroc. When we reached ar was
in the
"From 43,000 50,000 and
55,000 feet and also appeared to
craft.. He was a also noted to be in a constant orbit,
" s/t
4
JAMES H. HARVEY JAMES H. HARVEY
Captain USAF
RUE COPY:
/s/ Ethel F. Hoffman
ETHEL F. HOFFMAN
Major, USAF n
3. Defense Command suggested the possibi that thi a Ob-
ject was an rimental aircraft which was being test one of
the aircraft nufacturing concers
the Corti noted that this
object dirst sighted Long Beach. after being dis-
patched t nvestigate, sighted the object Muroc, Califoria, which
is some 10 miles due North of Long Beach. Captain HARVEY, the fligbt
leader, said that when the F-86is attained an altitude of 43,O0o feet, the
object was sighted in the vicinity of March AFB. The March AFB is some
UNCLASSIFIED
515-161529

I. I a
Douglas Aireraft Company, Inc. a 1 U 2 +
- -
1 El Segundo, California
Lockhesd Aircraft Company
Burbanl
Hughes Aircraft Company
Culver
It was found that none. of theae companies was test flying.axperimental
aircraft on the date this object was seen. The above companies are under
contract to build aircraft both tha U.
6. Special Agent THOMAS J. MeARDLE made inquiry at the Consolidated
Vultee Aircraft Corporation, San advised that,
although thay presently working on eqer. L aircraft, they did not
have a flight scheduled for 23 September 1951.
8. Special Agent m
BROOKS, Detachment ommander, Weather ivision,. Long Beach
Beach, California He claimed that a weather ballcon is I released by his
station.approximately every six hours. He said that h rds show that
one was released d 074.5or 23
balloon was lost. at 42,900 feet. : The rate of ascent of this balloon was
looo feet per mimute and was traveling in a general North Easterly and
UNCLASSIFIED
515-1415-29

ifie Standard Time, 23 September I 951.
September l95l attained an altitude of 7 at and was contacted for
68 minutes by radio. Ths one which was released 23-Septemher I95l re-.
mained in the air 74 minutes and attained an altitude of lOo.Ooo
A said that the course would depend on the
and that the average winds traveling a Southeast-
erly direction. ons of the balloons
ota Maria. which is some l75 miles North and West
of Long Beach, e traveled rom Santa Maria South to Long Beach
then North to Santa Maria, and then South and East to March AFB. A des- .
cription of the balloon at an altitude of some 50,Ooo feet. was the same
as that furnished by Major BRooKS.
12 Special Agent THOMAS McARDLE was advised by Lte Commander D. C.
WEST, Weather Station Of Nayal Air Station, San Diego, California,
A
5-15-/4/5-29

Sept 1951 is
2. The possib this object being a veather belloon
released from Sen Diego, Long Beach, or Sante Veria or that it was
an experimental airoraft has been investigated Lo highly doubtful
if the object was balloon, and it wes not an exnerimental aircraft.
Consequently, investigation incident is warranted.
INTELLIGENCE
p9e1+
SEUEPRTEU 3. It ia requested that following infornation be obtained
LSent as soon as possible and forw Chief, Air Technieal Intelligence
Center, i-2c. Nricht-?atterson Afr
PLNG.
time of the determine yae over Mroe?
d. The report tates that when the Eo6's reached an altitude
of 43,000 ft. the objeet was over March Air Force Base, 1 Did the F-86's
have the object in sight during its run from Muroe to March Air Force
4
OTHER IFIED
AREA COMMANDS WILL LINE OUT ORIG. FILE COPIES TO INITIALS EXTRA OFF. SYMBOL INITIALS
ORGANIZATIONAL TITLE-NOT
APPLICABLE WHEN ADDITIONAL RECORDS SEC. AGO COPY
SPACE IS NEEDED IN COORDINA-
TION BLOCK HQ. BR. LAB. BR. RETAINED
AMC Form No. 6
Rew 1 Apr 48)
(Formerly AMC 10-7)
WF-L-15 APR 49 2 Mil CENTRAL FILES COPY

OSYMBOANU
FUC SIGNATURE IN. 7
APPROPRIATE BLOCX
CG, CO OR DEPUTY
UNCLASSIFIED
INSPECTOR GENL'S ATIC, AFOIL-ATIAA-2o, Subjeots Hgh Flying Unidentified
OFFICE
Objeat
2.8 NOV 1951
Base or did they lose it and sight it again over March Air Force Bese?
What was the tine uhen the objeet was sighted ove Maroh AFB?
PUBLIC INP OFFICE Were any tvnes of balloons leanched from edther lorton AFB
or March Ars several hours prlor to the tins of the sighting of tho object
over Mareh AFB?
COMPTROLLER
In addition to the above specifie points, it is requested that
the F-86 pilots be reinterrogated and a detailed statenent of their
attempted interception be submdtted. It would be very helpiul to in-
olnde withi theae a- Seetlonal I Chart with the flight path of the F-86's
and times of significant occurrences nerked.
PERSONNEL & ADM.
5. It in realized that dus to the time that has elapsed since
that
every effort be made to obtai nformation acourate as
possibla.
RESEARCH & DEV. 6. The Air Technical Intelligence Center wishes its
appreciation for the cooperation received by your Counand Nics
of Special westigations in regard incident.
C FOR THE COMMANDING
satin
INTELLIGENCE 37 S. H. KIRKIAND, JR. S. H. KIRKIAMD, JR.
tet Colonel, USAF Colonel, USAF
yu Chief, Tecbnical Analysis Diviaion Chief, Tecbnical Analysis Division
-
5
SUPPLY AND MAINT. SUPPLY AND MAINT. ST
- - I
E
I .PT
- 1
- 8
-
8 at
-
PROG. & IND, MO8. 188
PLNG.*
- -
AY 2
OTHER
AREA COMMANDS WILL LINE OUT ORIG. FILE COPIES TO EXTRA OFF. SYMBOL INITIALS
ORGANIZATIONAL TITLE NOT
APPLICABLE WHEN ADDITIONAL RECORDS SEC. AGD COPY
SPACE IS NEEDED IN COORDINA-
TION BLOCK HQ. BR. LAB. BR. RETAINED
AMC Form No. 8
(Rev 1 Apr 48) 5 2
Formerly AMC 10-7)
WF-L-IS APR 49 2 Mil CENTRAL FILES COPY

The object be an aircraft with 450 swent wincs silver in
color. When last seen the object in E orbit, o e left.
was that it W swer
At aonroximately 080 additional F-86 aircraft yere serambled
from George AF relieve the two above nentioned F-s6'o. The four aircraft
No more interceots vare attempted. At no time was the object observed on
to be observed visually ground.
the contin ally tracked by radar.
,
12

r Sar aM Bay as indicated on atta
b. Element mal took
Force Base at 0700 PST.
c Reports that object was directly over Muroc and March Air
Force Ease were apparently in error, resulting from the difficulty of
making a land fix at high altitude. (Based on later interrogation of
erceptor when orts indicated
bility of lloon.
ISSIFIED
.
in

(A correction Captain Reichman's statement was later made verbally
to the DI The ature of ' the scramble was an Air Defense
mission, not to intercept unidentified object stated.)
3. Also attached is a statement by the Commanding Officer of the
669th AC&W Squadron, which indicates that the object was never picked
up by radar.
4. It is believed that this data presents accurate a report
as can be obtained. However, if further investigation is desired, this
headquarters wi otain additional information.
FOR THE RAL:
3 Incls. Washos TS
1. Cy 27 ADIV 1tr L
360.1 dtd 7 Dec E.P.WASHINGTON
51, w/lst Ind 2ND LT USXF
fr CO, 669th Asst Air Adj Gen
AC&W Sq dtd 13
Dec 51.
2. Cy ATTC 1tr
AFOIN-ATIAA-2c
dtd 28 Nov 51
3. Rot & Interroga-
m -
.
- UNCL
5151897 58
11

TL L.. This headquarters has received a requost for further in-
23 September
your
comand.
TO 2. It is requested for
warded as soon
a. siginting: how received.
b. Time and position of later sigitings, indicating
whether visual or
C. Detailed report of action takan, including scramble
R 2ND LT USAF
4 Asst Air Adj Gee
5 267

TOy Commanding General, 27th Afr Division (DEF), Norton Air Force Bass,
San Bernardine, Califernia
l. In reference to Par. 2a basic letter tho follewing is subnetted.
Original sightingt roceived by VHF frem Swanee Brewn leader at
O755 PDST: The bject Was ever San Pedro, Califernia.
b. Time and pesition of later sightings: Swanee Brown leader last
saw the bject near March Air Base, Califernia. All sightings were
visual, the ebject was nat picked up by
C.Swanee Erawn ihi ht was on Defense xiasion when ths ebjeot
795 sighted Erown was unable ebject because af its -
Has notifisd-af a inciieat
and our attempt
d. It is net possible for this Headquarters to show the fli ht cath
ef the ebjeet. Tt was under surveillance by ths pilst fer approximately
fifteen (l5) minutes. Ths flight path was erratie but in an easterly directien.
A E
-
JAMES H. DAVIS 1
Yaior. USAF
hel#!
A
6609-874

becanse of low fuel. t gizhted was gti
3
D2
2. What aotion did you taiy with Aei when y0u observed fual II -
m lot and had to brim
oner mm 24
A. Kill Dear wad contacted and informed of our low fnel. lavol. +
Cur flight was releazed for Tancake.
-
I ?
A. Yes.
Q Did you hear way further alorts being directed by Kill Deer ?
S'T
A. Ho.
WIA C. Shat
yx NAT Ae in the vieindty ?
- A :
- A. Ho.
-
TS
A. Captain Buchanan(transferre d to Korea), and
Captain Coberly(also now in Korea).
2. he-object
was sighted?
S. We diseussed its altitude, speed, and direction of
AYLH
UNCLA

-
2
2 - G. Saparato flights?
8
- .
to you know werg AvSrO the object?
A. at Long Beach and they
had sighted Ue.
Q. secuences or Vectors 10 any given you
by ACM or any - mch ciaa?
S1 A There YOre no Vectors given by object wes not
- -
2 35 E 1
4 - 4 A- Yas, and m us a.position Fix.
- 1
8.
bearing and its behaviour?
-
T It is my opinion it was a free weather balloon, influenced
... by upper air currents.
T 44
4 17
HAROLD E. GUTHRIE
UNCLASSIFIED Captain USAF
telligence Officer
A

(iote)2. with Guthrie who report
orbitting to right.(item fx balloom).
b. Reichman reported "object"
more corroct.(iten froo belloon)
Ca Herveg's report--object over
at least eliminates (it troa balloon)
WINDS -12 0300Z :
23 Sept 51.
2

+ Ty 1
/
2
r.
1. Referonce letter 27 Ano1-360.1. The attached reports
are submitted herewith.
a. Statement of. observation
lavs
Ropt. Winds Aloft--ertrget Hesords
2. Pilots intarvoantad
er-Interceptor Wing.
FOR THS COMANDING OPPICER:
5
1
Incls:

He was ot.ed n-* consta
2. When you wers .Beach
Fix your position?
- a
A. Yes, appror
O. Did you see this object?
A. Yes.
Qo What position was it, in relation to you?
Q.. tche.2
AIas,I
hod?
-
- A. Radio,
i8 .
Q. Were you on the same coma. channel as Kill Deer? 3
A. Yes.
Th UNCLASSIFIED

2 1
1 a
8
A. No--becausa we had
a will
- the highest we could get. Plus fuel shortages. If wo
18 3 had dropped oun tanks, I believe we could have attained
wll If -
7 C . 7 higher altitude.
t4
Q. Did you ask permission to drop tanks?
14 A.  No.
3
Q. Did Control instruct you to do so?
A. I don't know
5 .. boing abla to higher.
I
2 Did Kill .
a.
4D Control?
A Yes,"when informed of our position.
O Did kill Deer inform you a new interception was in progress?
A No.
FIED

assumed, at ; 0810, the
To, the balloon would be at B overlay. the balloon would robd be at
an altitude of 60,000 Cto nearly strairht ahead of the aircraft. sue to the
size or b1
vicinity.
III. MOLU IONS
'ith the information available. it cannot be concluded that the object was
dofinitely the radiosonde balloon releas Long Beach lunioioal Airport.
However, since the balloon was ncar oath oi two o.' the i-o6 elements,
and assuring that the orbitting of illusion due to the relative
motion between the balloon and the aircraft, i oncluded that the unidentifi
object was possibly radio de balloon.

7 A. No. I was on a different frecuency. 4
+ -
8 18088
2
= 2 Q. Can you dckoribe the object7
2
LE
o .
A. It. aupearod
+ In size prospection, it would fit within the radii of a
1
- 15 Na
gun sight.
LC
+
. What altitude do you estirate object was at?
.
- A. 50-55,000 f00t.
=
4 -
Q. Your altitude at this tine was A3,cco faat. Te
42 -
-
1- R. That wis the voather and viaibillsy? --
tut -
A. CIaar and unlinited.
1
Q. opinion Captain, what do you deducs it(the
x.
. object) could have been?
L
F -
AK
42 A. It could have been a free bellon.
C
C. Did you discuss this object with your co-pilots.
UNCLASSIFIED

7 - 1.
=
2
- -.
A
2 .
2
De
3 - .
. -
C a 4
5
4 A L
Y 1
c 8
8 1
IF <
1 "
16 4
1 BE
2 a
2 c
%
4 2
13
2.
7
as
is -
UNCEASSIFIED a
-4 A 5
X1 J
2
A

-
rhoard. : It aUDearO snt back
wing of 450 zht silvsr colorint-. .like
4
on water. Ths prospection very far away,
2 this object?
11
2. Cid you attract his attention to the object?
a BE -
- IR Did you satisfy yourself he saw and recognised object all
- pointed out?
2
= A." Yos, I.did,
-
-
Q.* Is that on the same channel as Kill Deer?
F +
Yes. I called this information into them. y Rogered but
they did not have object on the radar scoy
UNCLASSIFIED
"A ReIcHMAN

.
AN 3a
I
T 72 me fron doing 3o.
3 .
Q. Are you positive Kill Deer was aware of objuct, and
also of your shortags?
they had Voctored the next flight
a into the aased us,
a resolve it.
I also revorted it on landing. 47
report.
5 4
F Q. Did you lose sight of the object.
G
a a A..No. I left because of fuel shortage, and object was still
9 in a port altitude approx. 50,oco ft.
J LeCt
.
I

--
- u -
P4PA
12 B
C
2
-
1
+ 5 IIl
- 3 In
1
-
2
2 ar E
=
6
> a
a 21
- he
-
A
7
In
2
8
E
302 is
T
a
x4
1T
A 114
1 =
A

35°
* MUTCUNCLASSIFIED
7
GAFB
118°-30 Bronde okin
010925 TRACK
OFOBJECT WINDS ALOFT
GUTHRIE 40,200FT.
GUTHRIE ORBIT 081O-23 SEPT.51 081O-23 SEPT.51 40,200F
FOLLOWED OBJECT FOLLOWED OBJECT TEMP.-550 TEMP.-55
TRACK-CLIMBING ORBITING BENEATH ORBITING BENEATH
BOGIE BOGIE
34°
0
*10M1. MARCH
FIELO
A
REICHMAN (540
0715 43000
30000
8O°HEADING MAP EL PASO-LOS ANGELES
SIGHTED 12 %C HIGH FC 219.
43000FT
HARVEY IOBSERVES
OBJECT SEEMINGLY 340 UNCLASSIFIED
OYER MARCH AFB
HARVEY 0810
23 SENT. 51

COUSLE MANCH
2955- GIANT ROGA 53
Lucerne Valley 20 2100-
RANCS
34 Bullding
SIA BEAR CITY TWENTYNINE P 1761-k
8335 6450- Baldain Luke
Big Bear City Jwentynne Pair
8502 9842 3001 K FIELD
2390 26
TON AFB YUCCA VACIEK. 20
6LH.7S BEAUMONE 3333
125.18 2570 11435 LLA34
REDLAND 25 GORGONIC SAN
5747
drands Desert Hot Sprs
GREEN S
Beaumont 210 Bano-ng 256 5
ALM SPRINGS
SAN Garnet Edow
BAK
R 1
6533 CIS La
Pata Observatory 6138 RED S5
Fallbrook WARNER. SPRINDS Warner
CAUTION AREA 2375 Sorings
OCEANSIDE BORREGU VALLEY-SAN DIEG 4 I5 &
Bonsay Henshaw 520
ANSIO Lake OCOTIL
-H2 RED 65 RSA
Vista Valley Center JULIAN
MeCORMICA21445 21 263 ILI Sante Esabel
550 Rench
Escondido

0
0
:- EL PASO TO LOS ANGELES, U. S. A. FC 219
760 Statute 750 Miles 740 730 720 710 700 690 680 670 660
16E118° To Inyokern 326 NID 2 117
Cantil
3000
at 4604 OR
D
2O1! -70a
119 V Harpet
o KERN COUNTT P. BORCM Lake
227 Arvin 3951 -H 45 J 2550
RADIO Bidg BARSTOW
5 Tehachapi M EDWARDS RE 21501-
2787 396 F 17 Amargo
. MYER Molave TRENARY Hawes HAWC -H56
DOW 8 2725 2475 27 2319 O Bars
Rogers HELENDALE
WHHTEOANS 26 Lake 2540 - H 56 Mojaue
1100 DANGER GREEN 4
EDWARDS AFB LH S1 AREA
2285 219 126.18 632
Rosamond BARNES
2300- SUN HILL RANCH 23 Hetendale
soon LEBEC 3000
BLUE14 Rosamund MIRAGE AFB
LOS Lake 4118 GLORGE W7 Oro
HEEXACH RANCH X-1 LANCASTER PAL MOALE RADIO EL MIRAGE 2900 125.13 Grande
975 2330- 50 7 3. FM0 ER 2865 n 278 NIOTORUILLE
8 Lancaster ANSELES 10 2990
5791 GLOS PALMLALE BRSY BUTTE
Hughes 354 # 3Adelanto Vietorville
5771 QUANIE-HTLL 101s-
pryC, 2453.
ELEVATION N P 3 Littlerock HET08rts
IN PEZT 8 1 5240 53 VICTORVEL.
-. 11433 3080
OLD 1225
- 5000 CASTAID 9389 wlentwood
Castaic Ravenna
124 ANTONIO Cajon
1EOES TM2 SO9O 10080 AH
7000 Piry RANGENL 3049414.2A015
Flimore NEWHALL PATNA 15
o6I1 R 209 EMA arnando C TARIO 0911 MORE FONTAN
5000 3 Clant 352 120.7 H327 SAN
Santa 3756 PE 1:00 BERNARDING
4 SAMII 4156 Lou
iD RAL 10 LU2
Mocrparz
3000- CHATSAOREH-
LE CanokaO RIVERSICE 10!5
Path NIVDSHD
200O FERNANCO ROLLT OD HILLS
76 LOS YTA ARLINGION
AS

edod ina
a. Imot timo of lmmah.
b.
o. louts
do d. Minds aloft.
e. e. Rate of assont. Rate of asgont,
. Type of hallgon,
In ral -5
.
UNC SIFIED
1 PAGES
pHAFTER'S NAME (and simature, when remuired) RELEASING DOFFICER'S SIGNATURE
Lt 3. J. Bupalt/vs
SYMBOL OFFICIAL TITLE Kal T  21
ATILAAS $61 Asst Air Adjutant ceral
DD 0173 REPLACES NME FORM 173. MAY 49. 18-58923-3 *
WHICH MAY BE USED.

TO: Commanding Officer
ATIC Wright Patterson AFB
Ohio
1. Refe wing
information
- 2 Launching
b Ground track of balloon is shown in enclosed graph.
c.
station, bearing ninety-five (95) degrees.
d. Winds Aloft A
Height Direction knots
SFC 160 deg 02
1000 140 04
2000 140 05
3000 140 07
4000 160 0'7
umem 5000 170 05
- - 6000 180 06
f.Type
h
KENNETH T. BROOKS
Major, USAF
.

-
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at
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4,500' 340° - 7K
6,000' 340° - 7K
i 7,0004 3400-7K P- - 8
4
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9 - 8,0001 3300 -4 T-T:
4 alll
-
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2 8,500 240°  2K
-
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12,000' 220° - 14X
14,0001 220° - 13K
16,000 230° - 6K
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14,000* 2500 - - a
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m - 1 -4
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16,0001 -
280°-344 4
3 -
18,000' 270°-42K
20,000' 270° - 48X

4,500'
I 6,000' 360° - 7K
6,500' 360°_ 7K
8,000' 360-11K 4 .
8,500' 360° _15K
10,000' 360° -17K
12,000' 360° -20X
14,000' 360° -22K
16,000' 360° -27K .
35,0001 L
- - -
- ...
4
.

A
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Ranch AFB
51miles
-
Long Bench
Obet 5ihted of 0010
FookF-865 Scxonbled
1
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-

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IN C *
THE FeLG I
OVER L BEACH CALIF, AT
AND SIGH O FT,
4
.
APPEARED TO BE A SWEPT-WING, F OL
IN ACCORDANC
1
51S-138292-1 - S
ACTION COPY
1
519.3

S ring,-
fighter-type airerait. Advise by teletype concerning
of Murce from 1400 te : 3 Sep 51 . - Ci.te
ATIAA-2a
JM 5
PARAPHAS -CENTER
BEFORE DECLASSIFYING
T4
- UNCLASSIFIED
51S-138292-A-2
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
DRAFTER's NAME (and rignature, wohen repsired) RELEASING OF
Lt. Jerry W. Cumings
TELEPHONE MURRAH S. STURGIS, Capt, USA
ATLAA-2a 65376 Air Adjutant General
DD OC 9 173 REPLACES NME FORM 173. 1 MAY 49. 10-68923-3
WHICH MAY BE USED.

-
- •
FROM THIS BASE VERE AIEBORNE JRING THAT PERIOD AND 9 THERE WERE NO RPT .
NO ACFT OSSERVED THIS BASE BY IGNED
TO THIS STATION.
8
1

0 Huroe. 1>
---- Path of balloon .
-
- .
118° 30
George AFB
1
Flight 2-B Flight 2-B
#! I 1 .
.
JNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFI
1170 117 00 00
1 1
00
0 March AFB
.
Flight I Long Beac
Prevailing Wind at
40,000'
1180 40'W Long Beach Rudio
33° 50'N . '.
.
0 10 20 30
Overlay C-219 .:
Scale (nautical miles)
1170 SO'M
290 Rliit -A

Forton Air Force-Base
aeBornardin california 1 x
RADLIO
81800Z.Cct 51.
AFoIN-ArIAA-lo-15E. Pleaso advise vbon information can be made available to
this Cor r, In rogard telatype an8ooz Cet Sl, eiting
27 ADD
FS.
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42 is 41 E
.
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2 27
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Lt. H. Metschor/peg
MURRAH S. STUROLS, CaptAin, USAF
ATIAA-2a 65376 Air Adjutant Ceneral

ocedure, check the possi-
- +
mamufacturers. We have elininated
reply CRUDGE. CRUDGE.
:
aa
5
2
a 23
UED
. 51s-138292-C
1 1
MURRAH S. STURCIS, Captain, USAF
ATIAA-2a 65376 Air Adjutant General

5 Routino
nding Ofricer
Scrton Mir Forea Bace
San Bernardino, Califoraia,
x5
16/21437 00t 51 Unclasaified
AFOMN-ATIAA-10-10. Roference your teletype 16/21h32 Oct 51 JwPir. Teletype
Momber 17, Cite 27 Andr 1318, classified Confidential,
-
anuft
25 wla
-
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i
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all
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UNCLASSIFIED.
4.57 3 8
a- 2
-
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2 -
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8
3
Lt. H. Heischer
MOMAN. S. STUROTS, Captain, USAF
ATIAA-28 65376 Air Adjutant General

. . DEPARTMENT T Of the E AIR FORCE
.
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
UNCLASSIFIED
EQUIRED, NOTIFY
PRIORITY CRYPT ENTER BEPORE DECLASSIFYING
FROM: 13TH OSI MAYWCOD CALIF √M
TO : CSAF WASH DC ATTN OSI
18D-0S1 26' Oct5
This dist mceipt Alg Diy Norton AFB
In com in
botxoon botxeo
Sype Bype
DOUGJ
Facbu
object
statlong
inouiry inouiry Or 17 *.
could bovo that
object
approc
may l this,
othe
conv acrt
T
AgTIoN 0013
EFO: CMO, CD3 OI
n: 85129 (27 Cct 51) RBS/hnk
COPY No.
THE MAKING EXA 1s SIDDEN
15 APR 49 AFHQ FORM 0-309 B GOVERN RINTING OFFICE 16--56092-2

• 4
2e A
A d
6140 -
28 16 11
APC174 1951 OCT C
XYB205JWPML A11
44 F
8PX of WOFT NFOR
0C1 27 •
R JEDAG
DE JWPNT •
R 2717152-
TO CO ATIC WRIGHT F •
27ADDI 1973 PD
.
THAT CASE
BEING HANDLED RPT SUBMD OCT 51 •
PD END 9

RIFIED
REFERENCED ITEM.
46
RA072E 1E 1E
WPA045
RR JEDWP ZOV I.ATIAA 1.ATIAA
XYA047 2.ATIA 2.ATTA
JWPML 48 3. Cent
8PX 12
RR JEDAG 22 : 10
DE JWPNT 31G
R 200040Z
FM CG 27TH ADIV DEF NORTON AI CALIF
TO CG ATIC WRIGHT PAT AFB C IIO
/RESTRICTED/27
DI 0515 REF LTR AFOIN-ATIAA-2C
REF LTR THIS HQ 27ADDI 360 PD 1 CMA DTD 21 DE D IN REPLY
. TO PAR ONE EASY OF CITED LTR CMA A MARCH SBMD - T PD
29/0130Z
No Bollos /arncted f-
.

TO ATTN AMC IFEM 9
L WILLIS
ATIAA/RUPPELT
REF: CSAF ITEM 13
ATIC IS CONDUCTING
EDWARDS AFB CONTACTED INFORMATION
AIRCRAFT WEATHER
BALLOONS
RISE
TO ITES OF
SIGHTING ALLOON
NUITE
THAT FULL REPORT CIN ABOUT
30.0CT 1951. ONCLASSPIGE
END
ITEM 15 TT-272
31 Oot 51
REF CSAF M.4 AMC ITM 10
POLICY. ATIO ATIAA/RUPPELT
DISTRICTS DIRECT THER
INFORMATION S NOT
CONTACT CSI IOSE
THAT APPEAR OSINC RFORMATION
HAS OTHER DUTIS.. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY
COOP1 PAST
END

PRIORITY BASIS AND WE ARE CONTACTING ACFT MANU-
FACTURING CONCERNS IN SOUTHERN CALIF TO DETERMINE
F OBJECT COULD HAVE BEEN EXPERIMENTAL ACFT.
ALSO CHECKING POSSIBILITY THAT OBJECT COULD
HAVE BEEN WEATHER BALLOON. THIS OFFICE WOULD
APPRECIATE RECEIVING ADVISE YOUR HQS AS TO ANY
POLICY WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED ON THE
HANDLING OF MATTERS SUCH AS THIS, OTHER
CONCERNING THE
HANDLING OF UN ACFT TYPE CASES.
END CSAF IT UNCLAS UNCLASS CC
- .
.5
:
T
E
- 3: -
. F
72
- -
: : 2
: .
7
- -
•

CSAP ITEM 4
THE FOLLOWING IS ATTAA/
AND ACTION: UNCLASSIFIED .
*FROM DO 18TH OSI MAYWOOD CALIF. THIS
DIST IN RECEIPT OF REQ FROM CG 27 AIR DIV NORTON ACTION
AFB SAN BERNARDINO CALIFORNIA REQUESTING IN-
VESTIGATION CONCERNING THE SIGHTING OF AN -
CAJECT OVER LONG BEACH CALIF ON 23 SEPT 51.
REQ MADE BY LETTER RECEIVED THIS OFFIC FEQ MADE BY LETTER RECEIVED THIS OFFICE 25 OCT 5 ocr
51. AT 0810 HOURS 23 SEPT 51 AN 0BJECT
WAS SIGHTED OVER LONG BEACH AT 50, OOO FT. WAS SIGHTED OVER LONG BEACH AT 50, OO0 FT. 3
4 F-85'S WERE DISPATCHED AND SIGHTED OBJECT 4 F-86'S WERE DISPATCHED AND SIGHTED OBJECT 1
CVER MUROC CALIF. ATTAINING AN ALTITUDE OF ITUDE OF
43,000 FT, F86'S SIGHTED OBJECT TO BE IN
CONSTANT ORBIT IN VICINITY OF MARCH AFB CALIF
AT AN ALTITUDE BETWEEN 50-55,000 FT. OBJECT =
APPEARED TO BE SWEPT WING FIGHTER TYPE AIRCRAFT.
AIR DEFENSE COMMAND HAS REQUESTED WE CHECK
POSSIBILITY OF EXPERIMENTAL ACFT TING
FROM AIRFRAME MANUFACTURERS THIS -AREA. THEY ALSO
SUGGESTED POSSIBILITY OF THIS ORJECT BEING
A WEATHER BALLOON WHICH ARE RELEASED BY 3 .
MEATHER STATIONS THIS AREA PERIODICALLY.
THIS-DISTRICT HANDLING THIS INQUIRY ON

1. The attached letter D- rson romuosts
ing l4 sigh DCS of und 01155300.
2. The follo
Solara
2he
1ea6. 4
3. The Loredo A on 4 Descder 1558 903
ert ot
be silver in cologr ond est: die~ Ito tocsclat-
titude of 20,O0o feet. the cbjeets stned es in axeass
of 1000 mph. cbject opproxiately h0 eleration
to the soutlrost. The Dovesant was cribed (roting and tho objoot vas
: a
fron Honlltod Ap COi17 I
50
color. Thay voro osttated to to Co-l00
upeodo -1 16.000
foot. ouer od-
Ject 200oro4 1oh th2 p23 e1.0 BsLag

-ATI
TO CO ATIC WPAFE DAYTON OHIO 0
CITE 27 ABD ToAT/
PRIGRITY
13 DIST OSI AD ISE THAT . .
REP *
.
515-1601 98-t.
ACTON COPY 0

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