January 21, 1951 — Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN
4:20 p.m. A UFO that appears to be over the restricted area at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, is sighted on the radarscope of an F-82 fighter. The GCI gives the go-ahead to intercept the target. The radar set on the F-82 is locked on and the run begins. The interception is unsuccessful, and the fighter returns to base. In all, three passes are made at targets, all with radar indications, but they cannot be completed since the target is over the restricted area that includes the X-10 plant. [Eberhart] The X-10 “plant” was the world’s 2nd nuclear reactor, the graphite reactor for producing plutonium. [Brad Sparks]
Record Card:
Report:
Sources:
Brad Sparks, Blue Books Unknowns Catalogue, Case 436, p. 104;
NICAP, “F-82 Attempts Intercept of UFO over AEC Plant / Radar”;