September 27, 1961 — off the California coast
7:57 a.m. The radar operator on a USAF Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft off the California coast spots five targets on his scope. Four of the objects are on a heading of 90°, and all of them are moving at a high rate of speed. They soon disappear into sea clutter. Three minutes later, two objects appear heading 70° then also disappear into sea clutter. The speed of one of the objects is measured at about 2,070 mph over a distance of 230 miles. While the two objects are on the scope, a single stationary object also appears. After remaining stationary for about two minutes, it moves on a heading of 265° at 70 mph and is lost in the sea clutter. The objects can only be painted with the IFF on. The radar is an APS-95. [Eberhart]
Record Card:
Post Landing CIRVIS Report:
Staff Message:
Sources:
Brad Sparks, Blue Books Unknowns Catalogue, Case 1497, p. 290;
NICAP, “Uncorrelated Targets on APS-95”;
