23857122-0261-64425-0011

MILITARY REPORT

AI Summary

This document details two sightings of an unidentified light by a B-29 aircraft on April 4, 1949, while flying at different altitudes. The sightings describe the light's position, intensity, and movement relative to the aircraft.

Key Findings

- First sighting at 2500 feet, light 100 feet below, intensity similar to a 40-watt bulb. - Second sighting at 5000 feet, light estimated 1000 feet above, same intensity as the first. - Weather conditions were clear with some stratocumulus clouds. - The light appeared to be moving towards the aircraft at high speed.

OCR Text

ts 86 4425- HEADQUARTERS 50215T AIR BASE a: SHBNYA ATR FORCE BASE APO 729, U S Arny = 4 April 1949 ist Sighting "Altitude Be29 2500 feet indicated on pressure altimeter. Light approximately 100 feet below. Approximately heading of B-29 45 degrees true. Approximate apparent heading of light 245 degrees true. Intensity estimated as that of a 40 watt bulb at 200 feet. Weather clear over the island at the time. 3/10 to 5/10 strate cumiius clouds in the vicinity of the island. Visibility unlimited at 2500 feet." 2d Sighting "Altitude Be29 5000 feet indicated and actual radar height. Light estimated 1000 feet above. Heading of Be29 southerly on north leg of range. Heading of light northerly. Same intensity as Tirst sighting. Weather 3/10 to 5/10 strato cumilus clouds tons to 5100 MSL. Be29 in the clear at the time. Visibility unlimited. Base weather sent up an upper wind ballo on shortly after the sightings. It was of the penlignt cell type. We were ona southerly heading at the time and I picked out this light when approximately 15 miles out, yet I did not see the "Licht" until we were no more than 300 Lai from it. There was no resemblance between the two lights. The pilot ballon light was bright and hard- ly more than a pinpoint aA the other aca was dull and of a yellow- ish ue and fairly large. The pilot ballon was released from base operaticns and went up in a slightly south easterly direction over the water and directly ahead at our altitude while we were flying the north leg of the beam. Yet the "light was north east of base operations by at least 500 yards on the first set hea Se At both sightings the light appeared to be moving toward us at a high speed." = BECUSS SIFIE 0. i 832, Sas. 34 (3) and 5(D) oF 10 < S e o Bh? Declassification Authority: NND 57565

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Metadata

Agency
Classification
UNCLASSIFIED
Department
National Archives and Records Administration
Confidence85
Credibility80

NARA Source

NAID
23857122
File
23857122-0261-64425-0011.tif
Type
image/tiff

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