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AF FORM 112—PART II
APPROVED 1 JUNE 1948 pon (CLASSIFICATION) et
AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT
ae "suena Fighter Wing Lk- 3 IS a 2 3
While performing the duties of an Aircraft Landing Control Technicians; in
specific the operation of the Plan Position Indicator portion of ground radar set
AN/NPM-1 on the 23rd of January 1953 at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas.
T/Set Gerald V. Kelley observed radar returns of an unusual nature under the
following circumstances.
The first sighting was made at approximately 1S5L0CST while utilizing the
thirty mile range of the Plan Position Indicator in attempt to locate a flicht of
F-8) aircraft letting down to Bergstrom AFB and requesting the service of Ground
Controlled Approach on arrival. T/Sgt Kelley observed a radar return of unusual
proportions moving at a rapid rate of speed from an approximate bearing of 295
degrees in a southerly direction to an approximate bearing of 275 degrees at which
time it ceased motion 21 miles from Bergstrom AFB for a short but undetermined
length of time. It then moved in a westerly direction for approximately 2 statute
miles and again remained stationary. His attention was then diverted by the
normal flow of air traffic necessitating return to the 15 mile range for greater
accuracy in control. In the interval he had contacted the Bergstrom control
tower to advise of returns and request information on any large formation flights
in the area, receiving an acknowledgment and a negative report. On completion
of pertinent traffic control at approximately 1545CST he returned to the thirty
mile range and observed two separate returns in stationary position, 285 degrees
and 287 degrees, at 18 and 19 miles respectively for a short interval of time
until necessary to return to the fifteen mile range. At this time he contacted
Bergstrom control tower and requested that they scan the area with binoculars; a
negative report of scan was received. At approximately 1550CST he again returned
to the thirty mile range and observed a single stationary return 22 miles from
Bergstrom AFB at bearing 310 degrees which remained stationary for the entire
interval of observation until return to the fifteen mile range was once more
necessary. After discharging traffic duties T/Set Kelley returned to the thirty
mile range and observed a stationary return bearing 275 degrees approximately 17
miles from Bergstrom which remained stationary for a short time, then began a
rapid movement on a course of O degrees to a bearing of 322 where it again ceased
motion and remained stationary for approximately 30 seconds. It then faded and
disappeared at approximately 1559CST. He kept constant surveillance from this
time until approximately 16)5CST with no further contact.
The return was similar to that which is produced by a large formation of
aircraft, being of elliptical shape, approximately 3/" in length and approximately
3/16" in width, being bright in the center and slightly diffused or ragged at
the edges. The fast line constant circuit was in operation during all observations,
all returns in question appeared to be of similar dimensions. When in motion the
return appeared to be moving at a hich rate of speed as the sweep trace was
producing a definite advance in position at each revolution which in his experience
would indicate ground speeds in excess of 350 mph. He was unable to determine the
approximate speed, except that the return traversed a distance of approximately
ten miles in a matter of seconds.
Constant surveillance was not maintained until approximately 1555CST since
T/Sgt Kelley had not realized the importance of this information and had not been
made aware of pertinent regulations. All times are approximate as they were
taken at the beginning and end of observations to the nearest five minutes until
L555CST after which the accuracy is to the nearest minute. All bearings were
from the AN/NPM-1 unit to the center of the unit and were accurate to the degree
of mechanical accuracy of the equipment and his skill at their operation.
NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT, 50 U. S. C.—
31 AND 32, AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF ©
INTELLIGENCE, USAF. i
(CLASSIFICATION) 16—55570-1 XU. 8. GOVERNMENT PRINTING orrich. ;
; LY ¢ ;
Declassification Authority: NND 57565