Foia Release Unknown Complete

23857122-1216-481596-0003

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Published
Added to archive
Jul 1, 2026
Department
National Archives and Records Administration
Original size
29.7 MB
External ID
6c2cc33a4172089e43a9a1236009d30c63576bcec4612690c129176d2e83e5a3
Confidence
1%
Credibility
1%

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™ vy stp 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