Norfolk, England, May 1954May 1954

Insufficient Data

Summary

On May 14, 1954, at about 3:40 p.m. near Norwich, Norfolk, England, military pilots reported one object. It was round, the size of a dinner plate at arm's length, and silver or gray. The object was at 50,000 to 60,000 feet and made a 180-degree turn. Radar tracked it at an indicated air speed of about 240 knots. RAF aircraft with observers flew at 35,000 to 40,000 feet, and three F-86 jets tried to intercept but could not close in despite ground control guidance. The pilot was rated very reliable, and the maneuvers were considered improbable for a conventional aircraft. The Air Force conclusion was that the description indicated a balloon, with flight and radar pickup within upper-air balloon limits.

Reported location

Norfolk, England, May 1954

Date of incident

May 1954

State / country

? / XX

Page count

3 scanned pages

USAF evaluation

unknown

Microfilm

T1206, Roll 20

Original case file scans

Original case file · scanned by NARAPage 1 of 3

View transcribed text

Hm ids lb sonia ar — | | . SA RA AAD
i
; PROJECT 10073 RECORD RAN | 8
I. DATE - TINE GROUP 2. LOCATION | 8
= 14 May 5 | ¥ |
L%/15407 Norfolk, England 1
| 3
hilitar ilots }
y(3» ) Description indicates balloon. Flight and manuvers, as well a.
4. NUMBER OF OBJECTS as radar pickup within upper air balloon capabilities. |
one |
S. LENGTH OF OBSERVATION |11. BRIEF SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS i
Round. Size of dinner plate at arms length. Sil i
vis seconds P ength. ver or gray.
90 Object at 50,000 to 60,00 ft. Made 180 deg xxdxx turn. 4
6. Bids OF OBSERVATION Indicated alr speed on radar track 240 knots. RAF a/c with {
Sin pe al)glp-intercept visual observers at 35,000 - 40,000 ft. Intercepted by J
rada 3 F-86's. Weather clear. Visibility good. Formation unable ©
7. COURSE : to close despite G.C.I. Radar manuvers of object considered :
|south improbable for conventional a/c.
8. PHOTOS 3
O Yes 3
2 No

9. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

0 Yes :
O No ! :
FORM :
FTD sep 63 0-329 (TDE) Previous editions of this form may be used. .

: Svan
B11) |

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Source: National Archives Catalog · NAID 28958218