Hanford F-94 Radar-Visual Case (Dec 10 1952).
documentednuclear_strategicAtomic Energy Commission / ERDA (DOE progenitors)
On the night of December 10, 1952, the pilot and radar observer of a patrolling F-94 (Moses AFB) at 26,000 ft over the Hanford plant near Richland, WA spotted a light; ground control reported no…
On the night of December 10, 1952, the pilot and radar observer of a patrolling F-94 (Moses AFB) at 26,000 ft over the Hanford plant near Richland, WA spotted a light; ground control reported no known traffic. Closing, they saw a large round white object with a dim reddish glow from two 'windows.' They lost visual but obtained an ARC-33 airborne radar lock-on; each time they tried to re-close, the object reversed direction and dove away, forcing several collision-avoidance maneuvers. Project Blue Book chief Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt documented the case, describing the crew as 'trained airmen with excellent reputations' who were 'sincerely baffled.' Recorded in Ruppelt's 1956 book (p.43) and Air Intelligence report 100-203-79.