Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Object Sighting, Misawa Air Force Base, 23 August 1949

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-266-49) from the Headquarters of the Far East Air Forces, detailing a sighting of an unidentified object at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, on 23 August 1949. At approximately 1530 hours, several personnel, including a Major and two Captains from the 49th Fighter Group, observed a rectangular, yellow or silver-colored object traveling in a northerly direction. The object was estimated to be 6 feet high and 30 feet long, flying at an altitude of approximately 100 feet and at a speed estimated between 300 and 500 MPH. The witnesses, who were standing on the front steps of the Operations building, noted that the object moved on a steady, even course without visible fins, stabilizers, or air ducts. The object was observed for approximately 30 seconds before disappearing behind an RB-17 aircraft parked on the ramp. The report notes that the observers were qualified F-80 pilots considered to be reliable and capable of accurate estimation. Weather conditions at the time were broken clouds with a ceiling of 800 feet. Radar sites in the area were inoperative due to routine maintenance, and the U.S. Navy reported no activity in the area. The report explicitly states that the object did not resemble an airplane but appeared identical to a rectangular tow target. Despite the conclusion labeled 'AIRCRAFT' on the Project 10073 record form, the narrative reports emphasize the object's unique characteristics and the lack of any known aircraft or tow target in the vicinity. The document includes a certificate signed by the primary witness, a 1st Lieutenant, and corroborating statements from the other officers present. The report concludes that the observers were intelligent and reliable, and that no evidence could be found of the object contacting the earth or being released by testing devices in the vicinity.