Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report IR-40-52

This document consists of a series of Air Intelligence Information Reports (IR-40-52 and IR-584-52) regarding a radar sighting incident that occurred on 2 September 1952 at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda AB), Japan. At 2015 LST, M/Sgt. Joseph H. Wehling, the NCOIC of the GCA team, observed between one and three unidentified targets on the GCA unit's PPI scope. The targets were located nine miles north of the airfield, traveling at speeds between 40 and 60 mph at an altitude of 3000 feet or less. The targets did not maintain formation and remained within the northeast quadrant of the field for approximately one hour. The radar return was described as being similar in size to that of a C-124 aircraft. Despite the radar contact, the targets were not sighted visually. The GCI unit at Shiroi AB also tracked the targets in the same area. The weather conditions at the time were reported as 10,000 feet broken clouds with 7 miles visibility. The official conclusion reached by the personnel involved was that the radar returns were caused by migratory birds. This conclusion was supported by the reporting officer, who noted that the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry reports large numbers of migratory birds, such as snipe and plover, in the Tokyo area during the mid-August to October period. These birds can grow to a large size and fly in groups, which may account for the radar echoes. A reporting officer's comment suggested that, as a matter of pure speculation, migratory birds arriving from areas with radioactive material or clouds might produce a stronger-than-expected radar echo. The report was not forwarded by electrical means due to the low evaluation of the sighting and delays in receipt. The incident was noted to be in approximately the same position as a previous contact reported on 5 August 1952.