Sighting of Unconventional Aircraft — Albuquerque, New Mexico, 7 June 1952

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 16 June 1952, documents a sighting of an unconventional aircraft by the pilot and co-pilot of an Air Force B-25 aircraft. The incident occurred on 7 June 1952 at 1118 hours (MST), approximately 25 miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The witnesses observed a single object that crossed the flight path of their aircraft, moving from a position at approximately 2 o'clock relative to the nose to a position at 4 o'clock, where it was eventually obscured by the right wing of the B-25. The object was described as rectangular in shape, with estimated dimensions of 6 feet by 4 feet, and appeared to be of metallic construction, possibly aluminum. The trajectory was described as flat or slightly diving, and the object was estimated to be at an altitude of 11,000 feet, passing within 250 to 300 feet of the B-25. The observation was made visually without the assistance of optical or electronic equipment. The report notes that weather conditions were clear with 40-mile visibility, and there were no weather phenomena to account for the sighting. Kirtland Airways in Albuquerque confirmed that no weather balloons had been released by the Air Force Base or the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) since approximately 0800 hours that morning. The report concludes that the object could not be identified as to its size, shape, or color, and notes that no physical evidence or photographs were available. Interception or identification action was not taken. The document was prepared by 1st Lt. Robert E. Kruse of the Wing Intelligence Office, 3525th Pilot Training Wing, Williams AFB, Arizona.