Air Intelligence Information Report — Raimer, Alabama, 16 February 1953

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 18 February 1953, details a sighting of an unidentified aerial object that occurred on 16 February 1953 near Raimer, Alabama. Two civilian witnesses observed the object while watching a B-47 aircraft in flight. The witnesses described the object as metallic and noiseless, noting that it appeared round from one angle and flat from another, with a shape resembling delta or swept-back wings. The object reportedly performed maneuvers described as climbing, diving, and executing sharp turns, while maintaining a speed estimated at three times that of the B-47. The witnesses stated the object left no vapor trails and showed no visible signs of propulsion. The sighting lasted approximately 20 minutes. The report includes data from the Maxwell Weather Station and the Maxwell Radio Range, which confirmed the presence of a B-47 in the area at 35,000 feet. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) evaluated the report and concluded that the observers, who were untrained in aircraft spotting, likely witnessed a fighter-type aircraft, possibly an F-86, maneuvering in the vicinity of scattered clouds located at 20,000 feet. The report suggests that the distance and the nature of the observation made the aircraft difficult to identify correctly. The document is marked as unclassified and includes standard downgrading instructions.