Air Intelligence Information Report: FLYOBRT - 20 April 1953

This report details a series of radar sightings recorded by the 665th AC&W Squadron in Calumet, Michigan, on 20 April 1953. Between 0118Z and 0215Z, radar operators observed several unidentified targets on their AN/FPS-3 search radar. The targets originated approximately 50 miles from the station and moved in a clockwise arc from 050 degrees to 251 degrees. The recorded speeds for these targets ranged from 1,800 mph to 8,400 mph. Despite the high speeds, the targets appeared as normal, sharp, and consistent radar returns, and no abrupt maneuvers were observed. The weather conditions at the time included snow, overcast skies, and three miles of visibility, with the Northern Lights noted as clearly visible. Technical personnel, including Captain James W. Doran and radar observers Billy F. Conway and Richard G. Hetrick, evaluated the data and concluded that the targets were likely the result of electronic radar interference, possibly originating from shipborne radar on Lake Superior. No visual observations were made, no photographs were taken, and no interception was attempted as no fighters were assigned to the squadron. The report was prepared by Captain Russell H. Kline, who was commended for his thorough documentation, which assisted Project Blue Book in its investigation. The document includes detailed track logs and radar observation data sheets, confirming that the phenomenon was limited to radar scope observations.