Air Intelligence Information Report — Sighting of Unidentified Flying Object, South-Central France, 17 August 1953

On 17 August 1953, at approximately 1830Z, two pilots from the 55th Fighter Bomber Squadron, Captain Walter G. Center and 1st Lt. Thomas N. Cairney, were flying a routine navigational proficiency flight from Ciampino Airfield, Rome, to Wethersfield RAF Station, England. While over South-Central France at an approximate position of 4715N/0430E, the pilots observed a brilliant, shining white, round or spherical object at an altitude of 36,500 feet. The object appeared to be stationary. Seeking a closer look, the pilots altered their flight path and increased their power setting to 100% rpm, approaching the object at a maximum indicated airspeed of .82 mach. Six minutes later, they passed under the object at 40,000 feet. Based on their speed and the time elapsed, they estimated the object was approximately 50 miles distant at the time of the initial sighting. By the rate of horizontal closure, they estimated the object was at an altitude of 55,000 to 60,000 feet and measured 75 to 100 feet in diameter. The pilots performed three 360-degree circles under the object, climbing to 43,000 feet. They reported no change in the object's appearance from any point of observation. On their final pass under the object at 45,000 feet, the glowing white light, described as slightly less intense than a magnesium flare or arc welding light, appeared to separate into two lights of equal size and brilliance. The total duration of the observation was approximately 15 minutes, at which point the pilots were forced to depart due to a shortage of fuel. The report notes that sky conditions were clear with unlimited visibility and no unusual weather conditions prevailed. An inspection of flight charts for the location revealed several prohibited areas in the vicinity of the sighting, leading to the conclusion that the pilots likely observed experimentation taking place in those areas. The official conclusion provided in the report is that the object was a balloon.