Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Sighting Report — Palmdash;Palmdale, California, 28 September 1953

This document is a military report, specifically a cable (JUPOL 16) dated September 30, 1953, from the Commander of the 354th Fighter Interceptor Squadron to the Director of Intelligence at HQ USAF. It details an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sighting that occurred on September 28, 1953, near Palmdale, California. According to the report, an unidentified object was detected on the radar scope of an F-94C aircraft for approximately 15 seconds. The object was traveling on a 60-degree course at an estimated speed of 500 to 600 knots at an altitude of 21,000 feet. The radar operator attempted to track the object by switching from automatic search to hand control, but the object disappeared from the maximum range limits. The report notes that the object's speed and flight characteristics precluded an attempted interception. A second observation is mentioned, involving a radar observer in another F-94C who saw an object for six seconds at 1900 PST. This object was also described as round and orange in color, maintaining a constant speed and an unwavering flight path. The report explicitly states that no trail or exhaust was detected, and the object disappeared without noticeable acceleration, though it did exhibit a diminishing altitude. The weather conditions were described as clear with a slight haze at low levels. The official conclusion provided in the document is that the duration of the observation was too short to form a definitive opinion. The document is marked as unclassified and includes instructions for downgrading and declassification after 12 years, in accordance with DOD Directive 5200.10.