PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD — Sighting of 26 July 1955

On July 26, 1955, at 2134Z, the pilot of a B-47 aircraft, identified as 'Safeway 43', reported a visual sighting of an unidentified flying object while flying over Kansas City, Kansas. The pilot described the object as round and white, exhibiting no sound, contrails, or exhaust. According to the pilot, the object was positioned approximately 30,000 feet above his own altitude of 36,000 feet, placing the object at an estimated altitude of 66,000 feet. The pilot further estimated the object's speed to be 800 knots faster than his own, which was already traveling at a speed greater than 500 knots. The object was observed heading southwest on a reciprocal course to the B-47. The duration of the visual contact was approximately one minute. The 796th ACWRON at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, reported that electronic contact with the object could not be established by their station. Light conditions at the time of the sighting were described as excellent. Following the initial report, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) initiated an investigation. An ATIC Form 164 was sent to the pilot to gather further information. Additionally, a check was performed with the COC Weather regarding potential balloon activity in the area and wind conditions at the time of the sighting, both of which yielded negative results. The project record card for this incident, filed under Project 10073, lists the conclusion as a 'possible balloon observation,' though the index card notes that the headquarters would await the return of the Form 164 from the source before finalizing conclusions.