Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Eglin AFB, Florida, 15 April 1957

On 15 April 1957, at approximately 1800Z, two Philco technical representatives from the 3201st Communications Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, observed an unidentified object while returning to the base. The witnesses initially perceived the object as a drag parachute trailing a B-47 aircraft. However, as the B-47 continued its approach, the observers realized the object was at a much greater distance than the aircraft. The object was described as an elliptical, egg-shaped, dull drab aluminum-colored entity with little reflectivity. It appeared stationary at first, then began to move erratically, eventually accelerating to an estimated speed of at least Mach 2 or 3. The maneuver was described as resembling the pull-up of a supersonic aircraft from level flight, following an arc similar to a sweeping searchlight. The observation lasted for fifteen seconds. The weather conditions at the time were reported as clear with unlimited visibility. The official conclusion reached by the Air Proving Ground Command was that the sighting was an optical phenomenon associated with turbulence following the B-47 aircraft. The report notes that the object was definitely following or associated with the aircraft. The investigating officer, 1st Lt Richard H. Lane, characterized the witnesses as mature, sincere, and reliable individuals familiar with Air Force operations. Despite this, the report concludes that the sighting is not of any particular significance due to the brief duration of the event.