Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Cannon AFB, 6 November 1957

On 6 November 1957, at approximately 0315Z, personnel at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, observed 17 slow-moving radar targets traveling south. The targets, which were tracked for approximately nine minutes, were described as having a radar return size similar to a T-33 aircraft. The targets faded from the radar scope at a distance of 15-20 nautical miles east of the station. Weather conditions at the time were reported as low overcast with good visibility and light wind. Additionally, at 0615Z, a jet aircraft was visually sighted at 20,000 feet, and two falling meteors were observed moving south. An Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 17 December 1957, provided an analysis of the incident. Intelligence officers suggested that the slow-moving targets (60-70 mph) could potentially be explained by migratory ducks, a phenomenon previously observed on radar. However, a separate GCA (Ground Controlled Approach) radar contact involving an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) return was also noted. This specific target was tracked moving southbound from Cannon at approximately 200 mph. WADC IFF project engineers concluded that it was highly improbable for the IFF return to be anything other than an aircraft equipped with a transponder. The report notes that IFF equipment was, at the time, carried by small Army craft and Civil Air Patrol planes, which possessed speeds compatible with the 200 mph observation. The document includes a detailed list of 17 radar sightings with corresponding mileage and bearings, as well as a supplement to the Air Force Form 112 detailing the observations and the subsequent intelligence assessment.