Project 10073 Record Card — 3 December 1957, New River, Tennessee

This document details a radar sighting incident that occurred on 3 December 1957, near Clinton, Tennessee. The report, filed by the 663rd ACW Squadron, describes a single object observed on an HRI (Height Range Indicator) scope for a duration of 22 minutes. The object was described as having a 'size of a quarter' and a radar return similar to an aircraft, which eventually descended and disappeared into ground clutter. The observers, including radar operators and a crew chief, were noted as being well-qualified. The weather conditions at the time were reported as intermittent rain turning into snow flurries. Subsequent analysis by the Air Sciences Division (AFCIN-4E4) and other military officials concluded that the sighting was likely a weather-related phenomenon. Specifically, it was suggested that radar reflections from clouds or a storm center caused the blips. The report notes that the equipment used (AN/PPS-6) was likely more susceptible to weather phenomena than L-band equipment, which failed to detect the object. The file includes a record card, a disposition form requesting analysis, and a formal Air Intelligence Information Report.