Letter of Transmittal: Project 10073 Record Card and Equipment Analysis

This document details the recovery and identification of an object found by a civilian in Russellville, Alabama, on 25 December 1958. The object, described as a white cardboard box measuring 7"x16"x7" and lined with white porous plastic, was found attached to a balloon approximately 25 to 30 feet in diameter. The box contained two dry cell batteries, chemical batteries, two tubes, and solar batteries, and was marked with the words 'Activator for Transistor'. The item was initially reported to the 4228th Strategic Wing (SAC) at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, by a civilian witness. Following a request from the Intelligence Division of the 4228th Strategic Wing, the object was turned over to the National Guard for forwarding to the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Subsequent investigation by the Air Force identified the device as equipment utilized in an unclassified joint Army and Air Force project known as 'New Product' and 'Stop Light'. The project involved launching such equipment from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to track missiles using acoustic methods. The document includes a record card for Project 10073 and correspondence confirming the identification of the device, noting that the batteries were constructed to generate voltage for the acoustic circuit. The classification of the document was eventually cancelled under AFR 205-10.