Project 10073 Record: FAA Radar Phenomena, Andersen AFB, Guam

This document is a collection of records and correspondence regarding a series of unidentified radar beacon returns observed near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, between October 1965 and June 1966. The reports indicate that radar beacon returns, which lacked a known or identifiable source, were frequently detected by FAA controllers using FPS-20 surveillance radar. These returns typically appeared 50 to 70 miles northwest of the base, remained on the scope for an average of ten minutes, and displayed IFF mode three codes. Despite numerous intercept attempts by aircraft, including a C-97 and a C-130, no visual contact was ever made, although pilots reported that the targets were always associated with clouds. The Foreign Technology Division (FTD) evaluated the data and concluded that the returns were false targets. Their analysis suggested that the phenomena were likely caused by multiple range returns, atmospheric ducting, or electrical interference, explicitly stating that material solid targets were not involved. The presence of a Soviet trawler, the Izmeritel, in the area was noted but dismissed as a cause for the radar returns. The investigation concluded that no physical evidence existed and that the phenomena remained unexplained by conventional means at the time of the report.