Royal Australian Air Force Unusual Sightings Incidents (1960-1968)

This document is a compilation of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) records concerning the investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) between 1960 and 1968. The file contains administrative correspondence, intelligence reports, and individual sighting reports from various observers, including military personnel and civilians. The RAAF's stated policy, as outlined in correspondence from Headquarters Operational Command, is that while the investigation of UFOs is considered a 'tedious task' by some, it is necessary to determine if Australian airspace has been violated and to provide a comprehensive record to address intense public interest. The documents detail specific sighting incidents, such as those reported in Darwin in January 1968, where observers described bright lights with orange or red tails. These reports were often subjected to unit evaluations, where investigators attempted to identify the objects as aircraft, satellites, or meteorological phenomena. The file also includes correspondence with other government bodies, such as the Department of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Meteorology, to assist in identifying aerial phenomena. The RAAF emphasizes that they have no evidence of extraterrestrial visitation and that most sightings are attributable to known causes like astronomical events, aircraft, or satellite re-entries. The document also includes a 'Precis of an Address on Unidentified Flying Objects' by Mr. R.G. Roberts of the Operational Research Office, which provides a detailed overview of the RAAF's assessment methodology, noting that the vast majority of reported sightings are identified satisfactorily.