Official · Document · Department of War
Military Pilot Lost Track of a Flying Object Behind a Cloud
When the object reappeared, two more emerged to its east.
In brief
A military pilot lost a small object behind a cloud. When he resumed tracking it, he noticed two additional objects to its east.
Summary
U.S. Navy Range Fouler Debrief Form documenting an 08/24/20 nighttime observation of three unidentified small air contacts over the North Arabian Sea during routine operations. The reporter, an O-3 pilot from HSM-73 flying side number 705 (Buno 168122), tracked one contact before it was obscured by a cloud, then regained contact and saw two additional unknown air contacts due east of the initial one. All three contacts appeared to maintain relative course, speed, and altitude on an apparently westerly heading. There was no ES, radar track, or IFF track on the contacts; distance and speed were unknown.
Incidents in the document
- 2020-08-24 · North Arabian Sea · Page 1
During routine operations at night (00:04:30Z), the reporter observed three possible unidentified small air contacts. Initially observed one unknown air contact and tracked it before losing sight when it went behind a cloud. When contact was regained, two additional unknown air contacts were seen due east of the location of the initial contact. All three appeared to maintain their relative course, speed, and altitude. Negative ES, radar track, and IFF track. Distance and speed of contact were unknown; precise course unknown but appeared to be on a westerly heading. No interaction took place. Mission described as SSC; not an LFE. Number of contacts in 'Group': 3. Stable trackfile: No. Tally Achieved: not checked. Wind 310 at 5; reported altitude field shows '21440' with apparent reference to 22000.