IR-1-59 — 1959-01-12 — Over Ping Tung area, Taiwan (21 NM 210 degrees from Sugar Qu

Lt Col H. A. Langstaff Jr., USMC Operations Officer, observed the object from F4D-1 aircraft (VF-14) at 31,000 feet, 250 degrees heading, 0.9 Mach during dusk-to-night transition on 12 January 1959. Object appeared above the horizon at 250 degrees from Ping Tung, dead ahead. Observer was unable to close on object at 0.9 Mach at 33,000 feet; maneuvered to place object above and below horizon, confirming definite shape and position relative to background. Object below horizon at 36 NM, on horizon at 33 NM, above horizon at 31 NM. APQ-50 radar in aircraft (painting ground and other aircraft) reported no contact; GCI radar at Makung (FPS-8 and FPS-6) also no contact. Faded from sight after 30 minutes.

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