53-1 — 1953-08-17 — South-Central France (approximately 4715N/0030E), 36,500 fee

On 17 August 1953 at approximately 1830Z, two F-86G pilots of the 55th Fighter Bomber Squadron en route from Rome, Italy to Wethersfield RAF Station UK observed a brilliant white spherical object at nine o'clock high over South-Central France (4715N/0030E) at cruising altitude 36,500 feet, magnetic heading 320 degrees. Both pilots altered flight path for closer look at 100% RPM and .82 mach, approaching at heading 20 degrees. Six minutes later they passed under the object. Sky clear, visibility unlimited. Wing intelligence noted several prohibited areas in vicinity and considered experimentation possible.

extracted via: llm_subagent_v1