Background Here are the notes, as listed on the microfilm for this record, as written by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA): “Recognized requirement for night fighter aircraft prior to attack on Pearl Harbor HI. Northrop P-61 Black Widow made first flight on 26 May 1942. F-82 aircraft offered temporary solution after World War II. Northrop created F-89 in 1947; production halted on F-87. Problems with F-89 prompted transfer of F-94B aircraft from Air Training Command (ATC) to Air Defense Command (ADC). Decision to use Falcon (GAR-1) air to air missile on interceptor required modifying aircraft. F-86 aircraft converted…
Author: John Greenewald
Background The GAM-63 RASCAL is a supersonic Air-to-surface missile that was developed by the Bell Aircraft Company. The RASCAL was the United States Air Force’s first nuclear armed standoff missile. The RASCAL was initially designated the ASM-A-2, then re-designated the B-63 in 1951 and finally re-designated the GAM-63 in 1955. The name RASCAL was the acronym for RAdar SCAnning Link, the missile’s guidance system. The RASCAL project was cancelled in September 1958. Document Archive Historical Study on Aircraft and Weapon Systems Tested at the Air Force Missile Development Center [359 Pages, 84.2MB] GAM-63 Missile Development Program [39 Pages, 11.22MB] HQ USAF…
Background The Strategic Air Command (SAC) was both a Major Command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force and a “specified command” of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America’s land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) strategic nuclear arsenal from 1946 to 1992. SAC also controlled the infrastructure necessary to support the strategic bomber and ICBM operations, such as aerial refueling tanker aircraft to refuel the bombers in flight, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, command post aircraft, and, until 1957, fighter escorts. Document Archive Strategic Air Command (SAC) Histories These…
Background In this particular Project Blue Book case, witnesses describe multiple UFOs seen at Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania, on July 31, 1966. They also report indentations and even a “monster” sighting. Project Blue Book investigators determined the lights were “unidentified” but felt the indentations were unrelated and the “monster” was a probable animal. You decide. Here are the case files. Document Archive Project Blue Book Case File: Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania — July 31, 1966 [120 Pages, 47MB] Project Blue Book Case File: Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania — July 31, 1966 — Additional Photos [15 Pages, 2.5MB]…
Background Within the History of the 57th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, May – June 1950, is a UFO sighting which occurred of May 5, 1950. The witnesses were five military personnel, who all largely agreed on the description of the “phenomenon” they saw, and were from the 625th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. Although the report is not long, nor is it very detailed, it indicates that it was classified SECRET when it was chronicled in a letter dated 8 May 1950. The subject was “Report of Unusual Occurrence” and as of the writing of this page,…