PROJECT 1947

1.   Time Sighted:  08:42 zonal time

Length of time sighted:  four (4) minutes

Date of sighting:  6 June 1952

2.   A brief description of sighted object or objects:

Shape:  Round (similar to a coin)

Size:  Estimated 50 to 60 feet in diameter.

Color:  Silver without any decided reflection of light.

Number of Objects:  One.

Trail or exhaust:  None observed.

Propulsion System:  None observed„

Estimated speed:  300 knots.

Aerodynamic features:  Round and flat with clear cut edges.  It appeared to be seven times as long as it was thick.  The color of the edges was dark blue (twice as dark as sky color), and the top and bottom was silver (dull enough not to reflect any considerable amount of light).  On the large surface, which appeared to be the top, several evenly spaced concentric dark or black lines were observed.  From this observation the spinning in a clockwise direction was determined (see sketch number one).

Any unusual maneuvers:  The object was reported proceeding on a course of approximately 140 degrees, estimated speed of 300 knots, alternately revolving 360 degrees in seven (7) seconds and then proceeding on a spinning course for approximately twelve (12) seconds.  This action was observed for approximately three (3) minutes while object approached the field increasing about one half again in size at the point where it paused momentarily.  It then climbed straight up for six (6) seconds decreasing one half in size, paused again, picked up a 60 degree heading and began to proceed on a straight course alternately spinning and tumbling in the same manner as before.  The object stayed on this course for 40 seconds stopped and then disappeared into the sun.  This object was first noticed when the observer saw two F-86’s making a let down into the field on a similar heading of 140 degrees and an altitude of 1500 feet.  At one point during this observation the flying object and an F-86 were in the same line of sight giving the observer an opportunity to make a comparison (see sketch number 2).  The F-86 was traveling at a faster rate of speed than the object.  Sketch number 3 is an illustration of the objects actions.  A few seconds later the object was again observed by the original observer and an additional person, flying back and forth just below the position of the sun and traveling an almost equal distance to either side of it.  (see sketch number four)  The object was seen to pause for approximately five (5) seconds at point A, flew rapidly for three (3) seconds to point B, paused for approximately seven (7) seconds then moved to point C, paused again momentarily and flew rapidly for approximately three (3) seconds to point D and then disappeared.  The second observation lasted for an estimated 30 seconds.

Formation if more than one:  Negative.

3.   Manner of Observation:  Visual or electronic:  Visual

From air or surface:  Surface

Course:  Not app  Altitude:  not app  Type of reporting Aircraft: Not app.

Any type of optical or electronic equipment used should be described:  None

If radar, the type and whether it was functioning normally before and after the incident:  None

Location of observer during the sighting:  K-14 Kimpo Air Field, Korea

Location of object relative to observer, giving distance:  Unknown

Direction:  Heading of 140 degree to 50 degree Altitude:  Unknown

Statement of Flight Sergeant Kenneth Dudley Smith, 77th RAAF Squadron - K-14.

I, Flight Sgt. K. D. Smith, witnessed the following event at 0842 hours on 6 June 1952 at Kimpo Airfield, Korea.

An object, first thought to be a piece of paper or a bird, approached the airfield from the North.  It was a silver metal disk shaped like a coin which was spinning clockwise as it approached me.  It then began to tumble end over end continuing to spin like a large top.  I judged it to be approximately 50 to 60 feet in diameter.  I based this on an estimated altitude of 8 to 10 thousand feet and the comparison made to the F-86 flying over the field.  When first observed it was estimated to be moving at 300 knots against the wind.  The object traversed three fourths the airfield, stopped momentarily, then shot straight up, stopped again and changed course 90 degrees to the east.  When it reached what I estimate to be 35 to 40 thousand feet it started on the easterly course tumbling in the same manner as before.  At one point on this course it paused, changed direction to the South east and disappeared into the sun.  I again observed this object a few seconds later flying at a rapid rate of speed back and forth in front of the sun.  Another member of my organization, Flight Sgt. Kenneth Fawner, also observed the objects actions at the time of the second sighting.  This observation lasted only 30 seconds.

/s/t/ Kenneth Dudley Smith
  Flight Sgt.           

Identifying information on observer and witnesses, estimate of reliability and experience and any factor bearing on the estimated reliability of the sighting: Sgt Pilot K.D. Smith performs the duties of a combat pilot in this theater.  He has a total of 122 missions, no technical background other than pilot training, two and one half years in military service, and has been in this theater for three and one half months.  He was positive in his statements and has good judgment of time.

Weather and wind condition at time of sighting:  clear with visibility unlimited.

If sighting was by electronic methods a statement whether any attempt to visually sight the object was made:  Negative

Any activity or conditions meteorological or other wise which might account for the sighting:  None

Comments of Reporting Officer:    

All items included in this report are self explanatory.

D/I FEAF COMMENT:

No further information is available on this reported sighting.