38_143685_box_Incident_Summaries_101-172

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Incident # 171 Cont'd

About Sunset on 3 Aug 1945, about 25 kilometers (20miles) northwest of Moscow an experienced American newspaper reporter saw an unidentified object at very high altitude. It was long and narrow and proceeded at a high but not excessive speed in a generally south-west- northeast direction. It showed very brightly probably from reflected sunlight. No wings could be seen and no sound was heard. It looked like a rigid airship and was so identified by a Russian acquaintance who saw it at the same time. However, the reporter, in spite of the appearance of the object was of the opinion that it was not a rigid airship due principally to its high speed. He had no theory to offer.

NA COMMENT: This object might have been anything. Its speed seems insufficient for a guided missile, but it could have been either a jet or a conventional airplane as unusual light conditions and fore-shortening frequently give aircraft a freakish appearance. The possibility that it was a dirigible should not be excluded. Reference "A" should not be excluded.

REFERENCE A: The upper winds in Russia are not published but it was noted that on the following morning there were high surface winds with storm predictions.

7-56189 Incident # 171