U.S. Air Force Analysis of Flying Objects in the United States, 101-172

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About Sunset on 3 Aug 48, about 25 kilometers (20 miles) 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 shone 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 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.

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