The Bentwaters-Lakenheath Incident

On August 13, 1956, UFOs were tracked on radar at two RAF bases in Suffolk, England. Fighter jets were scrambled to intercept objects that demonstrated intelligent evasion tactics and speeds far beyond any known aircraft.

The Bases

RAF Bentwaters and Lakenheath:

• US Air Force operated
• Suffolk, England
• NATO installations
• Advanced radar
• Fighter jets available

The Night

August 13, 1956:

• Multiple radar contacts
• Both bases tracking
• Independent confirmation
• Objects at high speed
• Scramble ordered

Radar Tracking

Controllers observed:

• Objects at 4,000 mph
• Stop instantly
• Reverse direction
• Hover
• Impossible maneuvers

The Intercept

Venom fighter scrambled:

• Pilot acquired target
• Radar lock
• Object evaded
• Got behind the fighter
• Followed him

The Pursuit

Remarkable reversal:

• UFO pursued the fighter
• For miles
• Then disengaged
• Disappeared
• Terrifying for pilot

Second Fighter

Another Venom:

• Also scrambled
• Had mechanical issues
• Returned to base
• Single intercept attempt
• Unsuccessful

Condon Committee

1968 review:

• Examined case
• Found “highly unusual”
• Could not explain
• Legitimate unknown
• Significant conclusion

Dr. James McDonald

Atmospheric physicist:

• Investigated case
• Called it significant
• Well-documented
• Multiple witnesses
• Radar evidence

The Documentation

Extensive records:

• RAF reports
• Radar data
• Pilot debriefings
• Official files
• Well-preserved

Significance

One of the best-documented radar/visual cases with fighter jet intercept attempt and intelligent evasion.

Legacy

The 1956 Bentwaters-Lakenheath case remains significant for the radar tracking from two bases, fighter intercept, and apparent intelligent behavior of the objects.