The RB-47 Electronic Intelligence Encounter

On July 17, 1957, a U.S. Air Force RB-47 electronic intelligence aircraft was paced by an unidentified object for over an hour across four states. The object was simultaneously detected on the aircraft’s electronic sensors, ground radar, and observed visually.

The Aircraft

The RB-47 was a reconnaissance variant of the B-47 bomber, equipped with sophisticated electronic countermeasures equipment designed to detect and analyze enemy radar. The crew was trained in electronic warfare.

The Encounter

As the aircraft flew from Mississippi to Oklahoma, an object appeared on their ECM equipment, showing characteristics of a radar signal. Ground radar simultaneously tracked the object. Crew members observed a brilliant light that paced the aircraft.

The Chase

The pilot attempted to close with the object, but it maintained distance. When the RB-47 turned away, the object followed. It would blink out and reappear, always detected on multiple systems simultaneously.

The Evidence

The case is remarkable for the triple confirmation: electronic detection by the aircraft’s sophisticated equipment, ground radar tracking, and visual observation by trained crew. All three sources agreed on the object’s position and movements.

Assessment

The RB-47 case is considered one of the most credible military UFO encounters. The multiple forms of confirmation, the duration of the encounter, and the expertise of the witnesses make it impossible to dismiss as misidentification.