Dept. of DefenseUnresolved
Radar interference of unknown origin near Guam — 514th Reconnaissance Squadron
May 2, 1949Guam area, Pacific Ocean
Analysis — our summary
On May 2, 1949, an experienced radar operator aboard RB-29 aircraft #45-21824 of the 514th Reconnaissance Squadron observed anomalous interference on the radar scope near Guam. The interference appeared as regular range markers approximately 10 miles apart, covering only the area around Guam and approximately 5 degrees on either side. The operator did not believe it was intentional jamming. Post-flight equipment check revealed no malfunction.
As reported — verbatim from the document
“Some type of interference was noticed on the scope. It came in in the same form as a regular range marker except that the pulses were approximately ten (10) miles apart... I don't believe that what was picked up on this flight was intentional jamming.”
Analyst notes — caveats & confidence
Radar-only contact; no visual sighting. Equipment checked post-flight with no malfunction found. Scope diagram was included with original report. Operator described as 'most experienced' and 'very proficient.' Cause unknown.
Provenance
Source document342_HS1-416511228_box186_319.1-Flying-Discs-1949.pdf
Document typeadministrative correspondence
Reporting agencyDept. of Defense
Source pages143
DeclassifiedFirst public at this release (2026)
Held classified~77 years (≥, to this release)
Extraction confidence ModerateHow cleanly this record could be parsed from the source — driven by legibility & redaction. It is not a measure of how credible or anomalous the sighting is.