Montauk, NY: Supersonic UFOs trigger NORAD alert
On September 20, 1957, NORAD radar at Montauk detected supersonic objects speeding over the Atlantic toward SAC headquarters, prompting a national defense alert, jet interceptions, and high-level government meetings. The objects responded to IFF signals, evaded pursuit, and vanished, leading to White House briefings.
Background
Initial Detection and Alarm
On September 20, 1957 at 15:05, NORAD radar at Montauk, New York, reported between one and three extremely fast objects over the Atlantic. Over 30 minutes these varied in speed between 800 and 12,000 mph and in altitude between 50,000 and 135,000 feet. One object headed directly toward the SAC headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, which was assessed as a threat to US nuclear forces.
Military Response
At 15:10, two F-102 jets took off from Kinross AFB (today Chippewa County International Airport) south of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, followed later by further aircraft from Truax AFB northeast of Madison, Wisconsin. At 15:24 a further object joined 150 miles behind, passing over Ontario, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. Interception attempts failed because of the extreme speeds and altitudes.
Technical Evidence and Reactions
The objects answered IFF interrogations by radio on varying frequencies, which corroborated the radar data and appeared to rule out a malfunction. SAC went to its highest alert level and reportedly launched bombers toward the Soviet Union, but the alert ended when the targets disappeared. NORAD triggered a White House alert; CIA and USAF intelligence officials and the Intelligence Advisory Committee convened. Herbert Scoville Jr., the CIA's chief scientist, speculated about a Soviet cruise missile, which did not in fact exist. President Eisenhower was briefed several times. A year later, NORAD found no radar interference that would account for the IFF responses.
Significance
The case is notable for combining radar, IFF, and interception data with a high level of escalation and an absence of explanation.