Chicopee: Air Force explains Exeter UFOs
US Air Force released explanations for Exeter sightings, attributing some to SAC exercises from Westover AFB and others to temperature inversions affecting stars. A pilot reportedly informed John Fuller of shoot-down orders against invulnerable UFOs.
Background
Official Explanation
On October 27, 1965, the US Air Force issued a press release on the sightings at Exeter, New Hampshire. Some were attributed to a Strategic Air Command (SAC) exercise out of Westover Air Force Base near Chicopee, Massachusetts. Other observations were put down to temperature inversions, which made stars and planets appear to dance and flicker.
Pilot Testimony
At the same time, the journalist John G. Fuller learned from an Air Force pilot that pilots had orders to shoot down UFOs when the opportunity arose. The objects were said to be invulnerable, however, and able to outperform any aircraft. (Source: Eberhart, UFOs and Intelligence, p. 578; Fuller, Incident at Exeter, 1966, pp. 201–202, 205–206)
Significance
The statement was aimed at the prominent Exeter incidents, which involved police officers and civilians. Despite the official interpretation, doubts persist because of the pilot's account, which suggests continuing military concern.