RAF Boscombe Down: Canberra ECM test UFO encounter

Event Details In spring 1953, after noon, RAF Flight Lt. Cyril George Townsend-Withers tested new ECM radar gear in a modified English Electric Canberra jet from RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, England. The aircraft was lightened by removing parts, reaching a record 55,000 feet over Salisbury Plain.

Sighting and Pursuit Radar detected a blip 5 miles behind, maintaining pace. Initially suspecting propagation issues, the science officer visually confirmed a round shape glinting in sunlight or emitting light, trailing them. Townsend-Withers alerted the pilot; they accelerated to 260 mph and turned sharply, but the object stayed close. It appeared ahead as a thin disc with two small tailfins, metallic and huge, on collision course for 30 seconds.

Object Departure and Evidence The object suddenly flipped vertical, climbing rapidly without trail, wake, or sound, vanishing in seconds. Confirmed by radar and visual observation from military crew during official test. Sources: NICAP report; Jenny Randles articles in IUR and Fortean Times.

Significance High-altitude military encounter with radar/visual corroboration demonstrates object's maneuverability beyond known tech, nearly causing collision. Highlights early Cold War aviation risks from UAP.