Upstate New York: Mohawk Airlines Crew Encounters 150-Foot Elliptical at 4,000-4,800 mph
On June 23, 1955, a Mohawk Airlines captain over upstate New York spotted a 150-foot elliptical with lighted openings 500 feet above; it was then confirmed by Colonial Airlines, Albany tower, and Boston radar — speed computed at 4,000-4,800 mph.
Background
On June 23, 1955, a Mohawk Airlines captain and crew on a routine flight over upstate New York discovered an elliptical object, estimated at 150 feet long with lighted openings, 500 feet above them. Moments later it was spotted by Colonial Airlines pilots, another airliner, and control tower operators at Albany. It was also picked up by radar in Boston.
From the recorded times after the Mohawk sighting, its speed was computed as between 4,000 and 4,800 mph — far exceeding any known aircraft of the era.