US East Coast: Air Defense Command Tracks Unknown at 2,300 mph with Radar Jamming
On September 20, 1957, Air Defense Command tracked an unknown at 50,000 feet moving at a consistent 2,300 mph from Long Island to Buffalo, with radar jamming at multiple stations. The air speed record in 1957 was 1,207 mph.
Background
On September 20, 1957, Air Defense Command tracked an unknown at 50,000 feet, its speed a consistent 2,000 knots (2,300 mph) from Long Island to Buffalo, New York. (The air speed record in 1957 was 1,207 mph by a McDonnell 101A Voodoo.)
Radar jamming was reported at several locations along the way. It was unlikely to be a Soviet advanced aircraft or missile launch in a military taunt — though no specific intelligence on any Soviet activities was available. Consequently, no Intelligence Advisory Committee meeting needed to be called regarding this event.
Significance
Object tracked at nearly twice the world air speed record with active radar jamming — no interception attempted or Intelligence Advisory Committee meeting convened.