Burlington Vermont Airport: Radar Tracks Three Objects Merging at 1,500 MPH
At Burlington International Airport in Vermont, airport radar tracked three small objects joining with a larger object, then separating. Speeds of up to 1,500 mph were recorded. Observers described them as very bright lights 'unlike anything I had ever seen before' according to an air traffic controller. Recorded by MUFON.
Background
EVENT TITLE: Burlington Vermont Airport: Radar Tracks Three Objects Merging at 1,500 MPH
EVENT DATE: 1980-03-22
EVENT TYPE: sighting
At Burlington International Airport in Vermont on March 22, 1980, airport radar tracked multiple unidentified objects exhibiting unusual behavior. The objects, described as very bright lights, were observed merging and separating at high speeds.
The Incident
On March 22, 1980, radar at Burlington International Airport tracked three small objects. These objects were observed joining with a larger object. The objects then separated, and disappeared to the east. Radar recorded speeds of up to 1,500 mph. Observers, including an air traffic controller, described the objects as very bright lights, "unlike anything I had ever seen before."
Investigation
The case was recorded by MUFON. MUFON was one of only two American UFO groups doing significant work at the time, the other being APRO. NICAP had disbanded in 1980. CUFOS was experiencing difficulties during this period.
Significance
The Burlington International Airport incident is significant as a documented radar tracking of objects exhibiting anomalous flight characteristics. The high speeds and merging/separating behavior of the objects are difficult to explain with conventional aircraft. The event occurred during a period when established UFO research organizations were undergoing transitions, highlighting the evolving landscape of ufological investigation.