Virginia Beach: F/A-18 Radar Detection of Unidentified Aircraft

Incident Details On March 26, 2014, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106, the "Gladiators") operating from Naval Air Station Oceana detected a radar contact in the W-72 warning area. The target appeared at roughly 19,000 feet with a velocity of 0.1 Mach.

Technical Observations The pilot's wingman could not confirm the radar track, raising questions about whether it represented a genuine contact or instrument error, particularly given wind gusts exceeding 100 knots at 18,000 feet. According to the incident report, the unknown object appeared small—approximately suitcase-sized—and displayed a silver coloration. The pilot maneuvered to within 1,000 feet but achieved no visual confirmation.

Operational Significance The squadron commander noted heightened collision risk, stating concern about potential mid-air encounters. Reports indicated multiple unidentified aerial system sightings had occurred in recent months within the region. The upgraded radar systems, combined with infrared targeting cameras, enabled detection capabilities previously unavailable.