Publisher's Synopsis
Because of the unusual nature that the object exhibits on the radar screens, Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) headquarters sends a technician to the White Sands Proving Ground (WSPG) in an effort to confirm consistency in readings between sites and locations. Lack of the correct clearance denies the technician total access to high levels of the WSPG radar grid. But what he does observe (and overhear among proving ground staff) is that their readings are similar to that of RAAF readings. The object continues to go in-and-out of the WSPG radar detection system several times during a 24 hour period and in each instance (as had been observed on the previous occasions) always appearing to defy convention by exhibiting high speeds and non aircraft-like maneuvering. Checks between sites continue to substantiate no malfunction that would cause a similar return echo or radar imaging if the object being tracked was not "real." However, no visual sightings occur, nor are any reported by base or ground personnel. With no change over 24 hours and the fact that there are NO inconsistencies, the technician is ordered back to Roswell. It is presumed the WSPG radar array continues tracking the object. In 1947, the radar equipment used at White Sands was said to be composed of SCR-584 mobile units "modified and of an experimental nature" (read: secret) built into a K-78 trailer with a gross weight is 10 tons. The overall length 19.5 feet, width 8 feet, height 10 feet, 4 inches. Although at the proving grounds they were not intended to be moved, the unit was well capable of being moved or relocated quickly if special circumstances required it. As to the power, capabilities and efficiency of the SRC-584, on Oct. 14, 1947, it should be noted a SRC-584 was used to track Chuck Yeager in his record breaking supersonic flight of the Bell X-1 over Muroc Dry Lake as he accelerated to a speed of Mach 1.06 at an altitude of 42,000 feet. As to the question if radar equipment was available and being used at RAAF on the nights in question, it is not clear. Official memos state that there was a lack of ground radar equipment convenient to Eighth Air Force Bases which are located at Fort Worth, Texas, Tucson, Arizona, and Roswell, New Mexico. However, there is a big difference between "lack of" "convenient" and none at all which opens the door to the possibility of radar capability not only at RAAF but from such sources as at the White Sands Proving Grounds.
