The Lakenheath-Bentwaters Radar Case

On the night of August 13-14, 1956, multiple radar stations and visual observers tracked unidentified objects performing impossible maneuvers over RAF Bentwaters and RAF Lakenheath in England. When a fighter was scrambled to intercept, the UFO reversed position and began following the interceptor. The Condon Report later called this case “the most puzzling and unusual” in their study.

The Night

Beginning around 9:30 PM:

• RAF Bentwaters radar detected fast-moving objects
• Visual observers confirmed the contacts
• Multiple radar systems tracked the same objects
• The objects performed impossible maneuvers

Radar Contacts

Ground radar at Bentwaters detected:

• Objects moving at 4,000+ mph
• Sudden stops from high speed
• 90-degree turns at velocity
• Multiple objects in formation

Visual Confirmation

Ground observers saw:

• A bright light moving rapidly
• The light matching radar tracks
• Maneuvers impossible for aircraft
• Multiple witnesses across both bases

RAF Lakenheath Contact

The object appeared over Lakenheath:

• Ground radar tracked it
• GCA (Ground Controlled Approach) radar confirmed
• The object stopped, hovered, then moved
• Its behavior was clearly intelligent

The Intercept

A Venom fighter was scrambled:

• The pilot obtained radar lock
• He closed on the target
• Suddenly, the UFO moved behind him
• The object was now following the fighter

The Chase Reversal

In a remarkable event:

• The UFO went from in front to behind the fighter
• It maintained position behind the aircraft
• The pilot could not shake it
• Eventually, the object departed at high speed

Multiple Radar Confirmation

The case involved:

• RAF Bentwaters radar
• RAF Lakenheath radar
• Airborne radar (the fighter)
• GCA radar systems
• All tracked the same objects

Witness Credibility

Observers were military professionals:

• Radar operators experienced with the equipment
• Pilots trained in aircraft identification
• Ground observers at secure facilities
• All reports were consistent

Official Documentation

The case was documented in:

• Project Blue Book files
• RAF reports
• US Air Force communications
• The Condon Report

Condon Report Assessment

The University of Colorado study stated:

• This was “the most puzzling and unusual case”
• The evidence was compelling
• No conventional explanation fit
• It deserved serious attention

Gordon Thayer Analysis

Air Force analyst Gordon Thayer:

• Examined the case extensively for Condon
• Ruled out weather phenomena
• Ruled out equipment malfunction
• Concluded something genuinely anomalous occurred

Significance

The Lakenheath-Bentwaters case is significant for:

• Multiple radar confirmation
• Visual and radar agreement
• Fighter intercept and reversal
• Professional military witnesses
• Condon Report recognition
• International cooperation (US/UK)

Legacy

This case represents the gold standard for radar-visual UFO cases. Multiple independent radar systems, visual observers, and a fighter pilot all tracked the same object performing impossible maneuvers. Even the skeptical Condon Report acknowledged its significance.