Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report
Primary source: DOE-UAP-D005_Pantex-Unidentified-Object-Incident-Report_2015.pdf Open the official Release 04 collection →
The strongest modern document in Release 04. Pantex ground-surveillance radar detected an object west of the plant, and protective-force personnel pursued it for several miles. Multiple personnel observed it, a CROWS camera tracked it for 3–5 minutes, and radar-tower video was sent to Sandia National Laboratories. The report records a roughly 10–15 mph track, no audible sound, no observed propulsion, changing direction, and conflicting colour descriptions. The cover report is dated 2 September 2015, while the narrative dates initial detection to 1 September at about 0710. It also states that the object remained over open areas, never approached sensitive assets, and was not judged threatening. The occurrence is well documented; its identity remains unresolved in this released file.
Key excerpts
“The Pantex Ground Surveillance Radar detection system identified an unknown object flying in a non-threatening manner west of Pantex facilities. (p. 2)”
“The Lt. and SPO stated that they were unable to identify any type of propulsion system on the object while using binoculars to assess the object. (p. 2)”
“At no time did the object appear to be threatening in nature nor did it come to close proximity to any sensitive assets. (p. 3)”
Alternative hypotheses
The response followed the approved UAS plan, but the released report does not identify the object as a UAS.
Consistent with the reported low speed and some shape descriptions, but not established by the released record.
The report's final status in the released material.