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US Air Attache, Prague / USAF Directorate of Intelligence SECRET

Observations of Traveller in USSR (Air Intelligence Information Report IR 193-55)

Date 4 October 1955
Location Trans Caucasus region, USSR
Type air intelligence information report
Pages 10

Air Intelligence report documenting eyewitness accounts by Senator Richard Russell and Lt. Col. E.U. Hathaway who, while traveling by rail in the Soviet Union, observed two round unconventional disc-shaped aircraft ascending vertically near searchlights. The report rates the sighting as credible and notes it lends remarkable credence to the USAF 'Unidentified Flying Objects' project.

Senator RussellUSSRflying discTrans CaucasusUSAIRA Prague
Analysis

Swedish Air Intelligence concluded in 1948 that flying saucer phenomena were "obviously the result of a high technical skill which cannot be credited to any presently known culture on earth." USAFE's response: they were "inclined not to discredit entirely this somewhat spectacular theory." That assessment -- Top Secret at the time -- anchors this collection of European intelligence from October-November 1948. The supporting evidence: a flying saucer hovered over Neubiberg Air Base for 30 minutes; three "highly reliable" U.S. observers watched an unconventional aircraft in the Trans-Caucasus region of the USSR; a Swedish technical expert saw an object crash into a lake near his home, and naval divers found a previously uncharted crater on the lake floor; and an unidentified jet off the coast of Holland demonstrated "tremendous reserve power" beyond anything flying in 1948.

Key Findings
  • Swedish Air Intelligence concluded flying saucer phenomena are "result of a high technical skill which cannot be credited to any presently known culture on earth"
  • Swedish intelligence assumed objects "originate from some previously unknown or unidentified technology, possibly outside the earth"
  • USAFE stated they were "inclined not to discredit entirely this somewhat spectacular theory"
  • A flying saucer hovered over Neubiberg Air Base for approximately 30 minutes
  • A Swedish technical expert observed an object crash/land in a lake; naval divers found a previously uncharted crater on the lake floor
  • Three highly reliable US observers saw an unconventional aircraft in the Trans-Caucasus region of USSR on October 12, 1958 — described as a "genuine flying saucer or flying disc"
  • Unidentified jet aircraft off Holland coast showed "tremendous reserve power" beyond 1947-era jets, possibly using rocket assists
  • Soviets ordered procurement of radar tubes "in large quantities regardless of costs"
Page Extractions 10 pages

Page 1

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statushas_content
doc_typeform
classificationDECLASSIFIED (Authority: NND 857013)
page_descriptionCover sheet or title page showing declassification authority and reference numbers 5-2500 and 9-544.
redactions
  • Top center of page | "SECRET" marking redacted/declassified
  • Lower center of page | "SECRET" marking redacted/declassified
notes
  • Page contains primarily classification markings and reference numbers
  • "DECLASSIFIED" stamp visible in top right with Authority NND 857013
  • Reference numbers: 5-2500, 9-544
  • Page footer contains partial text starting with "NW 3497" and "DECLASSIFIED Under Durations"

Page 2

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (declassified)
page_descriptionAir Intelligence Information Report (AF Form 112) documenting an eyewitness account of an unconventional aircraft sighting in the Trans-Caucasus region of the USSR.
dates
  • 1958-10-04 | Activity reported
  • 1958-10-13 | Date of collection
  • 1958-10-14 | Date of report
  • 1958-10-12 | Time of sightings (1910 hours on this date)
  • 1958-10-13 | Observations given to USAIRA in Prague
people
  • LT. COL. THOMAS S. RYAN | Preparing Individual, Lt. Col., Air Attaché | USAF
  • LT. COL. B.V. HATHAWAY | Source description | USAF
  • THOMAS S. RYAN | Signature | USAF Air Attaché
organizations
  • USAIR | US Air Intelligence
  • USAIRA | US Air Intelligence agency
  • USAF | United States Air Force
  • USSR | Soviet Union
locations
  • Trans-Caucasus region | USSR | Sighting location
  • ATIVAN | Town name mentioned in report
  • ANZIHAURL | Town name mentioned in report
  • Prague | Where observations were reported to USAIRA
observations
  • Eye witness account of the ascent and flight of an unconventional aircraft in the Trans-Caucasus region of USSR
  • Aircraft reported by three highly reliable United States observers traveling by rail at the time of sighting
  • Three observers firmly convinced they saw a genuine flying saucer or flying disc
  • Two sightings occurred at 1910 hours on 12 Oct 58 between ATIVAN and ANZIHAURL, ten minutes by rail after departing ATIVAN
  • One disc aircraft ascended almost vertically at relatively slow speed with outer surface revolving slowly to the right
  • Aircraft reached altitude of about 6000 feet where speed then increased sharply heading north
  • Second flying disc seen performing same actions about one minute later
  • Take-off area about 1-2 miles south of rail line where two searchlight beams were seen pointing up almost vertically
  • All other observations given to USAIRA in Prague by three visitors, 12-13 Oct 58
assessmentsThe significance of this report to the USAF project "Unidentified Flying Objects" is remarkable and lends credence to many "saucer" reports | THOMAS S. RYAN, LT. COL., Air Attaché
references
  • USAIRA cables (TS) C-103 dtd 13 OCT 58 | Referenced reports
  • Part II of USAIRA observations | Additional information
  • AF Form 112 | Report form used
redactions
  • Top right margin | Partially redacted classification marking
  • Bottom of page | Classification and distribution markings redacted/obscured
quotes
  • "This report contains an eye witness account of the ascent and flight of an unconventional aircraft in the Trans-Caucasus region of the USSR." | Document body
  • "The three observers were firmly convinced that they saw a genuine flying saucer or flying disc." | Document body
  • "The significance of this report to the USAF project 'Unidentified Flying Objects' is remarkable and lends credence to many 'saucer' reports." | THOMAS S. RYAN, LT. COL., Air Attaché

Page 3

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (WOFORC)
page_descriptionSupplement to AF Form 112 containing detailed cable traffic (classified Top Secret) regarding USAIRA observations and narrative account of Senator Russell's report on sighting observations.
dates
  • 1958-10-13 | Date of cable from USAIRA to DINTA, WASH. DC
  • 1958-10-12 | Observation date at 1910 hours between ATIVAN and ANZIHAURL
  • 1958-10-12 | Two round aircraft encounters at Dnepropetrovsk
  • 1958-10-13 | Third observation at Dnepropetrovsk Airfield (Hataway reported)
  • 1955-10-12 | Date of observations (Sen. Russell account)
  • 1955 | Context of Sen. Russell's visit to Russia (arrived in 1955)
people
  • LT. COL. B.U. HATHAWAY | Army staff officer, assigned to Senate Armed Forces Committee | U.S. Army
  • SEN. RUSSELL | Senator who made observations during rail journey through Russia | U.S. Senate
  • T.S. RYAN | Signature on cable | USAF
  • HARDIN VEDDER | Acting Chief of Mission | U.S. State Department
  • RUBEN EFRON | Committee Consultant | U.S. Senate Armed Forces Committee
organizations
  • USAIR ATTACHE | U.S. Air Intelligence
  • USAIRA | U.S. Air Intelligence agency in Prague
  • USAF | United States Air Force
  • US Army | U.S. military
  • US Senate Armed Forces Committee | U.S. legislative body
  • US Residency | U.S. embassy location
  • COD | Control operation designation (Russian)
  • ICR | Gauge switching operation (Russian terminology)
  • Hq. USAF | Air Force Headquarters
locations
  • DINTA, WASH. DC. NOFORN | Message distribution location
  • Dnepropetrovsk Airfield | Hataway report location
  • Baku | Railway location mentioned
  • Kiev | Rail route origin
  • Czechoslovakia | Transit location
  • Russian border | Geographic reference
  • Moscow to Kursk Highway | 250 yards mentioned for radar site sighting
  • Gage and Squier Pole Freya | Geographic location markers
  • Wilson Station | U.S. diplomatic location (Residency)
  • Residency | U.S. embassy where group debriefed
  • Russia | Location where observations occurred
observations
  • Two round unconventional flying discs observed at 1910 hours on 12 OCT between ATIVAN and ANZIHAURL, ten minutes by rail after departing ATIVAN
  • Both aircraft resembled large disc with outer surface revolving slowly to right and with two lights stationary on top rear middle part, spares or flame emit coating from nose, no protusions [sic] except for short peg extending rearward, short fuselage and locating aircraft midway from nose to tail, tailplane located low, engine boundary with curved top and silver bulbous bulge at tailplane extending rearward of rudder line
  • Dnepropetrovsk Airfield was grass sod at Baku long train loaded with smoke funnel sized landing craft, 1.2 kilometers from Moscow to Kursk Highway, 250 yards to right of road, party sighted radar site
  • Aircraft identified here as one woodsage on Gage and one square pole Freya
  • Complete debriefing of Russell Group upon return and confirmation from D/T [Director of Transportation] for returns
  • Russell Group departed Prague aboard Swissair for ICBR 13 OCT
assessments
  • US observers firmly believe they saw genuine saucer or disc aircraft | Report document
  • Observations taken seriously enough for complete debriefing | Report document
  • Concern expressed about significance of observations to US USAIRA | Report body
references
  • USAIRA cables (TS) C-103 dtd 13 OCT 58 | Source document
  • AF Form 112 | Report form structure
  • Senate Armed Forces Committee inquiry | Context
  • Previous Russia observations | Historical reference
quotes
  • "IMPACT TO: DINTA, WASH. DC. NOFORN. USAF handle as OPERATIONAL SENSITIVE. USAF CRYPTO PASS TO ORTHODOX AND HAS OTHER RECIPIENTS." | Cable header
  • "US OBSERVERS FIRMLY BELIEVE THEIR OBSERVATIONS ARE GENUINE SAUCER OR FLYING DISC AIRCRAFT." | Cable assessment
  • "After arrival at the Residency and dinner, Lt. Col. Hathaway expressed a desire to report something: 'Of the utmost importance to the USAIRA. Something you may not believe, but something that we've been told by your people (USAF) doesn't exist.'" | Hathaway statement
  • "I suggested that we not discuss anything at the Residency." | Response to discussion
redactionsClassification marking at bottom of page | "SECRET" classification obscured/redacted

Page 4

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (NOFORN)
page_descriptionContinuation of supplement to AF Form 112 with detailed debriefing notes and raw observations from Senator Russell and Lt. Col. Hathaway regarding flying saucer sightings in USSR.
dates
  • 1958-10-13 | Meeting at 0900 with Army Attache
  • 1955 | Sen. Russell's visit timeframe
  • 1800 | Approximate departure time
  • 1900 | Train stop time at BAKU
  • 1910 | Aircraft observation time at BAKU
  • 1800 | Second stop near ATIVAN
  • 17 months | Duration of time disbelieving USSR observations (from Czechoslovakia)
people
  • SEN. RUSSELL | U.S. Senator, observer | U.S. Senate
  • LT. COL. HATHAWAY | U.S. Army Attaché, observer | U.S. Army
  • COL. DOOLEY | Present at debriefing | U.S. Army
  • MR. EFRON | Supplementing notes and adding support | U.S. official
  • MR. IRWIN | Referenced for times and places | Observer
locations
  • BAKU | Railway station location, 1900 observation
  • ATIVAN | Location mentioned with second stop
  • ANZIHAURL | Observation location
  • Czechoslovakia | Location visited for 17 months
  • Right side of train's direction | Orientation reference for observations
  • South side of rail line | Take-off area location
  • Left side of train | Window observation location
observations
  • Two flying saucer type aircraft seen between two railway station stops after leaving BAKU
  • Aircraft observed at 1910 hours, located at 1900 at BAKU when checked after we left ATIVAN
  • Second location: ANZIHAURL (noted as Efron's notes)
  • Disc object with sharp edge outline at top, speed increased greatly as moved straight ahead, horizontally and disappeared to right of train
  • Whole object whirred and then levelled and zoomed off at very high speed
  • Outer surface of object revolved slowly in clockwise direction or to right, with rate of ascent being relatively slow compared to high speed which object took out at when it reached altitude
  • Objects at an angle to about 2000 meters, both objects ascended almost vertically to altitude of 6000 feet before sharply increasing speed in lateral flight
  • Objects seen out of window on left side of train
  • Two searchlight beams seen pointing at an angle area where saucer took off
  • Angle nearly vertical and evidently gathered, searchlight beam nearly vertical meeting arc which disc ascended to 6000 feet, while second searchlight beam pointing at another spot
  • Lack of time prevented complete debriefing of full events
  • Dark mass falling at time of sighting
  • Some scarring or flams came out bottom of craft area
  • After seeing two discs, Soviet trainmen became excited, closing curtains and telling observers not allowed to look out of windows
  • Behavior of trainmen indicated such things to indicate US passengers had seen something they were not supposed to see
  • Approximately one minute elapsed between first and second takeoffs of aircraft, with Sen. Russell having seen both occasions
assessments
  • Sen. Russell saw the first flying saucer or flying disc ascend and disappear from human eyes on a relatively clear, taking from left side of trains direction | Observation assessment
  • Observers firmly believed they witnessed genuine unidentified objects | Document body
references
  • Efron's notes | Source documents
  • Previous observations in Czechoslovakia | Historical context
  • Sen. Russell's detailed account | Primary source
quotes
  • "Two flying saucer type aircraft were seen between two railway station stops after we left BAKU." | Debriefing notes
  • "We were there at 1900 and we saw the aircraft at 1910." | Observation time correlation
  • "The whole object whirred and then levelled and zoomed off at very high speed." | Physical description
  • "They were seen out of window on left side of train." | Observation method
  • "After we saw the two discs, the Soviet trainmen became excited, closing curtains and telling us that we were not allowed to look out of windows." | Soviet reaction
  • "Approximately one minute elapsed between first and second takeoffs of the aircraft." | Temporal observation
redactionsClassification marking at bottom | "SECRET" marked

Page 5

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (NOFORN)
page_descriptionDetailed technical description of flying saucer observations with sketch diagrams and specific physical characteristics, including observations at Baku and USAIRA commentary.
datesNo specific dates on this page beyond document reference date
people
  • SEN. RUSSELL | Observer | U.S. Senate
  • COL. HATHAWAY | Observer | U.S. Army
  • MR. EFRON | Source of sketch drawings | U.S. official
  • USAIRA | Agency commenting on observations | U.S. intelligence
organizationsUSAIRA | U.S. Air Intelligence agency
locations
  • BAKU | Observation location
  • Civilian airfield | One hour from the city
  • Military airfield | Reference location
observations
  • First flying object recognized as drastically different from anything seen before by Mr. Efron and Col. Hathaway
  • Observers got only a short glimpse of first disc due to crowding; however all three observers on second disc and all three observers on second disc saw same round, disc shaped aircraft which was same as first
  • The saucer span was about one mile away, maybe a little further (searchlights were located in same area)
  • Where rays go towards inside of disc which remained stationed, outer surface went around; firmly on this point (Both agreed) and lights sat near top of disc
  • Lights were located at two points of division between segment and two outside segments per Efron's sketch
  • Aircraft was circular, round, disc shaped with revolving clockwise or to right (It was probably never circular in eyes of observers containing no protrusions "sticks" or bulges, no estimate could be obtained from either observer as thickness or diameter
  • Disc had noticeable color (It was stated that dusk prevented any color impressions)
  • When reaching 2000 meters, it whipped off at great speed from left to right, or towards north; the south (Speed differential was very noticeable between ascent and level flight speed)
  • It could enable the take-off on the horizon plane from left or south of train
  • Outer part revolved slowly to right (There seemed to be different impression of disc's movement while climbing and after assuming level flight with terms "revolving slowly" used for climbing and after)
  • Disc rose in same position as it was in when it sped ahead; at altitude of flying disc was said to resemble a discus in flight
technical_details
  • Sketch provided showing relative position of two lights on disc
  • Light arrangement: lights located at two division points between central segment and two outside segments
  • One long IR train comprised of flat cars seen outside BAKU
  • Each flatcar had landing craft which was described by Col. Hathaway as being platoon size, with slot in rear for outboard engine and two strips of boards covered with canvas
  • Two men seen in vicinity wearing unique uniform he could not recognize
  • Aircraft seen flying high over Baku, too high for any type of identification
  • Party landed at Baku by airliner, civilian airfield being located an hour from city; military airfield nearby
assessmentsUSAIRA COMMENT: Further debriefing of all three US observers in more relaxed atmosphere and with more time would produce more valuable technical details than hurried interview above | USAIRA assessment
references
  • Part B - Observations at Baku | New section reference
  • Sketch drawn with aid of Mr. Efron | Supporting documentation
quotes
  • "First flying object and recognized it as something drastically different from anything in cf Mr. Efron and Col. Hathaway to see it." | Observation assessment
  • "The aircraft was round," "It resembled a flying saucer," "It seemed to be the shape of a discus, round and circular-revolving clockwise or to the right." | Physical descriptions
  • "The lights sat near the top of the disc." | Technical detail
  • "When reaching 2000 meters, it whipped off at a great speed from our left to our right, or towards the north." | Behavior description
  • "There seemed to be a different impression of the disc's movement while climbing and after assuming level flight, with the terms 'revolving slowly' used for the climbing and same 'whirring' for the cruising flight." | Movement analysis
  • "USAIRA COMMENT: I believe that further debriefing of all three US observers in a more relaxed atmosphere and with more time would produce more valuable technical details than the hurried interview above." | USAIRA assessment

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (NOFORN)
page_descriptionContinuation of supplemental report with observations at Dnepropetrovsk Airfield, near Moscow, and from Tiplis to Soci, including radar site descriptions and aircraft encounter documentation.
dates
  • 1955-10-09 | Arrival date at Dnepropetrovsk airfield (DC-3 type aircraft)
  • 1955-10-05 (circa) | Tiplis observation date (about 5th of Oct)
people
  • COL. HATHAWAY | Observer/military officer | U.S. Army
  • SEN. RUSSELL | Observer, party leader | U.S. Senate
  • INTOURIST GUIDE | Guide at Baku | Soviet agency
  • JET FIGHTERS | Military personnel | USSR
  • EDOROV | Russian contact, about 55 years old | USSR
  • Younger engineer | Associate of EDOROV | USSR
organizations
  • USAIR A | U.S. Air Intelligence
  • Intourist | Soviet tourist agency
  • USAF | United States Air Force
  • USSR military | Soviet military forces
locations
  • Baku | Commercial airfield location
  • Military training airfield | Identified by Intourist guide
  • Dnepropetrovsk airfield | Grass-sod airfield
  • Moscow-to-Minsk highway | Radar site location
  • Moscow to Minsk highway | Direction of radar site
  • Black Sea | Location between Tiplis and Soci
  • Tiplis | Observation starting point (Oct 5)
  • Soci | Observation endpoint
  • USA | Referenced observation location
observations
  • IR train passed on outskirts of Baku on way from commercial field with military training airfield identified; dark green transports parked there
  • Three US observers arrived at Dnepropetrovsk airfield sometime on 9 Oct 55 by DC-3 type aircraft
  • Airfield is grass-sod with catapult brick cement (see sketch of jet bomber and ramp brick design on page 3)
  • One jet bomber whale parked at airfield with description in text of cable and profile sketch on page 8
  • Jet fighters were short, stubby, smaller and higher horizontal tailplanes more forward
  • Jet fighter comparison with scale model of FAGOT showed definite differences in fuselage
  • Out of fuselage appearance, FAGOT model composite conclusions that SRI fighter is one third smaller than MiG-15, composite drawing showing SRI composite type
  • Three observers escorted to place requested by Sen. Russell to see outside Moscow on Moscow to Minsk highway on right side of road with radar site (size unknown) with two radars
  • From sketches of Col. Hathaway, two have been tentatively identified as one Woodsage or Gage and one square type Freya
  • Between Tiplis and Soci on Black Sea while traveling by train, one most significant coincidences occurred, taking into account observations which were reported in ATIVAN Region
  • Sen. Russell's party made contact with Russian who was about 55 years, named EDOROV
  • EDOROV accompanied by younger engineer whose job was to keep supplied with spring
assessments
  • Col. Hathaway recognized dark green transports and military training airfield at Baku | Observation assessment
  • Jet fighter comparison with FAGOT model showed significant differences | Technical assessment
  • SRI fighter is one third smaller than MiG-15 according to composite drawing | Size comparison
technical_details
  • Catapult brick cement design (sketch on page 3)
  • Ramp brick design (sketch on page 3)
  • Jet bomber profile sketch on page 8
  • Radar site sketch showing Woodsage/Gage and square type Freya configurations
  • Distance approximately 200-250 yards from side of road
references
  • Part C - Observations at Dnepropetrovsk Airfield | New section
  • Part D - Observations Near Moscow | New section
  • Part E - Observations from Tiplis to Soci | New section
  • Cable sketch and profile descriptions | Supporting documentation
quotes
  • "The Intourist guide stated that this was a military training airfield and Col. Hathaway recognized some dark green transports parked there." | Baku observation
  • "At the time of the description I was having Col. Hathaway compare the fighter he saw with a scale model of a FAGOT. He definitely did not think they were Fagots because of the fuselage being more stubby." | Technical assessment
  • "Between TIPLIS AND SOCI, on the Black Sea, while travelling by train, one of the most significant coincidences occurred, taking into account observations which were reported in the ATIVAN Region." | Significant observation note

Page 7

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (NOFORN)
page_descriptionDetailed account of observations at Czech border (COP) and observations of Czech railroad switching procedures, including technical descriptions of rail infrastructure and tank sightings.
dates
  • 1935-1936 (circa) | EDOROV's service as inter-polar Russian flight pilot
  • World War II | Period when EDOROV shot down German aircraft
  • 1955-10-12 (circa) | Observation near Soci of T-34 tank
  • 1955-10-12 (time 0300) | Departure from COP
  • 1955-10-12 (time 0400, 24-hour time) | Arrival at COP (on time)
  • 1955-10-12 (0030 hours) | Time left COP for Prague arrival
people
  • EDOROV | Russian, inter-polar flight pilot, WWII veteran | USSR
  • MR. EFRON | Information source | Unspecified
  • SEN. RUSSELL | Group leader, observer | U.S. Senate
  • COL. HATHAWAY | Observer | U.S. Army
  • USAIRA COMMENT | Intelligence agency assessment | U.S. intelligence
organizations
  • USSR | Soviet Union
  • USA | United States
  • COP | Czech-Soviet border crossing point
  • USAIRA | U.S. Air Intelligence agency
  • Railroad operating forces | Czech/Soviet entities
locations
  • Trans-Caucasus region | Geographic reference for EDOROV's experience
  • USSR | Location context
  • SOCI | Observation location (about 20 minutes outside)
  • COP | Czech-Soviet border crossing point
  • Czech-Soviet border | Border location between nations
  • Czechoslovakia | Country adjacent to border
  • Czech side | Reference to Czech territory
  • Building on Czech side | Observation location
  • PRAGUE | Final destination
  • Czech railroad | Geographic reference
  • Czech RR gauge tracks | Railroad equipment location
  • Russian gauge tracks | Equipment comparison reference
  • MOSCOW-BUDAPEST line | Train route marking
  • MOSCOW-PRAGUE | Train car marking reference
  • First little Czech town minutes later | Location context (redacted in original)
observations
  • EDOROV history: inter-polar Russian flight pilot to Washington State in 1935 or 36; now retired, Hero of Soviet Union, speaks fairly fluent English about international situation in USSR
  • EDOROV told party he is now retired, is Hero of Soviet Union and speaks fairly fluent English about international situation in USSR
  • During WWII EDOROV shot down 17 German aircraft
  • About 20 minutes outside of SOCI, Col. Hathaway observed a T-34 tank that had a muzzle brake on gun, but looked very different from ones seen during combat tour in Korea, tank was on flatcar
  • Russell group arrived at COP, the FR border crossing point between USSR and Czechoslovakia, early on morning of 12 Oct, about 1-2 hours later at 0530, left COP and were on way to Prague where they arrived at 0400 (on time) p.m. (21H/ hours)
  • Upon arrival at COP, the train was broken up; car marked MOSCOW-BUDAPEST was disconnected; another car marked MOSCOW-PRAGUE became the group's car, sleeper, and was disconnected and taken on new rails suspended on border arch (probably marking border of Czechoslovakia) into long building on Czech side
  • Building was lighted and its length was such as to accommodate the car and two replacement trucks; trucks for new Czech RR gauge were of standard axle type; switching of trucks for changing of Czech gauge required
  • Switching building had electric switch box or panel control on one side of building; passengers had to debark during changing of trucks; all other train cars were marked MOSCOW-PRAGUE
  • Switching building had pit in middle where car straddled; inside sleeper there were two large square cars for crew; first step was for crew to open doors and turn large bar which evidently released truck from body of car; second step was to apply large jacks at four points of car on outside, about at position of trucks; two jacks on side; when car was sufficiently jacked, Czech gauge switched forward on tracks; Russian gauge continued by forward sleeper
  • Standard gauge tracks of Czech RR which were laid inside building where Russian gauge tracks were pushed forward towards sleeper; Czech tracks banged the lines out of place, continuing to second Russian trucks extending rearward until hung them out of place; jacked car was then ready to have Czech trucks fastened; jacks were lowered, letting car down onto new standard gauge tracks below; crew then turned bars through the floor openings locking the new trucks in place and informing passengers they could board; crew then departed COP at 0530, arrived at first little Czech town ten minutes later on right side of RR
assessmentsUSAIRA COMMENT: It is different for an experienced pilot in polar navigation would be retired and doing nothing but travelling around Trans-Caucasus region with young engineer | Intelligence assessment of EDOROV
references
  • Part E - Observations from Tiplis to Soci | Prior section
  • Part F - Observations at COP and about Czech railroads | Current section
  • Air Efron version of this observation | Alternative source
quotes
  • "The history of EDOROV, according to Mr. Efron, is that Edorov was an inter-polar Russian flight pilot who made the trans-polar Russian flight to Washington State in 1935 or 36." | EDOROV background
  • "Edorov stated that during World War II he had shot down 17 German aircraft." | EDOROV WWII record
  • "Col. Hathaway observed, about 20 minutes outside of SOCI, a T-34 tank that had a muzzle brake on the gun, but looked very different from ones he had seen during a combat tour in Korea." | Tank observation
  • "The train was broken up. The car marked MOSCOW-BUDAPEST was disconnected. Another car was marked MOSCOW-PRAGUE, the group's car, sleeper." | Railroad operations
  • "USAIRA COMMENT: It is different for an experienced pilot in polar navigation would be retired and doing nothing but travelling around the Trans Caucasus region with a young engineer." | Assessment comment

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statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET (NOFORN), DECLASSIFIED
page_descriptionFinal page of supplement to AF Form 112 with observations of Czech industrial facilities, railroad construction activities, and concluding USAIRA commentary with signature and declassification information.
datesNo specific dates on this page beyond document context
people
  • COL. HATHAWAY | Observer | U.S. Army
  • T.S. RYAN | Signature | USAF Lt. Col., Air Attaché
  • USAIRA | Intelligence agency | U.S. intelligence
organizations
  • USAIRA | U.S. Air Intelligence agency
  • Czech railroad/construction crews | Czech entity
  • USAF | United States Air Force
locations
  • Czech side of border | Geographic reference
  • COP | Border crossing point
  • Aluminum plant | Industrial facility
  • Right side of track | Geographic reference
  • KOSICE-POPRAD-ZELINA route | Rail route traveled
  • Little town | First location on Czech route
  • KOSICE | Rail destination
  • Mountains | Geographic feature
  • Right side of way | Construction location
  • Prefabrication plant | Industrial location
  • Metal towers | Construction element location
  • Area approximately one mile long | Construction area dimension
  • Guard towers | Security feature
  • High fence | Security feature
observations
  • Factory was on the right which was thought to be producing long, aluminum or some aluminum cars were seen on sidings and observer believed these were plants product
  • Proceeding through area on Czech side of border after leaving COP, Col. Hathaway observed very large marshalling yards with tracks stretching as far as could be seen on both sides of his track
  • Guard towers were numerous and located in haze thirty yards; there were 5 tracks at border branching into many in yards
  • As went through yards observed on left side were loaded or empty straight cars, while right were all upper freight cars, as far as could be seen
  • First route which party travelled from COP was through KOSICE-POPRAD-ZELINA; electrification began at little town shortly after first little town which was reached ten minutes after COP
  • From COP to Kosice, Hathaway believed there were two tracks and possibly three
  • From observation that construction was going on through mountains, construction crews using prefabricated technique; piled up alongside of right of way were prefabricated track sections with trails already hooked to sleepers; little buildings were spotted along right of way where this prefabrication was taking place
  • Cable reels and stands of metal towers were seen, the towers being rusty
  • Electrification was nearly completed all way although train was being pulled by steam engine
  • Just as dark, location enroute unknown, highway passed by area approximately one mile long with guard towers and high fence
technical_details
  • Five tracks at border branching into many in yards
  • Aluminum or aluminum cars seen on sidings
  • Two or possibly three tracks from COP to Kosice
  • Prefabricated track sections with trails hooked to sleepers
  • Metal towers with cable reels
  • Guard towers and high fence perimeter
assessmentsUSAIRA COMMENT: Due to time available for debriefing and physical limitations of our office in Prague, no more can be reported from these excellent sources | Intelligence assessment
references
  • Route traveled: COP to KOSICE-POPRAD-ZELINA | Geographic reference
  • Industrial and construction observations | Supporting details
redactions
  • Declassification Authority: NND 857013 | Shown at bottom
  • Date: 11/2/63 | Declassification date
quotes
  • "Factory was on the right which was thought to be producing long, aluminum or some aluminum cars were seen on the sidings and the observer believed that these were the plants product." | Industrial observation
  • "Col. Hathaway observed very large marshalling yards with tracks stretching as far as he could see on both sides of his track." | Yard observation
  • "From Kosice, Hathaway believed that on were two tracks and possibly three." | Track count
  • "From keen observation that construction was going on through the mountains, the construction crews using a prefabricated technique. Piled up alongside of the right of way were prefabricated track sections with trails already hooked to sleepers." | Construction technique observation
  • "He believed that electrification was nearly completed all the way although his train was being pulled by a steam engine." | Electrification observation
  • "USAIRA COMMENT: Due to the time available for debriefing and the physical limitations of our office in Prague, no more can be reported from these excellent sources." | Final assessment
signatureT.S. Ryan, Lt. Col. USAF | Author signature
declassification
  • Authority: NND 857013
  • By: NARA
  • Date: 11/2/63
notes
  • Document marked "REPRODUCTION OF THIS DOCUMENT IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS PROHIBITED EXCEPT WITH PERMISSION OF THE ISSUING OFFICE"
  • This appears to be the final substantive page of the document

Page 9

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statushas_content
doc_typediagram
classificationSECRET (declassified)
page_descriptionTechnical sketch diagram of jet bomber observed at Dnepropetrovsk Airfield dated 9 October 1955, showing profile and component details.
dates1955-10-09 | Date of observation and sketch
organizations
  • US AIR ATTACHE | U.S. Air Intelligence
  • USAF | United States Air Force
locationsDNEPROPETROVSK AIRFIELD | Observation location
technical_details
  • Aircraft type: Jet Bomber
  • Cockpit set forward
  • Canvas covered construction
  • Swayback appearance on fuselage
  • Nose wheel landing gear
  • Jet engines with canvas covered configuration on wings
  • Severe sweep to mid-wing configuration
  • Low set tail plane
  • Silver (not glass) bulge noted on fuselage
  • Design of brick on ramp at airfield (asphalt seams detail shown in separate hexagonal diagram)
diagram_components
  • Side profile view of jet bomber showing:
  • - Nose wheel forward landing gear
  • - Jet engines with canvas covering on wings (two engines shown)
  • - Severe sweep angle of wing to mid-wing position
  • - Swayback appearance marking on fuselage upper surface
  • - Canvas covered cockpit set forward
  • - Low set tail plane at rear
  • - Silver (not glass) bulge on aft fuselage
  • - Hexagonal diagram showing brick/asphalt seam pattern from ramp design at airfield
assessmentAircraft design indicates Soviet jet bomber prototype or evaluation aircraft at military airfield | Observation context
references
  • Supplement to AF Form 112 | Parent document
  • Page 3 reference for ramp brick design | Cross-reference
  • Dnepropetrovsk Airfield observations | Related section
notes
  • Sketch appears to be hand-drawn observation sketch
  • Page marked as "SUPPLEMENT TO AF FORM 112"
  • Document classification and declassification authority visible on right margin
  • AF Form 112a reference number shown

Page 10

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statushas_content
doc_typediagram
classificationSECRET (declassified)
page_descriptionTechnical diagram showing railroad gauge switching operation at COP (Czech-Soviet border crossing point) on 12 October 1955, depicting the building, tracks, and mechanical processes for converting from Russian to Czech gauge.
dates1955-10-12 | Date of railroad gauge switching operation at COP
locations
  • COP | Czech-Soviet border crossing point
  • CZECHOSLOVAKIA | Czech territory (left side of diagram)
  • USSR | Soviet territory (right side of diagram)
  • Building outline with siding inside | Switching facility location
organizations
  • Czech railroad operations | Czech entity
  • Russian railroad operations | Soviet entity
  • USAF | U.S. Air Force
technical_details_and_diagram_components
  • Building outline with siding inside (shown as dashed lines at top)
  • Floor trap door visible in diagram
  • Pit under tracks (central feature of switching mechanism)
  • Czech standard gauge truck (left side)
  • Czech RR trucks are pushed to Russian trucks banging them in direction of USSR (central operation)
  • Russian broad gauge truck (right side)
  • Railroad sleeper car marked "MOSCOW-PRAGUE" positioned on side for switching
  • Russian gauge truck (bottom center area)
  • Red star over truck (propelle official border marker) shown on right
  • USAF/COP boundary markers
  • Floor trap door in conductor's compartment where truck disconnect bar is located
switching_process
  • Czech RR trucks pushed to Russian trucks, banging them in direction of USSR
  • Truck disconnect mechanism operated from floor trap door in conductor's compartment
  • Sleeper car positioned on side during switching operation
  • Russian gauge truck on bottom section
  • Floor trap door mechanism controls truck separation and reconnection
assessmentsDetailed technical documentation of Soviet-Czech border crossing railroad infrastructure | Observation purpose
references
  • Page 7 narrative description of this operation | Related textual account
  • Part F - Observations at COP and about Czech Railroads | Parent section
notes
  • Hand-drawn technical diagram
  • Marked as "SUPPLEMENT TO AF FORM 112"
  • Shows bilateral Soviet-Czech railroad gauge difference and switching facility design
  • Document appears to be official US military intelligence observation
  • Diagram provides clear visualization of the gauge conversion process described in narrative sections
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