T. D. Towers

Radar Controller

T. D. Towers served as a radar controller with the Royal Air Force at RAF Lakenheath during the night of August 13–14, 1956, when one of the most extensively documented military radar/visual UAP incidents occurred. Working independently of nearby USAF personnel at RAF Bentwaters, Towers observed unidentified radar targets exhibiting extraordinary flight characteristics inconsistent with known aircraft of the period.

During the incident, Towers monitored multiple radar returns that demonstrated rapid acceleration, abrupt changes in direction, stationary hovering, and sudden departures at extremely high speed. The unidentified targets were detected by more than one radar system and were observed over an extended period, allowing controllers to rule out many common causes of false radar returns.

As reports from RAF Bentwaters and RAF Lakenheath were compared, it became evident that both stations were tracking the same unidentified objects. This independent confirmation greatly strengthened the credibility of the observations and prompted military authorities to scramble a Royal Air Force Venom night fighter to investigate.

Throughout the attempted interception, Towers assisted in tracking both the interceptor and the unidentified target. According to official reports, the object demonstrated maneuvers that surprised experienced radar personnel, including apparently positioning itself behind the pursuing aircraft before accelerating beyond interception range.

The observations recorded by Towers formed part of the official military record reviewed during Project Blue Book's investigation. Together with the testimony of American radar operators and the Venom aircrew, his account remains an important component of what many researchers consider one of the strongest radar-confirmed UAP incidents in military history.