KERVIGNAC (56) 26.01.2023

On 26 January 2023, at about 21:40, in the commune of Kervignac (56), a witness (T1) observed the sky when he perceived an atypical noise from an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) which he then managed to see. It was described as being composed of two intense, non-flashing green lights moving at a relatively low reported elevation of 20–30° and following a trajectory from north to east-southeast. The observation lasted several minutes. At the same time, a colleague (T2) residing near the observation site, corroborated having heard this particular noise, although she did not observe the phenomenon because she remained inside her home. The evidential quality* of the case is good, since there are two witnesses (one of whom heard the sound only). The absence of a photograph of the UAP is compensated by a relatively complete and precise testimony. *according to the criteria of the GEIPAN, evidential quality is the amount of information considered reliable, collected for testimony. The investigation revealed that the UAP was a military aircraft of type A400M, which had recently taken off from the Lann-Bihoué naval air station and operated at low altitude. This conclusion is based on the following: - Presence demonstrated on radar tracks provided by the National Air Operations Centre of an A400M operating on a path similar to that of the UAP at the same time, and at low altitude according to the testimony. - Both witnesses heard a noise that T1 describes as a droning rumble, which is perfectly compatible with the sound of the turboprops of the A400M. - Observation at tree top, therefore at a low elevation angle, calculated at around 4°; Note an overestimation of the elevation by the witness (20 to 30°), rather classic for night observation. - The witness suspected a military aircraft, but the lights and sound were the main features he found unusual. The absence of anti-collision lights (red or white) is quite possible for a military aircraft such as the A400M, which can extinguish them at will depending on the needs of the flight (exercise, stealth...). Reduced visibility is also aided by its grey colour, which makes it more difficult to see it at night, which explains why the witness could only see lights. The only lights observed were green, which corresponds to the position lights of the aeroplane, observed by the witness on its right side. GEIPAN classifies the case as "A", an observation of an A400M military aircraft.