UFO identified as aerial training equipment

Summary

A civilian observer in Yuma, Arizona, reported a formation of objects that initially appeared as a spiral and later elongated with ragged edges. The object was about one foot long, white at the ends and brown in the middle. It made no sound, and at first only one was seen, but then between 12 and 15 appeared. The group eventually exploded. The observation lasted eleven minutes and was made using binoculars.

The official conclusion indicated that it was a "target sleeve," an aerial training device released from aircraft for gunnery practice. Several of these devices had been deployed in the area, and it is believed the sighting was one of them after being repeatedly fired upon. Although no photos were taken, the report includes coordinates and environmental details such as clear weather and wind direction.