The 2017 Tic Tac UFO
Pilot Interviews and Firsthand Accounts
In 2017, the public was introduced to one of the most discussed UFO encounters in recent history: the "Tic Tac" incident involving U.S. Navy pilots off the coast of California. Navy pilots reported seeing and tracking an object that exhibited flight characteristics unlike any known aircraft, sparking widespread interest and official investigations. The videos and firsthand accounts released have shaped new conversations about unidentified aerial phenomena and military transparency.
Pilot interviews, such as those with Commander David Fravor and Lieutenant Alex Dietrich, provided detailed descriptions of the object's shape, movements, and apparent capabilities. The professionalism and credibility of these witnesses has added weight to the event, leading intelligence organizations to re-examine similar encounters and prompting ongoing debates within the public and defense communities.
Background of the 2017 Tic Tac UFO Incident
The so-called “Tic Tac” UFO incident stands as one of the most well-documented encounters involving unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) by United States military personnel. The event is notable for its radar, infrared, and visual evidence, as well as extensive pilot testimony.
Chronology of the Encounter
The Tic Tac UFO incident took place in November 2004, though it came to public attention after its release in 2017. The event involved U.S. Navy pilots from the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group during a routine training exercise off the coast of Southern California.
Navy radar operators first detected unidentified flying objects over several days, repeatedly picking up fast-moving targets that performed erratic maneuvers. On November 14, 2004, pilots including Commander David Fravor were dispatched to investigate an unknown object. The crew visually identified the “Tic Tac” — a white, oblong object about 40 feet in length, hovering above the ocean before rapidly ascending and displaying capabilities beyond known aircraft.
The pilots reported that the object lacked visible engines, rotors, or wings. It accelerated and maneuvered in ways considered “non-Newtonian” by the witnesses, prompting official reports. Both visual confirmation and advanced infrared targeting systems (ATFLIR) captured the encounter, with multiple officers observing the UAP.
Geographic Location and Environment
The incident occurred over the Pacific Ocean, roughly 100 miles southwest of San Diego. This area is well-traveled by naval vessels and known for wide-open sea space, which supports major military training operations.
The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was conducting training missions in clear weather with good visibility. The vast, open ocean provided little interference, making the appearance of the unknown aircraft even more conspicuous. The sea surface at the time was calm with no unusual environmental factors.
Witnesses pointed out that the Tic Tac UFO was initially spotted hovering above a patch of white, turbulent water, which stood out against the otherwise calm environment. No explanation for this disturbance was established, and no known objects or debris were found in the area following the encounter.
The region remains of interest due to repeated unidentified aerial phenomena reports, both before and after the 2004 incident. The combination of radar, infrared, and eyewitness data in such an isolated environment has made this encounter especially noteworthy in UAP investigations.
Key Participants and Eyewitnesses
The 2017 revelation of the 2004 "Tic Tac" UFO encounter brought attention to several Navy personnel, whose direct observations and recorded data form the core of the case. Their coordinated actions and independent testimonies provide critical insight into the incident.
Navy Pilots and Crew
During training exercises off the coast of Southern California in November 2004, the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group detected mysterious aerial objects via radar. Multiple F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots from VFA-41, also known as the "Black Aces," were directed to intercept these radar contacts.
The aircrews included both pilots and weapons systems officers. Among them were Alex Dietrich and several unnamed personnel. Many provided consistent accounts of seeing a white, oblong-shaped object—later dubbed the "Tic Tac"—with no visible means of propulsion.
Supporting crew aboard radar and command systems validated the pilots' statements. Their detection logs and communications transcripts added technical context to the visual sightings, strengthening the incident’s credibility.
Commander David Fravor
Commander David Fravor led the first group of pilots to visually encounter the unidentified object. Tasked with investigating unusual radar returns, he descended in his F/A-18F to verify the sighting. Fravor observed a white, seamless craft—estimated to be about 40 feet long—maneuvering erratically at low altitude.
He described the object’s movements as “defying normal physics,” including high-speed acceleration and abrupt stops. According to Fravor, the Tic Tac rapidly ascended before vanishing from sight at extraordinary speed.
Fravor’s reputation as an experienced fighter pilot and squadron commander has made his testimony especially influential. He remains vocal in interviews, consistently restating his observations and urging for further investigation of such incidents.
Chad Underwood and FLIR Footage
Lieutenant Chad Underwood, also flying with the Black Aces squadron, captured the widely circulated FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) video of the encounter. Underwood’s aircraft was equipped with advanced sensors, allowing him to record the Tic Tac as it moved across his display.
The FLIR footage shows an oval-shaped object with no visible wings or exhaust. Underwood described difficulties locking onto the target due to its abrupt maneuvers. He coined the term “Tic Tac” based on the object’s appearance.
Underwood did not visually observe the object outside the sensor display but relied on instrument readings and real-time feedback. The video has become a cornerstone of public and official discussions regarding military UFO encounters.
Official Navy Account and Radar Observations
The 2017 Tic Tac UFO incident features detailed Navy records, eyewitness testimony, and advanced radar data. Multiple assets and crew members played distinct roles in the documented encounter.
USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group
The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was conducting training off the coast of Southern California in November 2004, when unusual aerial activity was detected. The group included the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton, and several supporting vessels and aircraft.
Aerial exercises were interrupted when unidentified objects appeared on radar. Pilots from the Nimitz were redirected to intercept, and several reported visual contact with a white, oblong object later dubbed the "Tic Tac." The incident was recorded in flight logs and debriefs.
The Nimitz served as the central platform coordinating flight operations, communications, and recovery. It provided critical logistical support as the encounter unfolded, ensuring all data and crew accounts were secured and reported through official Navy channels.
The Role of USS Princeton
The USS Princeton was responsible for advanced radar surveillance during the exercises. Equipped with the AN/SPY-1B radar system, its primary function was to monitor the airspace and guide friendly forces.
Crew members on the Princeton first noticed mysterious radar returns for several days before reporting directly to the Nimitz. The radar operators noted that the targets would appear suddenly at high altitudes, drop to sea level in less than a second, hover, and make rapid maneuvers outside known aircraft capabilities.
As the incident developed, the Princeton coordinated with Nimitz operations, relaying target information to interceptor aircraft. The cruiser maintained detailed logs of the radar contacts, which later became key evidence in Navy records.
Radar Operators and Systems
The radar system used on the USS Princeton was a phased array model designed for advanced tracking. Operators reported multiple contact events with precise coordinates, altitudes, and velocities.
One distinguishing feature in the reports was the high reliability of the data. Multiple radar operators cross-verified the tracks to rule out glitches or human error. Key points include:
Sudden appearance and disappearance of objects on radar
Instantaneous altitude changes (from 80,000 feet to sea level)
Inconsistent transponder data, ruling out commercial or standard military aircraft
Operators also provided verbal reports to both ships and to the fighter pilots directed to intercept the UFO. Their observations contributed to the official Navy account, supporting pilot testimony and infrared video evidence released later.
Pilot Interviews and Testimonies
Navy pilots involved in the 2017 Tic Tac UFO encounter have shared consistent and detailed accounts about the unidentified aerial phenomenon. Their testimonies highlight direct visual contact, unique maneuvering, and flight characteristics that challenge conventional understanding. Interviews and video footage form the basis for current investigations around the UAP’s origin and abilities.
Description of the Tic Tac Object
Eyewitness testimonies describe the object as resembling a smooth, elongated white capsule—hence the nickname "Tic Tac." Pilots reported that the UAP lacked traditional aircraft features such as wings, tail, or visible propulsion systems.
Commander David Fravor, one of the primary witnesses, emphasized the object's uniform color and seamless exterior. He noted it reflected sunlight but did not emit exhaust or sound. Its size was estimated to be about 40 feet long, similar to a small airplane.
The craft’s sudden appearance and disappearance in the pilot’s visual range were frequently mentioned in interviews. These specific descriptions set the Tic Tac apart from known military or civilian aircraft.
Flight Maneuvers and Air Speed
Pilots consistently reported the UAP performing aerial maneuvers beyond the capability of known technology. The Tic Tac executed sudden accelerations, sharp turns, and rapid climbs and descents—sometimes changing altitude by thousands of feet almost instantly.
Commander Fravor recounted how the object “actively jammed” their radar and reacted unpredictably to their approach. Other witnesses described how the UAP moved erratically, zigzagged, and hovered with no visible means of lift. Several accounts mention its astonishing air speed, claiming the object covered distances much faster than any known jet.
A table from pilot interviews highlights maneuverability:
Maneuver Typical Aircraft Tic Tac UAP Instant climb No Yes Right-angle turns No Yes Hover in place Helis only Yes (no rotors seen) Supersonic speeds Limited Yes (no sonic boom)
Pilot Assessments of the UAP
Pilots and radar operators concluded that the object’s performance defied established laws of physics. They stated that no known aircraft could survive the g-forces from such abrupt movements without catastrophic failure.
Commander Fravor and Lieutenant Alex Dietrich both expressed that the UAP's capabilities strongly suggested technology "not currently in the U.S. inventory." Multiple eyewitnesses affirmed that the event was recorded on video, but the footage failed to capture the full extent of what was observed with the naked eye.
Pilot interviews stress the professionalism of the military personnel involved and the reliability of their testimonies. Their assessments remain central to ongoing analyses of UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena in U.S. airspace.
Technical Analysis of the Footage and Evidence
Reviewing the 2017 Tic Tac UFO incident requires close attention to the technical equipment used to capture the footage and the process by which the video was verified and released. Detailed analysis helps clarify what the instruments recorded and how the footage entered the public domain.
FLIR and Raytheon Systems
The primary footage of the Tic Tac object was recorded using FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) technology built by Raytheon. FLIR systems are mounted on military aircraft and are designed to detect heat signatures. In this case, the footage came from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, whose Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod tracked the object.
The FLIR video shows an oblong, white shape maneuvering in the sky, exhibiting flight characteristics described as unusual by the pilots and technicians reviewing the tapes. The object maintains a cold temperature compared to its surroundings, indicating no visible exhaust or heat signature typical of conventional propulsion systems.
Raytheon's sensors recorded its movement, speed, and rotation. No conclusive evidence was found of digital tampering or equipment malfunction. Testimonies from the pilots and radar operators corroborated the authenticity of the readings and visuals observed during the incident.
Video Verification and Release
The original video footage was analyzed by Department of Defense officials to confirm the legitimacy of the recording. Chain-of-custody documentation was maintained to track handling and avoid tampering. The video remained classified until its public emergence.
In December 2017, The New York Times and New York Magazine published stories about the Tic Tac incident, accompanied by declassified footage. This media exposure heightened scrutiny and brought technical analysis into public discussion.
Subsequent independent review by video experts found no overt signs of video manipulation. Analysts verified key details, such as time codes and sensor readouts, matching standard outputs from Raytheon FLIR systems. The process emphasized transparency and accuracy to address skepticism from both experts and the wider public.
Government Response and Investigation
The Tic Tac incident triggered multiple official responses involving branches of national security, defense, and intelligence. Direct acknowledgment by the Pentagon, followed by dedicated programs and studies, highlighted the seriousness with which the government approached these unexplained aerial encounters.
Pentagon Acknowledgement
In 2017, the Pentagon confirmed the authenticity of several videos showing unidentified aerial phenomena, including the "Tic Tac" encounter recorded by Navy pilots. This marked a notable shift from previous decades, when such incidents were often dismissed or ignored by authorities.
The released footage displayed objects maneuvering in ways inconsistent with known aircraft. The Pentagon’s public statement did not offer any explanations for what the objects were, but they admitted the videos were not fabricated.
By officially releasing and commenting on these videos, the Pentagon gave legitimacy to the pilots' accounts. This statement also helped encourage further investigation at both the military and policy levels.
Role of AATIP and AAWSAP
The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) operated under the Department of Defense between 2007 and 2012, with the objective of investigating sightings like the Tic Tac incident. Its activities continued to draw attention after the 2017 video releases.
AATIP was closely related to the Advanced Aerospace Weapons Systems Application Program (AAWSAP), overseen by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). AAWSAP aimed to assess advanced aerospace threats that could impact U.S. national security.
Funding for these programs reached nearly $22 million, with contracts awarded to private research organizations. Their research methods included analyzing pilot interviews, radar data, and physical evidence.
These entities compiled detailed reports on incidents involving unexplained aerial objects. Findings contributed to wider Defense Department discussions about aerial threats and led to recommendations for future investigations.
Defense Intelligence Agency Findings
The Defense Intelligence Agency assessed data collected by AATIP and AAWSAP, focusing on technical and national security implications. Analysis included pilot testimonies, sensor data, and intelligence reports related to UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena).
Findings showed that many encounters, including the 2004 Tic Tac event, featured aerial objects with no clear origin, propulsion, or signature typical of known technologies. The DIA documented flight patterns and maneuverability that challenged conventional understanding.
While most of the DIA’s assessments remain classified, some unclassified summaries pointed to the lack of evidence for adversarial technologies. Recommendations emphasized the need for standardized reporting and continued research due to the possible implications for defense and airspace security.
Scientific Perspectives on Propulsion and Technology
The Tic Tac UFO incident has prompted scientists and engineers to examine how such an object could achieve its observed flight characteristics. Key discussions focus on hypothetical propulsion methods and the apparent challenges these maneuvers pose to established physical laws.
Propulsion Methods Hypotheses
Researchers have reviewed several possible explanations for the Tic Tac’s observed movement. The object exhibited instant acceleration, abrupt stops, high-speed maneuvers, and lacked visible propulsion or flight control surfaces.
Some proposed hypotheses include:
Advanced Aerodynamics: Exploiting unknown principles to reduce drag and inertia.
Field Propulsion: Theoretically possible propulsion using electromagnetic or gravitational fields, rather than traditional combustion or jet systems.
Inertial Dampening: Technology that could counteract g-forces to allow rapid acceleration without harming occupants.
None of these methods have been demonstrated with current human technology. No exhaust plumes or detectable heat signatures were reported by pilots or sensors, further puzzling investigators.
Challenges to Known Physics
The reported flight characteristics of the Tic Tac object often appear incompatible with Newtonian mechanics and modern aerodynamics. Acceleration rates observed would generate extreme forces that should destroy conventional aircraft or harm occupants.
Key issues include:
Conservation of Momentum: The object’s sudden changes in velocity challenge how thrust is traditionally generated and transferred.
Lack of Sonic Boom: High-speed maneuvers at low altitude did not create audible sonic booms, which defies known supersonic flight behavior.
Energy Requirements: Accelerating and maneuvering as documented would require enormous energy, with unknown generation and storage mechanisms.
Current scientific understanding does not provide verifiable models that fully align with these observations. The lack of physical evidence or recovered hardware continues to limit definitive conclusions.
Broader Impact and Public Awareness
The 2017 Tic Tac UFO incident triggered a series of responses from both the media and U.S. defense authorities. Key organizations such as the US Navy and NORAD became part of a larger national discussion about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).
Media Coverage and Public Interest
Major publications, including The New York Times and New York Magazine, brought significant attention to the Tic Tac UFO encounter. A widely-circulated Navy video, filmed by Lt. Chad Underwood, became a focal point in news reports and documentaries.
Public interest surged as reporters highlighted the credibility of Navy pilots involved in the incident. The existence of Defense Department programs investigating UFOs was confirmed and discussed publicly for the first time.
Media coverage extended beyond reporting, leading to televised interviews and Q&As with pilots and military officials. Platforms such as Reuters and large news outlets contributed to normalizing the discussion of UAPs in mainstream circles, decreasing stigma and encouraging more witnesses to come forward.
US Military Policies on UAPs
In response to increased attention, the US Navy implemented new procedures for reporting UAP sightings. These protocols aimed to ensure systematic documentation and analysis of unusual aerial events within restricted airspace.
The Department of Defense acknowledged ongoing investigations and established organizations to analyze UAP encounters. NORAD adjusted its surveillance protocols to scrutinize unidentified objects more closely.
As congressional interest grew, reporting and oversight of UAPs became a formal part of national defense discussions. The Defense Department released declassified videos and executive summaries, establishing a more transparent approach to public communication about UAPs and military airspace security.
