Chilean Navy Helicopter FLIR

While on a routine daytime training and patrol flight north along the Chilean coast at approximately 4,500 feet, the crew of a Chilean Navy helicopter observed an object on their infrared camera that was not visible to the naked eye. The technician operating the WESCAM MX-15 FLIR system recorded over nine minutes of continuous footage. The object maintained a consistent distance and heading relative to the helicopter before emitting what appeared to be two intense thermal discharges or plumes. The video, along with supporting data, was turned over to Chile's CEFAA (now SEFAA), which conducted a multi-agency investigation involving scientists, analysts, and aviation experts. The committee ultimately classified the event as an unidentified aerial phenomenon after ruling out conventional explanations such as aircraft or balloons to their satisfaction, though independent analysts have proposed it may be a commercial airliner at distance. The full video was publicly released by the Chilean government.