SECRET // SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIRED - MERCURY LAGUNA GOLD
EYESONLY • ORCON • REL TO NATO, FVEY



During the Operation ESSENTIAL NOMAD air-to-air engagement with the TARAWA STURGEON craft, a Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F (callsign Claw 15) was destroyed by an apparent directed energy weapon, tentatively designated JEFFERSON ALBATROSS.  This weapon emitted a pulsed bright green energy beam.  Analysis of recovered wreckage of Claw 15 tentatively suggests JEFFERSON ALBATROSS generates a neutral particle beam with intense terminal thermal effects.  Secondary kinetic effects may result from vaporization of target materials and consequent rapid gaseous expansion.