noun

bogey

An unidentified aircraft or radar contact.

The radar operator tracks an unidentified bogey.

Etymology

The older bogey is a frightening or mysterious apparition. Military aviation transferred that idea of an unidentified presence to an aircraft or contact whose identity is not yet established.

More examples

Two bogeys appeared on the screen.
The pilot asked for information about the bogey.
The contact remained a bogey until identified.

Forms

bogey · bogeys

Similar words

contact: Contact is broader than an unidentified aircraft.
bandit: Bandit identifies a contact as hostile rather than unknown.