These are indeed "ghost" formations which are a major glitch in this sim. Many of us have wasted much time, fuel, and strategic positioning chasing these things all over Kent and the Channel. My understanding is that they are like mirages, reflecting the existence of true formations somewhere else on the map....only to disappear like ghosts as you approach. I have encountered single contact "ghosts" as well, but less frequently. The absence of defensive flak is the only real clue, but obviously you have to close on this ghost formation anyway to witness that aspect. Frustrating and confusing to all of us.
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