SR22
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 400; Flight Crew Type 300
Other / Unknown
Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Airspace Structure
We were flying along in contact with Louisville Approach and had just been vectored 10 degrees left for something involving 'proving grounds'. Our heading was 339. Within a minute after being vectored both pilot and right seat non-pilot occupant observed what appeared to be an unmanned aircraft and tracked it from our 11 o'clock to our 4 o'clock for approximately 45 seconds. We were level 10;000 MSL at the time and altitude of unidentified aircraft estimated 9;000 and under power. It appeared to be an airplane in type; too small for carrying a person; mostly black with red and green markings. We were VFR on top and there was a solid layer between us/observed aircraft and the ground. I reported immediately to Louisville Approach and the baffled Controller asked for clarification on what I was reporting and I repeated. Controller indicated he showed no indication of the reported aircraft on radar. An hour after landing I called Louisville Approach on the phone to debrief the situation again and was blown off. The lady I spoke with indicated it was probably just a 'glider because they operate in that area'. I challenged her [saying] I found it very unlikely a glider was flying at 9k; under power in IMC conditions; still she persisted that must have been the explanation. The aircraft was absolutely not a traditional glider airframe.
SR22 pilot reports sighting a possible UAV 1;000 FT below and opposite direction in SDF airspace. ATC is advised but they claim no knowledge of the aircraft.