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T/S CONTROL NO 2-7341 |
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TOP SECRET
TOP SECRET
2-7341
DATE 28 APR 1949
NO 100-203-79
CY. NO 102 OF 103
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
TOP SECRET AF cy 102
CONTROL
No 6637
TOP SECRET
ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
P R O B L E M
1. TO EXAMINE pattern of "Flying Saucers" (hereinafter referred to as flying objects) and to develop conclusions as to the
possibility of existence.
FACTS AND DISCUSSION:
2. A DETAILED discussion of information bearing on the problem as set forth above is attached as
Appendix "A". The main points established therein are summarized below.
3. THE FREQUENCY of reported incidents, the similarity in many of the characteristics
attributed to the observed objects and the quality of observers considered as a whole,
support the contention that some type of flying object has been observed. Approximately
210 incidents have been reported. Among the observers reporting on such incidents are
trained and experienced U.S. Weather Bureau personnel, USAF rated officers, experienced
civilian pilots, technicians associated with various research projects and technicians
employed by commercial airlines.
4. THE POSSIBILITY that reported observations of flying objects over the U.S. were
influenced by previous sightings of unidentified phenomena in Europe, particularly over
Scandinavia in 1946, and that the observers reporting such incidents may have been interested in
obtaining personal publicity have been considered as possible explanations.
However, these possibilities seem to be improbable when certain selected reports
such as the one from U.S. Weather Bureau at Richmond are examined. During
observations of weather balloons at the Richmond Bureau, one well trained
observer has sighted strange metallic disks on three occasions and another
observer has sighted a similar object on one occasion. The last observation of
unidentified objects was in April, 1947. On all four occasions the weather
balloon and the unidentified objects were in view through the theodolite. These
observations at the Richmond Bureau occurred several months before publicity on
the flying saucers appeared in a U.S. news paper.
5. DESCRIPTIONS OF the flying objects fall into three configuration categories:
(1) disk-shaped (2) rough cigar-shaped (3) balls of fire. Varying conditions of visibility
and differences in angles at which the objects may have been viewed introduces a possibility
that a single type object may have been observed rather than three different types. This
possibility is further substantiated by the fact that in the areas where such objects have been
observed the ratio of the three general configurations is approximately the same.
6. THEREFORE, IT appears that some object has been seen; however, the identification
of that object cannot be readily accomplished on the basis of information reported on each
incident. It is possible that the object, or objects, may have been domestically launched
devices such as weather balloons, rockets, experimental flying wing aircraft, or
celestial phenomena. It is necessary to obtain information on such domestic
activity to confirm or deny this possibility. Depending upon the degree with
which this may be accomplished, foreign devices must then be considered as a possibility.
7. THE PATTERN of sightings is definable. Sightings have been most intense throughout
the states bordering the Atlantic and Pacific coast lines, and the central states of Ohio and
Kentucky. A map showing location of sightings is attached as Appendix "B".
8. THE ORIGIN of the devices is not ascertainable. There are two possibilities:
(1) The objects are domestic devices, and if so, their identification or origin can
be established by a survey of all launchings of airborne objects. Domestic flying wing
type aircraft observed in various aspects of flight might be responsible for some of the
reported flying objects, particularly those described as disks and rough cigar shapes.
(See Appendices "C" and "D".) Among those which have been operational in recent years are the
XF5U-1 ("Flying Flapjack") developed by Chance-Vaught, the Northrup B-35, and
the turbo-jet powered Northrup YB-49. The present existence of any privately
developed flying-wing type aircraft has not been determined but one such
aircraft, the Arup tailless monoplane, was operational at South Bend, Indiana,
prior to 1935.
(2) Objects are foreign, and if so, it would seem most logical to consider that they are from
a Soviet source. The Soviets possess information on a number of German flying-wing type aircraft
such as the Gotha P60A, Junkers EF 130 long-range, high-speed jet bomber and the Horten 229
twin-jet fighter, which particularly resembles some of the description of unidentified flying objects
(See Appendix "D"). As early as 1924 Tscheranowsky developed a "Parabola" aircraft, an all wing
design, which was the outcome of considerable Soviet experimentation with gliders of the same general form.
Soviet aircraft based on such designs might have speeds approaching trans-sonic
speeds attributed to some flying objects or greater over-all performance
assuming the successful development of some unusual propulsion device such as
atomic energy engine.
9. THAT THE Soviets have a current interest in flying-wing type aircraft is suggested by
their utilization of Dr. Guenther Bock who, at the end of World War II, was in charge of the
flying-wing program in Germany (See Appendix "A", paragraph 3, page 4). Achievements
satisfactory to the U.S.S.R. are indirectly indicated by the personal recognition he is reported
to be receiving in the U.S.S.R. Recently it has been reported that the U.S.S.R.
is planning to build a fleet of 1,800 Horten flying-wing aircraft. Information
of low evaluation has been received stating that a regiment of jet night
fighters, Model Horten XIII, is at Kuzmikha, an air base two miles south-west of
Irkutsk. Kuzmikha is identified as one of a number of airfields for the
protection of an atomic energy plant at Irkutsk. The Horten XIII as developed by
Germany was a glider.
10. ASSUMING THAT the objects might eventually be identified as foreign or
foreign-sponsored devices, the possible reasons for their appearance over the U.S.
requires consideration. Several possible explanations appear noteworthy, viz:
- a. To negate U.S. confidence in the atom bomb as the most advanced and decisive weapon in warfare.
- b. To perform photographic reconnaissance missions.
- c. To test U.S. air defenses.
- d. To conduct familiarization flights over U.S. territory.
CONCLUSIONS:
11. SINCE the Air Force is responsible for control of the air in the defense of the U.S., it is imperative that all other
agencies cooperate in confirming or denying the possibility that these objects
have a domestic origin. Otherwise, if it is firmly indicated that there is no
domestic explanation, the objects are a threat and warrant more active efforts
of identification and interception.
12. IT MUST be accepted that some type of flying objects have been observed, although
their identification and origin are not discernable. In the interest of national defense it would be
unwise to overlook the possibility that some of these objects may be of foreign origin.
APPENDIX "A" ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED:
1. INTRODUCTION:
To formulate the possible tactics of flying objects reported over the U.S. assumes
from the outset that firm conclusions have been reached on both the existence
and origin of the reported flying objects. The current status of information on
such incidents and over-all analysis does not allow substantiation for such
conclusions. However, the lack of such firm conclusions points to the necessity
for an immediate and sound statistical analysis of every aspect of the situation
and does not preclude a concurrent examination of the reported incidents to
develop explanations of their possible tactics. The latter will be useful at
some future date should the existence and origin of the flying objects be
definitely established. Therefore, the following analysis of available
information is advanced in order to present evidence on the actual existence of
some type flying object and to relate same to tactical purposes for which the
objects are possibly designed. The following discussion must be considered a
provisional analysis, pending a further detailed analysis of all aspects of the problem.
SOME ASPECTS REGARDING FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS:
A cursory examination of evidence on reported incidents has been made and it is possible
to cite certain generalities which it appears may be borne out when detailed analyses have been completed.
Among the incidents reported there
are many statements by reliable and experienced persons which tend to confirm
that flying objects have been seen. The description of such objects seems to
fall roughly into three categories: (1) Silver disks or balls, approximating a
Horten wing type aircraft; (2) Balls of fire of various colors and intensities;
(3) Cigar or pencil-shaped objects similar in appearance to V-2 type rockets in
horizontal flight. The numbers of configurations might be further reduced with
the following considerations in mind: Silver disks or balls have, for the
greater part, been observed in daylight and a number under clear weather
conditions with visibility unlimited. In most instances, balls of fire have been
observed at night. Cigar, or pencil-shaped objects have been sighted in fewer
numbers but with about equal distribution in daylight and at night. A few
accounts tell of the disks having a rough cigar-shape when viewed while
maneuvering. Some of the disks are described as having luminosity in daylight.
It therefore is possible that a single type of object may be involved in all
sightings, and differences in description may result from viewing the objects at
various angles and under differing conditions of visibility.
The above tends to indicate that some type object has been seen and the possibility exists that the object or
objects seen are conventional domestic devices, such as weather balloons, test
rockets, or jet-equipped aircraft with pancake or flying wing configurations.
The possibility exists that the reporting of flying objects may have been influenced by earlier reports on
similar incidents in Scandinavia and Central Europe. The publication in
newspaper of details on such incidents, both foreign and domestic, may have
induced some of the description provided in reported domestic incidents.
However, one of the earliest reported sightings in the U.S. was the one observed
by U.S. Weather Bureau personnel in April 1947, at Richmond, Virginia, and on
the basis of this one report it appears that the disks are not balloons. It
would seem that this sighting was not influenced by the reports of foreign
incidents, the newspaper accounts of domestic incidents, nor by
misidentification of a conventional object.
Although reported domestic incidents are widely scattered throughout the U.S., frequency of sighting and
number of observers per sighting assumes a definable pattern. There is a large
concentration of sightings along the Eastern Seaboard; another large
concentration throughout the Western Coast states, and a few sightings in the
Middle West. Distribution of incidents by configuration of object and
description of maneuverability is approximately equal in each of these areas and
this is believed to further substantiate the possibility that one type of object
might have been observed in different aspects of flight.
If sightings are induced by rumor, it seems unusual that more incidents have not been reported from the areas with
high concentration of population. Reports from such areas would also have
greater facility in channeling either to newspaper or official reporting
agencies. For the most part, sightings have been made in fairly open country
where there are few restrictions to visibility, which may indicate that
obstructed vision has reduced sightings in built-up areas.
It therefore seems that some type of flying object has been observed; the identification of its origin requires
the competion (sic) of other analyses.
3. POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF UNUSUAL FLYING OBJECTS:
Provided, upon the completion of analyses, it is
indicated that some or all of the reported flying objects over the U.S. are of
foreign origin, the objects could from a logical viewpoint, be considered
Soviet. It is evident from the performance characteristics attributed to the
unidentified objects at this time that if they are foreign, they involve
efficiencies of performance which have not been realized in any operational
airborne device in this country. It would, therefore, be a mistake to analyze
the technical aspects of the situation within the limits of our own knowledge of
practical developments. It is more desirable to consider then the outer limits
of possible Soviet developments and objectives in attempting to formulate some
idea of the tactics which might be involved.
First of all, the scientific
objectives of the U.S.S.R. have been stated many times and indicated in many
forms. The most clearcut statement of this objective is probably contained in
the preamble to the Fourth Five-year Plan (1946-50) which states that the
objective of Soviet science is to overtake and surpass the scientific and
technical developments of the capitalist nations. It apparently would be an
impossible task for the Soviet Union to accomplish such an objective by
proceeding step-by-step along the same lines of development already achieved in
the capitalist nations. This would mean that it would be necessary to rapidly
proceed through each phase of aeronautical development that has already been
accomplished in this country, and this probably would never have any prospects
of accelerating Soviet development beyond any point reached by the U.S. The
obvious answer to accomplish their objective of not only overtaking, but
surpassing the capitalist countries would be a scientific shortcut. This
possibility is not so remote when examined on the basis of our knowledge of the
current situation in the U.S.S.R. Provided Soviet emphasis was given to the most
promising and advanced ideas acquired from Germany in 1945 and the work aided by
German scientists, the possibility of catching up and possibly surpassing other
nations in technical developments becomes more realistic. It becomes even more
realistic if the Soviets have shown a tendency to concentrate on certain
developments which have still not received a maximum of priority in our own programs.
It is known that the U.S.S.R. has since 1945 enlisted the service of Dr. Guenther Bock, a German who headed all
development of low aspect ratio (flying wing) type aircraft in Germany. Dr. Bock
is believed to be the top German scientist in charge at TSAGI and TSIAM which
are "Air Materiel Command" type organizations in the U.S.S.R. Further, it is
believed that Dr. Bock has made available all German plans for flying wing type
aircraft to the Soviets. Among the designs considered by the Germans and
possibly exploited by the U.S.S.R, are jet-propelled, flying wing type aircraft
whose configuration would be similar to descriptions of certain objects reported
flying over the U.S. The estimated speeds of such aircraft are within range of
the lower limits of speed attributed to flying objects over the U.S. It Is not
impossible that emphasis on surpassing foreign developments has led to unusual
progress in fuels and propulsion by the U.S.S.R. In connection with possible
advancements in the field of fuels and propulsion, it should be observed that
The Russian oil situation (regardless of estimated oil reserves) is quite
different from that in the U.S. For example, U.S. oil industry is prepared to
turn out tremendous quantities of highly fractionated petroleum products, while
the U.S.S.R. cannot reasonably approach such capabilities. This consideration
dictates different solutions on fuels for propulsion in the two countries and in
turn, dictates the direction taken in development of jet motors or the use of
other propulsive devices. We must therefore, arrive at the conclusion that any
Soviet device which may have made its appearance over the U.S. as described,
would possess unusual performance characteristics which, in all probability,
would include unusual range. The possibility that they could have been launched
at fairly close range should not be discarded.
4. POSSIBLE REASONS OR TACTICS FOR THE USE OF SOVIET UNCONVENTIONAL AIRCRAFT OVER THE U.S:
Predicated on all the foregoing assumptions, Soviet unconventional aircraft may have been flown
over the U.S. for one, all, or a combination of the following reasons:
a. TO NEGATE U.S. CONFIDENCE IN ATOM BOMB AS THE MOST ADVANCED AND DECISIVE WEAPON.
If the objects have been used in a propaganda sense, it
would be reasonable to assume that the Soviets would choose first to frighten
pro-American nations in Europe with the appearance of a radically new weapon to
counteract the ability of the U.S. to obtain full propaganda effectiveness with
the atom bomb. It will be remembered that strange objects first appeared over
the Scandinavian countries in 1946. The objects observed there had unusual range
and unusual performance characteristics. As this demonstration over the
Scandinavian Countries occurred the U.S. was making a vigorous campaign for the
economic and political alignment of these nations with other pro-American
Western European nations. When these incidents subsided, strange flying objects
began to be observed at an increasing rate over the U.S. The conclusion on this
point is that flying objects may have been used to frighten both European
nations and the U.S. by the appearance of a new device, and that failure to
identify such a Soviet object would give them invaluable indication that U.S.
development is far behind that of the Soviets. Except for this indication, it is
believed that the use of the objects to promote fear has been worthless in that
the U.S. public has tended to characterize these incidents entirely as
hallucinations by "crack pots", misidentification of conventional objects, or
that they represent a secret American project which should not be publicized.
Any fear that might result from Soviet use will come only by a discovery that
the objects have been Soviet aircraft and that they involve radical developments
which are in advance of our own accomplishments.
b. FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE.
It is possible that the Soviets have employed
the flying objects for the collection of photographic intelligence or the
mapping of certain areas in the U.S. The evasive action employed by all objects
sighted indicates not so much an attempt to avoid being sighted, as an attempt
to prevent disclosure of the exact type of flying craft and its mission. The
sightings of objects over the U.S. has been most intense in Eastern and Western
Coastal States. In addition, sightings of flying objects have been made near Oak
Ridge, Tenn., Las Cruces, N.M., and in the general area of the Hanford Works in
Oregon. Generally, sightings have not been made over what we consider strategic
industrial areas. The reason for this might be either that the flying objects
have been observed only enroute to or from missions over these more concentrated
strategic areas, or that the Soviets obtained sufficient information during
their World War II liaison with U.S. industry to satisfy their intelligence
requirements and have a more active requirement for information on industries
and areas which were not available to them during World War II contacts. This is
of interest in connection with the sightings near Oak Ridge, Las Cruces, and in
the general area of the Hanford Works since these establishments were not, and
are not, accessible to Soviet collectors of photographic intelligence.
c. TEST OF U. S. DEFENSES.
It is possible that the use of Soviet flying objects over the U.S. is intended only to determine the
ability of the U.S. defenses to spot foreign aircraft. This would be of extreme importance to the U.S.S.R. in
the event that a one-way all-out attack of Soviet strategic bombers is planned. Ability to operate over the
U.S. uninhibited at a time when the U.S. is supposedly re-arming and putting great stress on defenses
would provide valuable information on which to base estimates for probability of success in bombing
strategic objectives in the U. S.
d. FAMILIARIZATION FLIGHTS OVER U.S. TERRITORY.
This possible reason is perhaps the most improbable. It is assumed that, should this purpose be involved, other
purposes are probably also accomplished in its execution. Provided the U.S.S.R.
has unusually high performance aircraft they might find it advantageous to
familiarize themselves with the topography of the U.S. in anticipation of future
combat missions to strategic targets.
5. CONCLUSION.
The conclusion that some type of flying object has been observed over the U.S. seems
to be substantiated. It is not known at this time whether these observations are
misidentifications of domestically launched devices, natural phenomena, or
foreign unconventional aircraft. It is, therefore, impossible to
make any reliable explanation for their appearance over the U.S. or the tactics
which they may employ if the objects observed include any foreign developments
in aeronautical fields. It is likewise impossible at this time to
contain discussions of possible performance characteristics or tactics within
limits of practical reason, if for no other reason than the fact that proof of
the existence of a foreign development of this type would necessarily introduce
considerations of new principals and means not yet considered practical
possibilities in our own research and development.
APPENDIX "B" REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS:
AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948
* Original Map Image Not Reproducable At This Time *
Appendix "B" map showed locations of UFO sightings in U.S. comprising reports of:
- Disks
- Rough Cigar Shapes
- Ball of Fire
- Cone of Fire
- Configuration Undetermined
APPENDIX "C" SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS:
1. A NUMBER of reports on unidentified flying objects come from observers who, because of their
technical background and experience do not appear to be influenced by unfounded sensationalism nor
inclined to report explainable phenomena as new types of airborne devices. Some of the details of
their reports are presented in this appendix, along with those from possibly less reliable sources who
have reported evidence which is of such a nature that it cannot be entirely ignored.
2. DESCRIPTIONS OF significant incidents, arranged chronologically, follow:
- a. During April 1947, two employees of the Weather Bureau Station at Richmond, Virginia reported
seeing a strange metallic disk on three occasions through the theodolite while
making PIBAL observations. One observation was at 15,000 feet when a disk was
followed for 15 seconds. The disk appeared metallic, shaped something like an
ellipse with a flat bottom and a round top. It appeared below the balloon and
was much larger in size. The disk appeared to be moving rather rapidly, although
it was impossible to estimate its speed. The other observations were made at 27,000 feet in like manner.
- b. The following month, Byron B. Savage, a field engineer for Radio Corporation of America,
reported a disk flying near his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The object was
thought to be at an altitude between 10,000 feet and 18,000 feet, and was moving
toward the north at a high rate of speed, leaving no trailing effects.
- c. While flying at 10,000 feet on a course of 300 degrees, 30 miles northwest of Lake Meade,
Nevada, an Air Force lieutenant reported seeing five or six white circular
objects in close formation and traveling at an estimated speed of 285 miles per
hour. This sighting occurred on 28 June 1947.
- d. The following day a party of three, two of them scientists, were motoring along Highway 17 toward
the White Sand, New Mexico, V-2 firing grounds and reported seeing a large disk
or sphere moving horizontally at a high speed and an estimated altitude of
10,000 feet. It was of uniform shape and had no protruding surfaces such as
wings. The object was in sight for about 60 seconds before it disappeared to the
northeast. The three observers agreed on the details of the sighting except that
one thought he had seen vapor trails.
- e. On 7 July 1947, five Portland, Oregon police officers reported varying numbers of disks flying
over different parts of the city. All observations were made within a minute or two of 1305 hours.
- f. On the same day, William Rhoads of Phoenix, Arizona allegedly saw a disk circling his locality
during sunset and took two photographs. The resulting pictures (page 9) show a
disk-like object with a round front and a square tail in plan form. These
photographs have been examined by experts who state they are true photographic
images and do not appear to be imperfection in the emulsion or imperfections in
the lens. (See Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.)
ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS
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Fig . 2 |
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ENLARGEMENTS OF ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS:
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Fig. 4 |
- g. On 10 July 1947, Mr. Woodruff, a Pan-American Airways mechanic reported a circular object flying at
high velocity, paralleling the earth's surface and leaving a trail which appeared as a "burning up" of the cloud
formation. The sighting occurred near Harmon Field, Newfoundland. Two other persons also saw the trail
which remained in the sky for about an hour and was photographed by another PAA employee. The
resulting photographs support Mr. Woodruff's observation as far as the sky cleavage is concerned.
(See Figs, 5 and 6.)
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
- h. On 29 July 1947, Kenneth Arnold, while flying near Tacoma, Washington, reported a formation of flying
objects. The sketch of their shape corresponds closely to that shown in the
photographs made by Mr. Rhoads. On the same day, two U.S. Air Force pilots at
Hamilton Field reported two flying disks trailing a P-80, following it toward Oakland, California.
- i. On 4 August 1947, the pilot and co-pilot of a DC-3, flying for one Al Jones, near Bethel, Alaska,
reported a flying disk larger than their aircraft. This disk crossed their path
at about 1,000 feet and they turned to give chase. The DC-3 was flying at 170
mph, but the disk flew out of sight in four minutes.
- j. On 12 November 1947, two flying disks trailing jet-like streams of fire were reportedly sighted from the
bridge of the tanker Ticonderoga, according to the second officer. The
Ticonderoga was 20 miles off the Oregon shore. This officer said the disks were
in sight 45 seconds, moving at a speed estimated at 700-900mph, curving in a long, low arc.
- k. On 7 January 1948, a National Guard pilot was killed while attempting to chase an unidentified
object up to 30,000 feet. While it is presumed that this pilot suffered anoxia,
resulting in his crash, his last message to the tower was, "It appears to be
metallic object... of tremendous size... directly ahead and slightly above... I
am trying to close for a better look."
- l. On 5 April 1948, three trained balloon observers from the Geophysics Laboratory Section, Watson
Laboratories, N.J. reported seeing a round, indistinct object in the vicinity of
Hollman Air Force Base, New Mexico. It was very high and fast, and appeared to
execute violent maneuvers at high speed. The object was under observation for
approximately 30 seconds and disappeared suddenly.
- m. A yellow or light colored sphere, 25 to 40 feet in diameter was reported by Lt. Comdr. Marcus L.
Lowe, USN, just south of Anacostia Naval Air Station, D.C., while he was flying
on 30 April 1948. It was moving at a speed of approximately 100 miles per hour
at an altitude of about 4,500 feet. Although winds aloft were from the
north-northwest, its course was to the north.
- n. On 1 July 1948, twelve disks were reported over the Rapid City Air Base by Major Hammer. These
disks were oval-shaped, about 100 feet long, flying at a speed estimated to be
in excess of 500 mph. Descending from 10,000 feet, these disks made a 30-degree
to 40-degree climbing turn accelerating very rapidly until out of sight.
- o. On 17 July 1948, a report from Kirtland Air Force Base describes a sighting in the vicinity of San
Acacia, New Mexico, of seven unidentified objects flying in a "J" formation at
an estimated height of 20,000 feet above the terrain. The formation varied from
"J" to "L" to circle after passing the zenith. Flashes from the objects were
observed after passing 30 degrees beyond the zenith but there was no smoke or
vapor trail. If the reported altitude is correct the speed was estimated at
1,500 miles per hour, according to the report.
- p. Other sightings of lights and trails, rather than disks, have been reported, viz:
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(1) On 12 September 1947, the pilot and co-pilot of a Pan-American aircraft, en route from Midway to Honolulu, saw a
blue-white light approaching, changing to twin reddish glows upon withdrawal. The pilot estimated the speed of the light at
about 1,000 knots.
(2) On 15 June 1948, Mr. Booneville, territory manager for
the B.F Goodrich Company, observed a reddish glow with a jet exhaust in
the vicinity of Miles City, Montana. This glowing light made no sound,
traveled about twice the speed of a conventional aircraft and flew from
north to south several times in a wide arc, finally disappearing over the
horizon. |
- q. During the early morning of 25 July 1948, two Eastern Airlines pilots reported having seen a huge
flying craft similar to a V-2 pass their aircraft in flight. (See Figs. 7 and
8.) The attached drawings made by these two observers very closely resemble a
flying object reported to have been seen on 20 July 1948, by A. D. Otter, chief
investigator of Court of Damage Inquiry, and his daughter at Arnham,
Netherlands. This object appeared to be a wingless aircraft having two decks.
The craft, sighted four times through scattered clouds and unlimited visibility,
was traveling at high speed at a high altitude. A sound similar to that made by a V-2 was reported.
- r. An object, similar in shape to the one in the preceding incident was reported by an experienced
American newspaper reporter about 25 kilometers northeast of Moscow on 3 August
1948. A Russian acquaintance identified it as a rigid airship but the reporter
disagrees because it flew at a high, but not excessive speed.
- s. On 1 October 1948 at approximately 2030 hours the pilot of a F-51 aircraft, 2nd Lt. George F.
Gorman (North Dakota Air National Guard), flying near Fargo, North Dakota,
sighted an intermittent white light about 3,000 feet below his 4,500 feet
cruising altitude. The pilot pursued the light which appeared to then take
evasive tactics. The object or light out-turned, out-speeded, and out-climbed
the F-51 in every instance during the attempt to intercept. The pilot lost
contact 27 minutes after the initial sighting. The same light was observed by three
other witnesses from the ground: Mr. L. D. Jensen, Air Traffic Controller, Mr.
Manuel E. Johnson, Assistant Traffic Controller, and Dr. L. N. Cannon, Occulist.
A comparison of all testimony revealed that one object was sighted and that it
consisted only of a small round ball of clear white light with no apparent shape
attached. It was about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. At times it traveled faster
than the F-51 and performed maneuvers in an evasive manner. When first sighted
the ball of light was traveling at an estimated 250 miles per hour. Under this
condition, the light was not continuous but blinked off and on. At high
performance the white light was continuous. Subsequent investigation eliminated
the possibility that this incident may have been another aircraft or a meteorological balloon.
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
- t. On 18 November 1948 at approximately 2145 hours, three reserve pilots, 2nd Lt. Kenwood W. Jackson,
2nd Lt. Glen L. Stalker, and 2nd Lt. Henry G. Combs, flying near Andrews Field,
Maryland, encountered an unidentified flying object. When first sighted, it
appeared to be lighted and flying at about 1,700 feet. Three or four passes were
made in an attempt to identify it. The pilot of the aircraft stated that while
diving his aircraft at approximately 240 miles per hour, the object would climb
vertically and then would drop below the aircraft from behind and continue to
circle. On the last pass, the landing light was switched on and momentarily a
dull gray glow from the object was observed. Lt. Combs stated he maintained
contact for about ten minutes with the object flying between the lights of
Washington, D.C. and his aircraft. All that could be observed was an oblong ball
with one light, no wings and no exhaust flame. It finally made a very tight turn
and headed toward the east coast at an estimated 500 to 600 miles per hour. At
the same time Staff Sergeant John J. Kushner observed from the ground an unusual
object in the air over Andrews Field. He stated that it was not very high and
that it did not look like an aircraft.
3. REPORTS OF radar intercepts point to unusual air activity which may be related to flying objects.
- a. On 1 July 1947, a GCA radar at Hokkaido, Japan picked up an unidentified target at 16 miles, with a speed in
excess of 500 mph. This target split into two targets, each estimated to be larger than a P-51.
- b. On 16 September 1947, an MEW radar at Fukuoka, Japan, picked up a target at 89 miles and trailed it to
19 miles, where it faded. Speed was 840-900 mph. The speed measurement, made by a good crew through a
70-mile track, is believed accurate.
4. Investigations conducted by Headquarters, Air Materiel Command, have definitely established the
identification of 18 of approximately 210 so-called flying saucers which have been reported. Approximately
nine per cent of the total number of incidents are, therefore, eliminated from further specific consideration.
Among those incidents positively explained, three were hoaxes, two were from unreliable witnesses. In
the remaining 13 eliminated incidents, objects were actually seen but investigation has shown that they
were celestial bodies or phenomena, meteorological and carnival balloons, and airborne cosmic ray experimental
equipment. The following examples are presented for comparison of the information reported by witnesses and
true identification of the object involved:
- a. On 22 July 1948, Captain Henry Glover
(Ordnance Reserve) and his wife observed at Van Nuys, California, an object
which they were unable to positively identify. Object at first appeared to be
round and looked like a weather balloon at about 2,000 feet but there was no
characteristic bobbing. The wind was blowing on the ground but the object was
quite steady. During the time it was under observation, about an hour, it
traveled through a vertical arc of about twenty-five (25) degrees or more. The
observer concluded that it was not a celestial body. It has a bluish
luminescence and as the sun set, the object's color gradually changed to orange
at dusk and ceased to be illuminated almost instantaneously. The outline was
clear and the air was clear with visibility unlimited. The object traveled from
the east to the west.
This object was determined by investigation to have been a balloon carrying cosmic ray equipment.
- b. On 19 August 1948, at approximately 1050 hours an unidentified object was visible from the ground at Godman Air
Force Base, Kentucky. This object was estimated to be at about 30,000 to 40,000 feet altitude, spherical in shape,
bright silver color and gave a bright reflection from the sun. An F-51 was dispatched from Standiford Air Force Base,
Kentucky, to observe the object. During observation from the ground, there was no change in the elevation of the
object and it seemed to be moving southwest from Godman Air Force Base. The F-51 which was flying over Godman
AFB at an altitude of 30,000 to 35,000 feet reported that it was unable to locate the object although it was still visible
from the ground to the naked eye. Azimuth and elevation readings were taken by theodolite every minute and the
path of the object was charted.
The object was determined to be the planet Venus by Mr. Moore, the head astronomer at the University of Louisville,
Louisville, Kentucky. It is believed that earlier Incidents at Godman Field (reference paragraph 2k, page 12, Appendix "C")
may also have been observations of the planet Venus.
5. AMONG THOSE incidents still not positively explained, reported observations differ to some extent,
but three general categories of sightings emerge - the flying disk, the ball of fire and the large jet rocket.
Interesting observations that were noted are:
- a. Most of the objects are a thin disk, round on top and flat on the bottom. The front half of the disk is often circular, sweeping back to a square tail across the full width.
- b. A high rate of climb as well as the apparent ability to remain motionless or hover for a considerable length of time is indicated.
- c. Reported sizes have varied from that of a 25-cent piece to 250 feet in diameter, and from the size of a pursuit plane to the bulk of six B-29 airplanes.
- d. Speeds have been estimated throughout the entire range from very slow or hovering to supersonic.
- e. Sounds and visual trails are not normally associated with the sightings.
APPENDIX "D" FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT:
1. AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERS
Aeronoautical engineers in several countries have been engaged for some time in the
design, construction and flight of flying wing type aircraft. The study of flying objects
requires, at least, a brief examination of proposed and existing unconventional aircraft whose
configurations, when seen by the the uninitiated, could lead to reports of strange flying
devices. A description of some of the more significant types by country follows.
2. GERMANY.
At the end of World War II, German aircraft designers had numerous projects under
way concerning tailless aircraft which conceivably could be mistaken for "Flying Saucers"
or disc-like objects. It is not clear just what the Soviets are doing in the way of
developing these projects but it is considered that German studies on tailless, delta-wing,
and related configurations are available to the U.S.S.R.
a. ARADO NIGHT AND BAD WEATHER
FIGHTER, PROJECT I. This is a tailless, low-wing monoplane with
swept-back wings of large root chord and having a long, narrow fuselage.
| Span: |
|
60.3 feet |
| Length: |
|
42.6 feet |
| Power plant: |
|
1 HeS O11 turbo jet unit |
| Max. Speed (sea level): |
|
441 mph |
| Max. Speed (29,500 feet): |
|
503 mph |
b. ARADO E 581-4.
A high-wing tailless single-seater with a single jet unit mounted in the fuselage. Fin and rudder units
are mounted on the wing midway between the fuselage and the wing tip at the trailing edge.
| Span: |
29.3 feet |
| Length |
18.4 feet |
| Power plant: |
HeS O11 turbo jet unit |
| Max. Speed (sea level): |
--- |
| Max. Speed (service ceiling): |
--- |
c. GOTHA P 60-A.
This was the first of the P 60 series of jet fighters. It is a flying wing type and, since
the pilot and observer lie prone, there is no projecting canopy, thus permitting a particularly
clean design. The jet units are mounted at the rear of the center section, one above and
one below.
| Span: |
40 feet 8 1/2 in. |
| Wing Area: |
504 square feet |
| Power plant: |
2 BMW 003 turbo jet units |
| Max. Speed (23,000 feet): |
596 miles per hour |
d. HEINKEL P-1080.
This is a single-seat fighter with a sharply swept-back wing, resembling a flying wing
type, but having a single fin and rudder with no tail plane.
| Span: |
29.2 feet |
| Wing Area: |
218 square feet |
No performance estimates are available.
e. JUNKERS EF-130.
Of the flying wing type, this project was established as a long-range, high-speed jet bomber.
| Span: |
78.8 feet |
| Wing Area: |
1290 square feet |
| Power plant: |
4 HeS O11 turbo jet units |
| Max. speed: |
620 miles per hour |
| Range: |
3700 miles |
f. ME-329.
This is a tailless mid-wing monoplane driven by two pusher propellers with the engine
centrally located in the wings on each side of the stubby rounded fuselage.
| Span: |
56 feet |
| Length |
25.4 feet |
| Max. speed: |
455-465 miles per hour |
| Power plant: |
2 DB reciprocating engines |
g. HORTEN WING.
The closest resemblance to the estimated configuration of "Flying Disks" is
represented by the Horten Wing aircraft. Work on the Horten 229, a twin jet
fighter, had progressed to the final stages at the end of World War II. Its
prototype, a Horten glider, successfully soared to an altitude of 14,200 feet as
early as 1938, proving the soundness of this design. (Figs. 1, 2, and 3)
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
3. GREAT BRITAIN
a. THE ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH.
The AW 52 G, a glider, and the AW 52, a twin-jet airplane, are British designs of
tailless aircraft. The vertical stabilizers are located at the tips of the
swept-back wing. (Figs. 4 and 5.) Data on the AW 52 appear below:
| Span: |
90 feet |
| Length: |
37 feet |
| Max. Speed (sea level): |
435 knots |
| Max. Speed (20,000 feet): |
435 knots |
| Max. Speed (36,000 feet): |
417 knots |
| Range: |
1300 nautical miles |
| Power plant: |
2 Nene II turbo jet units |
Fig. 5
4. UNITED STATES.
a. NORTHROP B-35. This is a flying wing type aircraft, powered by four reciprocating engines and has a wing
span of 172 feet and a length of only 53 feet. (See Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
b. NORTHROP YB-49. Powered by eight turbo-jet engines, this airplane is the
jet-propelled version of the Northrop Flying Wing. (B-35) (See Fig. 7)
Fig. 7
c. CHANCE-VOUGHT XF5U-1.
Developed by Chance-Vought Aircraft, this radical design promises the reality of
high and low speed performance. Powered by two R-2000-2 engines, the
airplane will have a speed range from 40 to 425 miles per hour. (See Fig. 8)
Fig. 8
d. ARUP TAILLESS MONOPLANE.
Jane's "All The World's Aircraft" (1935 edition) describes this airplane as "a
two-seat machine with a 70 h.p. LeBlond engine....This has a high aspect ratio
wing with straight leading-edge and built in nacelle...." In plan form, the wing is almost semi-circular.
An Air Force film "Aeronautical Oddities", shows this airplane in flight at South Bend, Indiana and in some attitudes
appears identical to the photograph included in Appendix "C"; as Figure 4.
Although it is believed that the ARUP Manufacturing Co. is no longer in
existence, it is possible that later models of this or similar U.S. civil aircraft may have been observed.
| Span: |
|
22 feet |
| Length |
|
19 feet |
| Power plant: |
|
1 LeBlond engine |
| Max. Speed |
|
86 miles per hour |
Fig. 9
5. ALTHOUGH APPENDIX "D" is not intended to explain conclusively the phenomenon of "Flying Saucers" the possibility of
unconventional type aircraft being the cause of flying disk reports must not be overlooked.
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