DOW-UAP-D094, Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States, 1949

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2 - 734/ DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 857011 NW 912/76 Docld 84749006 Page i

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HEADQUARTERS US AF INTELLIGENCR REPORT DATE NO 1007 62-27 CANO OR OF AL HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES LAIRE FORCE ON ECORATE DEVINTELLIGENCE WASHNGTON D.V NAN 915/6 100cld:34749006 Page 2

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TOP SECRET 89A LOAN DOCUMENT T/S CONTROL NO 2-7541 OPPICE TO WHICH LOANED ._AFOIN-2A DATE DUS IN AFOIN-C/DD 8 July 1952. PLEASE RETURN THIS DOCUMENT ON DATE SPECIFIED ABOVE TO APOIN-C/DD, ROOM NO. SC116 ATTENTION: -108 SPC/ET- CONTROL OFFICER Ten the attached documental thdrew he cisgatfication of thie sheat will b changed to UNCLASSLIND in accordance *ith PAR 25c, APR 205-1. 598 TOP SECRET NAV 31376 Dodd: 4149006 Hage O

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Air Intelligence Report No. 100-203-79 ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. Alr IntelligenCe miser Stay No. 203 Directorate of Intelligence and Office of Naval Intelligence DISTRIBUTION "C" WARNING: This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Act, 50 U.S.C., 31 and 32, as amended. the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. Reproduction of the intelligence in this publication, under the provisions of Army Regulation 380-5, is authorized for United States military agencies provided the source is indieated. Directorate of Intelligence Headquarters United States Air Force Office of Naval Intelligence Navy Department Washington, D. C. DEGLASSIFIED Autony AF INA Mere 5M0I 85 LN. 91300 Dodd 34749006 Page 4

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ANALYSIS OF ELYING OBIECT INCIDENIS IN THE U.S. INDEX SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS APPENDIX "A" - ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U. S AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED Introduetion.-.- Some Aspects Regarding Flying Object Incidents Possible Origin of Unusual Flying Objects Possible Reasons or Tactics for the Use of Soviet Unconventional Aircraft Over the U. S. Conclusion .. APPENDIX "B" - REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 APPENDIX "C" - SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS APPENDIX "D" - FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAET Get many Great Britain United States - 1. - LOR SECRET NIW 302/6 Docid 24742006 Page B Page 1 4 17 1

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ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U. & SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS PROBLEM 1. TO EXAMINE pattern of tactics of "Flying Saucers" (hereinafter referred to as flying objects) and to develop conclusions as to the possibility of existence. FACTS AND DISCUSSION 8. 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 simllarity 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, USAE rated officers, experienced civillan pilots, technicians associated with various re- search 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 The last observation of unidentified objects was in April, 1947. On all four occa- sions the weather balloon and the unidentified objects were in view through the theodollte. These observations at the Richmond Bureau occurred several months before publicity on the tlying saucers appeared in a U.S, newspaper. 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. 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" - 1 - NWN 911376 Dood 4749006 Paue k

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LOR 95 8. THE ORIGIN of the devices is not ascertainable. There, are two reasonable possibllities: (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 ot flight might be responsible for some of the reported lying oojects, particu larly those described as disks and rough cigar shapes. (See Appendices "C" and (*D*.) those which have been operational in recent years are the XP5U-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 aircrait 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 intormation on a number of German tlying-wing type aircratt such as the Gotha P60A, Junkers EF 130 Jong-range, high-speed jet bomber and the Horten 229 which particularly resembles some of the description of unidentified flying objects 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. utilization of Dr. Guenther Bock who, at the end ot World War Il, was in charge of the flying- wing program in Germany (See Appendix "A" , paragraph 3, page 4. Achievements satisiactory 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 bulld a fleet ot 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 reason 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 inter- 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 oi fonelgn origin. - 2 - TOR SE NIA 94176 LoOKATA9006 Page A

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TOR SEGRET APPENDIX "A" ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBTECT 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 con- clusions 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 analy- sis 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. 2. 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 there- fore is possible that a single type of object may be involved in all sightings, and differences in description may result fror viewing the objects at various angles and under differing conditions of visibility. 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. TAR SEORE - 3. CNN 91376 Docid 24749006 (Rage 8

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TOP DECKET 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 con- centration 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 con- figuration of object and description of maneuverability is approximately equal in each of these areas and this is belleved to further substantiate the possibility that one type of object might have been observed in ditferent aspects of flight. I 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 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. ance characteristics attributed to the unidentifled objects at this time that it 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. 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 obiective is probably the one contained in the preamble to the Fourth Five-year Plan (1946-1950) 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 oro- ceeding 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 stready 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 develop- ments becomes more realistle. It becomes even more realistic if the Soviets have shown a tendency to concertrate on certain developments which have still not received a maximum of priority in our It is known that the U.S.S.R. has since 1945 enlisted the services of Dr. Guenther Bock, a German who headed all development of low aspect ratio (flying wing) type aircraft in Germany. Dr. Bock is belleved to be the top German scientist in charge at TSAGI and TSIAM which are has made avallable all German plans for flying wing type aircraft to the Soviets. Among the de- signs 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 con- nection with possible advancements in the field of fuels and propulsion, it should be observed that - 4 - BORSEATT IN 93r6 Dodid 64749006 Page 9

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TOR SECRET the Russian oil situation (regardless of estimated oll reserves) is quite different from that in the U.S. For example, U.S. oll industry is prepared to turn out tremendous quantities of highly frac- tionated petroleum products, while the U.S.S.R, cannot reasonably approach such capablities. 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 aircrall may have been town 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. It 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 effective- ness 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 per- formance 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 appear- ance of a new device, and that failure to identity 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" of conventional objects, or that they represent a secret American project which should not be pub- licized, 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 •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 miscion. The sighting 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 strategie 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 satisty 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 con- 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 forelgn aircraft. be of extreme importance to the U.S.S.R. in the event that a one-way all-out attack of Soviet strate- gic 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 intormation on which to base estimates for probability of success in bombing strategic objectives in the U.S. FOR SEET - 6-1 (IN 911376 Dood 2e 49006 Page 110

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TOR GE d. FAMILIARIZATION FLICHTS OVER U.S. TERRITORY. This possible reason is perhaps the most Improbable. It is assumed that, should this purpose be Involved, other purposes are prob- ably 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 misidentifi- cations of domestically launched devices, natural phenomena, or foreign unconventional aircraft. Il is, therefore, Impossible to make any reliable explanation for their appearance over the U.S. or the tactics which they may employ l the objects observed include any foreign developments in aero- nautical flelds. It Is likewise impossible at this time to contain discussions of possible perform- ance characteristics or tactics within limits of practical zeason, i 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. - 6 - 500 85 NINA SALENT Dodd 474900k rage 10

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CALLELDE APPENDIX B** REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF PLYING OBJECTS AS OF 1 AUGUSE 1948 Name aut bage 12

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APPENDIX "C" SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBIECT 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 intluenced by unfounded sensationalism nor inclined to report explainable phenomena as new types of airborne devices. Some of the detalls 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. DESCRIPITIONS OF significant incidents, arranged chronologically, follow: a. During April 1947, two employees of the Weather Bureau Station at Richmond, Virginia re- ported 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 26,000 teet 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 lleutenant reported seeing five or six white circular objects in close forma- tion and traveling at an estimated speed of 285 miles per hour. This sighting occurred on 28 June d. The following day a party of three, two of them scientists, were motoring along Highway 17 toward the White Sand, New Mexico, V-4 tiring grounds and reported seeing a large disk or sphere moving horizontally at a bigh speed and an estimated altitude of 10,000 feet. It was of uniform shape and had no protruding surtaces such as wings. The object was in sight for about 60 seconds before it disappeared to the northeast. The three observers agreed on the detalls of the sighting except that one thought tie had seen vapor trauls... e. On 7 July 1847, five Portland, Oregon police officers reported varying numbers of disks fly- ing over different parts of the city. All observations were made within a minute or two of 1305 hours. f. On the same day, Willlam Rhoads of Phoenix, Arizona allegedly saw a disk circling his locality during sunsetrand 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.) NIN SIT H Dadd t4743006 Page 12

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SECRET ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY ME. RHOADS 15X 921A C Dig. 2 ENLARGEVENIS ON ORIGINAL PEOTOGRAPHS Fig. 3 Big: 4 SECRET - 9

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SEGRET S. On 10 Tuly 194% Mx, Woodruit, a Pan-American Airways mechanic reported a circular object. flylng ot high volocity, paralleling the earth's surface and leaving a trail which appeared as a burning up of the cloud formation. The sighting oceurted near Harmon Field, Newloundland, Two other persons also saw the trail which remained in the sky for about an hour and was photo- graphed 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 SECRET

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SECRET F18. 6 h. Oa 29 Twy 1947, Kenneth Arnold, while flying near Tacoma, Washington, reported a formation ot flying objects. His sketch of their shape corresponds closely to that shown in the photogcaphs made by Mr. Rhoads. On the same day, two U.S. Alr Force pilots at Hamilton Field reported two flying disks tratling a F-30, following it toward Oakland, California. L, On 4 August 1947, the pllot and co-pilot of a DC-3, flying for one Al Jones, near Bothel, Alaska, reported a flying disk larger than their aircraft. This disk crossed their path at about 1,000 teet and they turned to give chase. The DG-3 was flying at 179 mph, but the disk tiew out of sight in four mlnutes.: 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 ofticer. The fetconde roge was 80 miles off the Oregon shore. This officer sald the disks were in sight. 46 seconds, moving at a speed estimated at 100-900 mph, curving in a long, low are. - 11 - sue Least 1006 Rage 1L

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FORET ahead and slightly above....I am trying to close for a better book."" 1. On 5 April 1048, three trained balloon observers from the Geophysics Laboratory Section, at high speed. The object was under observation for approximately 30 seconds and disappeared m. A yellow or light colored sphere, 45 to 40 feet in diameter was reported by It. Comdx. about 4,500 feet. Although winds aloft were from the north-northwest, its course was to the accelerating very rapidly until out of sight. passing the zenith. Flashes from the objects were observed after passing 30 degrees beyond the zenith but there wes no smoka or vapor trail. Il the reported altitude is correct the speed was estimated at 1,500 miles per hour, according to the report. p. Other sightings or lights and tratts, rather than disks, have been reported, viz: (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, Mx. Booneville, territory manager for the B.F. Goodrich Company, Blowing a nish now wit, traveled about twice the speed we vent on atre at and flew from noth to south several times in a wide arc, finally disappearing over the horizon. 9. During the early morning of 25 July 1948, two Eastern Airlines pilots reported having seen a huge flying crait similar to a V-2 pass their aircraft in flight. (See Figs. 7 and 8.) The we been seon on 20 july 1948, by A. D. Otten, chief investigator of Court of Damage Inquiry, 20 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 travel- ing at high speed at a high altitude. A sound similar to that made by a V-2 was reported. America meet similar in er ape to be met the precedit cost was reputed an experiestan acquaintance identllled 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 It. George light which appearsd to then take evasive tactles. The object or light out-turned, out-speeded, and out-climbed the F-fi in every instance during the attempt to intercept. The pilot lost contact 27 - 12 - SECRET NIA 31010 Docid 24749006 Page 117

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no pare Me no ace 410u6 Rage 1a 6GRET DE DANDERE Fig- 7 SECRET - 13

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minutes after the inittal sighting. The same light was observed by three other witnesses from the ground: Mr. L. D. Jensen, Air Traffie Controller, Mr. Manuel E. Johnson, Assistant Traffic Con- troller, and Dr. L. N. Cannon, Oculist. 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 diamter. and performed maneuvers in an evasive manner. When tirst sighted the ball of light was travel- ing at an estimated 250 miles per hour. Under this condition, the light was not continuous but blinked oft and on. eliminated the possibility that this incident may have been another aircralt or a meteorological balloon. t. On 18 November 1948 at approximately 2145 hours, three reserve pilots, 2nd It. Kenwood W. Jackson, 2nd It. Glen L.. Stalker, and and Lt. Henry G. Combs, flying neat 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. 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 elow 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 aireraft. 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. the same time Staff Sergeant John I. 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 3. REPORTS OF radar intercepts point to unusual air activity which may be related to flying a. On 1 July 1947, a CCA 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 18 miles, where it faded. Speed was 840-900 mph. The speed measurement, made. by a good crew through a 70-mile track, is belteved 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. two were from unreliable witnesses. actually seen but investigation has shown that they were celestial bodies or phenomena, meteoro- logical and carnival balloons, and airborne cosmic ray experimental equipment. The following examples are presented for comparison of the information reported by witnesses and true identifl cation of the object involved: a. On 22 July 1948, Captain Henry Clover (Ordnance Reserve) and his wife observed at Van Nuys, California, an object which they were unable to positively identity. Object at first appeared to be round and looked like a weather balloon at about 2,000 feet out there was no characteristic bobbing. The wind was blowing on the ground but the object was quite steady. During the time it was undex observation, about an hour, it traveled through a vertical are of about twenty-five (85°) 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. WE CRET - 15 - RIN METH DockitaC43006 Bage 20

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SOMET b. On 19 August 1948, at approximately 1050 hours an unidentified flying 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 sliver 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-ol 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 with 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 Louleville, Louisville, Kentucky unt may also have been observations of the It is belteved that earlier Incidents at Godman Field (reierence paragraph ik, page 1a, Appendix 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. 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 motiontess or hover for a considerable length of time is indicated. c. Reported sizes have varied from that of a 25-cent plece 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. - 10 - -6601 NIV 311306 Dodld 44749006 89g0 41

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APPENDIX "D" FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT 1. AERONAUTICAL 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 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 con- figurations are available to the U.S.S.R. a. ARADO NIGHT AND BAD WEATHER FIGETER, PROJECT I. This is a tallless, low-wing monoplane with swept-back wing of large root chord and having a long, narrow fuselage. Span 60.8 feet Length 42.5 feet Power Plant 2 Hes O11 turbo jet units 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 fuselage and wing tip at the trailing edge. Span Length Power Plant Max, Speed (sea level) Max. Speed (service celling) -- 29.3 feet 18.4 feet 1 HeS 011 turbo jet unit 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 Wing Area Power Plant Max. Speed (23,000 feet) 40 feet 81/2 in. 504 square feet 2 BMW 003 turbo jet units 596 miles per hour d. HEINKEL B. 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 periormance estimates are avallable. - 17 - NIN 91376 Dodd 34749006 Page 2e

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6. JUNKERS ED 130, Of the flying wing type, this project was established as a long-range, high-speed jet bomber. Span wing Area Power Plant Max. Speed Hange 78.8 feet 1290 square feel 4 HeS 011 turbo det units 620 miles per hour 3700 miles (/ ME 329. This is & tailless mid-wing monoplane driven by two pusher propellers with the engines contrally 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 603 reciprocating engines E. HORTEN WING. The closest resemblance to the estimated configuration of "Flying Disks" is ropresented by the Horten Wing aircraft. Work on the Morten 229, a twin jet tighter, had pro- crassed to the final stages at the end of World War II. Its prototype, a Horten glider, cuccess fully soared to an altitude of 14,200 feet as early as 1938, proving the soundness of this design. (Pigs, L, 2 and 3) FiE- 5181- SANFIOSALLLL

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Mg. 3 - 19 -

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Fig. 3 - 20 - du Aat Miaolt 41 40006 Fage 21

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3. GREAT, BRITAIN a HE NySTRONG WHITWORTH, The AW. 52 G, a glider, and the AW 5a, a twin-jet, alr- plane, are Brilish designs of tailless aircratt. The vertical stabllizers are located at the Mps. ot the swept-back wing. (Figs, 4 and 6) Data on the AW 52 appear below. Span Length Max, Speed (sea level) Max. Speed (20,000 teet) Max. Speed (36,000 feet) Range Power Plant 90/ teet 37 teet 480 knots 435 knots 417 knots 1800 nautical miles 2 Nene. Il turbo jet units MANG KONG WITWORT A W. SY Erase mental Eying-wing Big. 4 - 21 - He lad Mould 54143005 Fage 20

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6 220- 22 ak0k Mockd 04749006 Fage 44

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0-04 AN UNITED SCATES NORTHROP B-35. This is a flying wing type aireralt, powered by tour reciprocating engines and haska wing span of 172 feet and a length of only 53 feet. (See Fig. 6) Fig 6 - 23 AS Made Fage 2a

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CO4-E20E b. NORTHEOP YE, 49, Powered by eight turbo-jet engines, this airplane is the jet-propelled vorsion ot the Northrop Flying Wing (B 35). (See Fig. T) Fig: T ETETUENTTA Мик баскі ка нив Fage 29

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C. CHANCE-VAUGHT XP5U-1 Developed by Chance-Vaught. Arcraft, this radical design promises the really of high and low speed performance. Powered by two R-2000-3 engines, the airplane will have a speed range of from 40 to 485 miles per hour. (See Fle. 3) Fig. 8 OTTENT - 20-

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d. ARUP TAILLESS MONOPLANE. Jane's "All the World's Aireraft" (1935 edition) describes this a frolane asia 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 identieal to the photograph included in Appendix "C/as Figure 4. Although it is belteved that the ARUP Manufacturing Co, is no longer in existence, It is possible that later models of this on similar U.S, civil aircraft. may have been observed: Spani Length Power Plant Max. Speed 28 feet. 19 feet 1 LeBlond engine 86 miles per hour R INC. 12894 P B49В4 Ак ise views of an Experimentel Arop tallies Monoplane. Fig. 8 S. ALTHOUGHT 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 aot be overlooked. - 26 M 0085405А HAS E176 Mocke 547450u6 Rage Su

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01 Nu 2 F 134/ даА REGISTER OF PERSONNEL HANDLING TOP SECRET MATERIAL 2.%. CONS: Dole 29 USA 52502 DATE мт 3 DEC 5 1850 DIVISION OFFICE D/I USA 4B 854-Pentagon SUBUECT Intel stel Rpt +100-203-79, Cy 4102 of 103 SubOrOlIT U S NUMBER OF PAGES IN BASIC IN INCLS. NUMBER OF T NCLOSURES INSTRUCTIONS The above described Top-Secret document has been received in this office this date. this material of persons necessary for completion of the required of all persons handling or having knowledge of the subject document will be recorded below as indicated. The document will be returned to the Top-Secret Control Officer (Room dispatch other disposition. form will not be removed from the except by him when forwarding. subject document NAME DATE TIME Roy & Ostren 1130 n 51 102 5 6 June NV 16r5 34 JUN 19625 WILLIAM H. CLARK ce.a. chungwall Amant 1445 28 ga 155 4 1505 24 дижк обя 1515 PURPOSE Processing Quin Processing NOCESSEN formation fogquig Legging Lagging ALL PAPERS ATTACHED yeS Yes ула MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE. 9-336, AF Cho 91316 Dodid 34749006 Page 34

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