Air Intelligence Division Study No. 203: Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States (1948)

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DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 857011

<s>TOP SECRET</s>
AIR INTELLIGENCE DIVISION STUDY
(DI/USAF-ONI)
2 6167
ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS
IN THE UNITED STATES
No. USAF
DECLASSIFIED
STUDY No. 203
10 DECEMBER 1948
By: <signature>
Auth. By: <signature>
Name: AF Int/Div
Date: 3/26/48
<s>TOP SECRET</s>

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2 6167

AIR INTELLIGENCE DIVISION STUDY
(DI/USAF-ONI)

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FOR SECRET

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT IN CELENTS IN THE U.S.

## TADEX

• ' ot fl.TI:na l) ct1da t

- APPENDIX B -Reported Sightings of Flying Objects as of 1 August 1948

- APPENDIX "C" - Selected Reports of Elving Object Incidents

- APPENDIX "D" - Flying Wing Type Aircraft

-TOP SECRET

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10 December 1948

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S.

## 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. (cont.)

## 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 estab- 1ished therein are summarized below.

3. The frequency of reported incidents, the similarity in many of the characteristics attributed to the observed objecta and the quality of observers considered as a whole, support the contention that sone 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 air- lines.

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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. newspaper.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. (cont.)

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION (cont.)

5. Descriptions of the flying objects fall into three configura- tion 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 celes- tial phenomena. It is necessary to obtain information on such domestic activity to confirm or deny this possibility. Depanding upon the degree with which this may be accomplished, foreign devices must then be con- sidered as a possibility.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. (cont.)

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION (cont.)

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 logi- cal 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 descriptions 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 transonic speeds attributed to some flying objects or greater overall performance assuming the successful development of some unusual propulsion device such as atomic energy engine.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. (cont.)

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION (cont.)

9. That the Soviets have a current interest in flying-wing type aircraft is suggested by their utilisation 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 satis- factory to the U.S.S.R. are indirectly indicated by the personal recog- nition he is reported to be receiving in the U.S.S.R. Recently it has been reported that the U.S.3.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 Kummikha, an air base two miles southwest of Irkutsk.

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TOP SECRET

Kurm;ti kha. is identified as one of a number of airfields for the pro- tection ot an atomic energy plant at Irkutsk. The Horten XllI as developed by Oermny ,ms o. 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 ex- planations 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.

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## APPENDIX "A"

MADE BY CHAS. C. BNT

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

1. Introduction. To formulate the possible tactics of flying ob- jects reported over the U.S. assumes from the outset that firm conclu- sions have been reached on both the existence and origin of the reported flying objects. The current status of information on such incidents and overall 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 situa- tion and does not preclude a concurrent examination of the reported in- cidents 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 evi- dence 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

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 des- cription 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 conven- tional domestic devices, such as weather balloons, test rockets, or jet- equipped aircraft with pancake or flying wing configurations.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

assumes a definable pattern. There is a large concentration of sight- ings along the Eastern Seaboard; another large concentration through- out 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 concentra- tion of population. Reports from such areas would also have greater facility in channeling either to newspapers or official reporting agen- cies. 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 thorofore Geems th.at aome type of flying objoct has been ob served; tho identification of ita origin requires tho co~!pletion of other analyses.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

First of all, the scientific objectives of the U.S.S.R. have been stated many times and indicated in many forms. The most clear- cut statement of this objective 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 scienti- fic 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 develop- ment already achieved in the capitalist nations. This would mean that it would be necessary to rapidly proceed through each phase of aero- nautical development that has already been accomplished in this country, and this probably would never have any prospects of accelerating Soviet develop- ment beyond any point reached by the U.S. The obvious answer to accom- plish their objective of not only overtaking, but surpassing the capitalist countries would be a scientific shortcut. This possibility is not so re- mote 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 be- comes even more realistic if the Soviets have shown a tendency to concen- trate on certain developments which have still not received a maximum of priority in our own programs.

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NO GEODET

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

the Germans and possibly exploited by the U.S.S.R., are jet-propelled, flying wing type aircraft whose configuration would be similar to des- criptions of certain objects reported flying over the U.S. The esti- mated 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 pro- gress in fuels and propulsion by the U.S.S.R. In connection with pos- sible 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 solu- tions 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 pro- pulsive devices. We must therefore, arrive at the conclusion that any Soviet device which may have made its appearance over the U. S. as des- cribed, 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

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 ob jects observed there had unusual range and unusual performance characteris- tics. 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 na- tions. 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 Euro- pean 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 in- dication 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 incidente entirely as hallucinations by "crack pota", misidentification of conventional objects, or that they represent a secret American project which should not be publicized. Any fear that might re- sult 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

## 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 sighting of objects over the U.S. has been most intense in Eastern and Western Coastal States. In addition, sightings of flying objects

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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 ob- served 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 informa- tion 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U.S. AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED (cont.)

## 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 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 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.

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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 un- conventional aircraft. It is, therefore, impossible to make any re- liable 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 re- search and development.

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CONFIDENTIAL

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## APPENDIX "C"

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## 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 explanable 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 observa- tions. 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.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

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 large disk or sphere moving hori- zontally 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 thres observers agreed on the details of the sighting except that one thought he had seen vapor trails.

9. On 7 July 1947, five Portland, Oregon police officers re- ported 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 al- legedly saw a disk circling his locality during sunset and took two photography. The re tures belly how pisked object with a round front and a square in plan form. These photographs have been examined by ho state they are the histographic images and do not appear to be imperfection in the emulsion or imper- fections in the lens. (See Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4.) ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS

O

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Fig. 3

Fig. 4

8. 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 opeurred near Harmon Field, Newfoundland. Two other params also saw this trail which remained in the sky for about an hour and was photographed by another PAA employes. The resulting photo- graphs support Mr. Woodruff's observation as far as the sky cleavage is concerned. (See Figs. 5 and 6.)

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Fig. 5

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Fig. 5

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Fig. 6

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Fig. 6

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' On 29 July 1947, Kemeth Arnold, while flying near Todoma, Washington, reported a formation of flying objects. His sketch of their shape corresponda alosely to that shown in the photographs made by Mr. Rhoads. On the same day, two U.S. Air Force pilote at Hamilton Field reported two flying diaks trailing a P-80, following it toward Oakland, California.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

1. 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 1000 feat and they turned to give chase. The DC-3 was flying at 170 mph, but the disk flow out of sight in four minutes.

J. On 12 November 1947, two flying diske 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 diskce were in sight 45 seconds, moving at a speed estimated at 700-900 mph, qurving in a long, low are.

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 sise.... directly ahead and alightly above.... I am trying to close for a better look."

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s. A yellow or light colored sphere, 25 to 40 feet in diameter was reported by Lt. Condre Maroun L. Low, Us, just south of Anacostia Naval Air Station, Dede, 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 4500 feat. Although winds aloft were from the north-northwest, its course was to the north.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

- na On 1 July 1948, twelve disks were reported over the Rapid City Air use by Major Hammor. These disks were oval-shaped, about 100 feet long, flying in excess of an estimated 500 mph. Descending from 10,000 feet, these diske made a 30-degree to 40-degree climbing turn accelerating very rapidly until out of sight.

0. n 17 July 1948, a report from Kirtland Air Force Base describes a sighting in the vicinity of San Aeneis, 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 smith. Flashes from the objects were observed after passing 30 degrees beyond the senith but there was no smoke or vapor trail. If the reported altitude is correct the speed was esti- mated at 1500 miles per hour, according to the report.

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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 aro, finally disappearing over the horizon.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

4. 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 dravings made by these two observers very closely resemble a flying ob- Ject 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 un- limited 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.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

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 T-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. Sub- sequent investigation eliminated the possibility that this incident may have been another aircraft or a meteorological balloon.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

t. On 18 November 1948 at approximately 2145 hours, three re- serve pilots, 2nd Lt. Kenwood W. Jackson, 2nd Lt. Glen L. Stalker, and 2nd Lt. Henry G. Combs, flying near Andrews Field, Maryland, encountered an unidentifiable flying object. When first sighted, it appeared to be 11ghted and flying at about 1700 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 vas ob- served. It. 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 Andrewa Jield. He stated that it was not very high and that it did not look like an aircraft.

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Fig. 7

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FIG. 8

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Fig. 8

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

a. On 1 July 1947, a GOA radar at Hokkaido, Japan picked up an unidentified target at 16 miles, with a speed in excess of 500 aph. This target split into two targets, each estimated to be larger than a P-bl.

b. On 16 September 1947, an HB radar at Fukuoka, Japan, picked up a target at 89 miles and trailed it to 19 miles, where it faded. Speed was 840-900 moh. The speed measurement, made by a good crew through a 70-mile track, is believed accurate.

4. Investigations conducted by Headquarters, Air Materiel Con- mand, have definitely established the identification of 18 of approxi- mately 210 so-called flying saucers which have been reported. Approxi- mately 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 wit- nesses. In the remaining 13 eliminated incidents, objecte vere 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 com- parison of the information reported by witnesses and true identification of the object involved:

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almost instantaneously. The outline was clear and the air was clear with visibility unlimited. The object traveled from the east to the west.

# APPENDIX "B"

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS

AS OF 1 AUGUST 1948 (cont.)

## SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

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 unidenti- fied 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 fest 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 fodman 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 eleva- tion 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, Ken- tucky. It is believed that earlier incidents at Godman Field (reference. paragraph 2k, page 6, Appendix C) may also have been observations of the planet Venus.

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b. A high rate of climb as well as the apparent ability to remain motionless or hover for a considerable length of time is indi- eated.

0. 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 3-29 airplanes.

4. Speeds have been estimated throughout the entire range from very slow or hovering to supersonic.

0. Sounds and visual trails are not normally associated with the sightings.

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CONFIDENTIAL

# 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 con- figurations, 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 con- ceivably could be mistaken for "Flying Saucers" or disc-like objects. It is not clear just what the Soviets are doing in the way of develop- ing these projects but it is considered that German studies on tailless, delta-wing, and related configurations are available to the U.S. S.R.

# APPENDIX "D"

FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT (cont.)

## Gotha 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 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 rud- der with no tail plane.

Span 29.2 feet
Wing area 218 square feet
No performance estimates are available.

## 8. Junkers F 130

as a long-range,

Of the flying wing type, this project was established high-speed jet bomber.

Span 78.8 feet
Wing Area 1290 square feet
Power Plant 4 HeS 011 turbo jet
Max. Speed 620 miles per hour
Range 3700 miles

# APPENDIX "D"

FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT (cont.)

## Me 329

This is a tailless mid-wing monoplane driven by two pusher propellers with the engines centrally located in the wings on each side of the stubby rounded fuselage.

Span 56 feet
Length • 25 .4 feet
!tax. Spaed 455-465 miles per hour
Power Plant 2 Dl3 603 reciprocating enginee

## g. Horten W ing

The closest resemblance to the estimated configuration of "Flying Disks" is represented by the Horten Wing aircraft. Work on

2

CONFIDENTIAL

[page 44]
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, success- fully soared to an altitude of 14,200 feet an early as 1938, proving the soundness of this design. (Figs. 1, 2, and 3)

Fig. 1

[page 45]
Fig. 2

4

[page 46]
[ ]

03 The Horton 229, Flying wing twin-engine Jet fighter, was in its finishing cages at hand of the ver. The pilot of this airplane out in the nose, totoon the two jot unito. The courtnees of this design who proved os carly as 1938 whom a Horton glor, prototype of the 229, coped to an altair of 1,200 foot.

CREDIT: "0.8. AIR FORCE FOTO., WASH. D.C.'

:

[page 47]
On the left side, vertically oriented text reads "CONFIDENTIAL".
On the right side, vertically oriented text reads "FIG. 2" and next to it, the number "4" is also present.
There are three punched holes along the bottom edge of the image.

[page 48]
CONFIDENTIAL

Fig. 3

5

CONT IDENTIFY

[page 49]
33567 A.C.-WRIGHT FIELD, OHIO 00 The Horten 229, flying wing twin-engine jet fighter, was in its finishing stages at the end of the war. The pilot of this airplane sat in the nose, between the two jot units. The soundness of this design was proved as early as 1938 when a Horten glider, prototype of the 229, soared to an altitude of 14,200 feet.

CREDIT: "U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO.,, WASH. D.C."

[ ]

[page 50]
CONFIDENTIAL

<empty>

Fig. 3

5

GONIDENTIAL

[page 51]
## 3. Great Britain

# APPENDIX "D"

FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT (cont.)

## a. The Armstrong Whitworth

The AW 52 0, 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
Lenth 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 Plent 2 Nene II turbo jet units

Fig. 4

6

[page 52]
A

A use a sed tort

*ity Instance of it

- AIR FORCE PHOTO-
HEADQUARTERS U.S.A.F.
WASH, D.C.

[page 54]
A-32714 A.C. Armstrong Whitworth A.W. 52 G. Prototype March 1945.

CREDIT: "U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO., WASH, D.C."

[page 55]
CONFIDENTIAL

Tig. 5

CONFIDENTIAL

[page 56]
Fig. 6

CONVENING

[page 57]
31622 A.C.-LOS ANGELES LOOKS UP AT THE FUTURE. The U.S. Air Forces Northrop built XB-35 "Flying Wing" casts a shadow of things to come over Loa Angeles. This radicald'sparture from conventionel airplane design is capable of carrying the atom balb or a 10,000 lb. bomb load 10,000 miles. The Flying Wing" has completed first test flights. This airplane has a span of 172 feet and a longth of only 53 feet.

CREDIT: "U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO., WASH. D.C."

[ ]

[page 58]
## 4. United States

[page 59]
Fig. 8

[page 60]
34420 A.C.-Aerial view of the YB-49, Jet-propelled version of the Northrop Flying Wing. Fastest large bomber yet built for the U.S. Air Force, the YB-49 18 powered by eight jet engines. It is undergoing extensive tests at Muroc Air Force Base, I California, where thie photograph was made.

CREDIT: "U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO., WASH, D.C."

[page 61]
CONFIDENTIAL

[page 63]
•

A.C.-NAVY EXPERIMENTS WITH NEW HIGH-LOW SPEND FIGHTER, Developed by Chance-Fought Aircraft in a revolutionary new Navy fighter designated XF5U-1, which promises the reality of extremely high and low speede in the same plans, and has the added feature of one engine being able to turn over both propellers in the event of a failure. Powered by two R-2000-2 engines, the plane will have a speed range of from 40 to 425 miles per hour.

[page 64]
CONFIDENTIAL

## b. Northron YB 49

Powered by eight turbo-jet engines, this airplane is the jet-propelled version of the Northrop Flying Wing (3 35). (See Fig. 7)

Fig. 7

9

# -CONFIDENTIAL (cont.)

## do ARUP Tailless Nonoplane

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. Al- though 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
Length
Power Plant
Max. Speed

22 feet
19 feet
1 LeBlond engine
86 miles per hour

Three views of an Experimental Arup tailless Monoplane .

Fig. 9
11
CONFIDENTIAL

[page 66]
COLLIDEMUME

WASH., D.C. HEADQUARTERS U.S.A.F - AIR FORCE POTO

alion

gude pos GOOD

600

[page 67]
## 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.

9

NW 91410
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