USAF Air Intelligence Division: Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States (Study No. 203, 1949)

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# HEADQUARTERS USAF
AIR
INTELLIGENCE
REPORT

DATE: 28 APR 1949
NO.: 100-0703-29
CY. NO: <s>102</s> OF 103

DECLASSIFIED
Authority: [Redacted]
By: [Signature]
Status Date: 7/24/85

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE

WASHINGTON, D. C.

OF 32
TOP SECRET
CONTROL
AF cy 10 2
6637

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Air Intelligence Report No. 100-203-79.

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# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OB ECT lliCIDENTS IN THE U. S.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OB ECT lliCIDENTS IN THE U. S. (cont.)

## INDEX

|              |                                                                                                                                                                                                  | Page                  |
|-|-|-|
| SUMMARY AND  | CONCLUSIONS                                                                                                                                                                                      | 1                     |
| APPENDIX "A" | ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS IN THE U. S.                                                                                                                                                 |                       |
|              | AND HYPOTHETICAL TACTICS EMPLOYED                                                                                                                                                                | 3                     |
|              | Introduction                                                                                                                                                                                     |                       |
|              | Some Aspects Regarding Flying Object Incidents<br />Possible Origin of Unusual Flying Objects<br />Possible Reasons or Tactics for the Use of Soviet<br />Unconventional Aircraft Over the U. S. | 334<br /><br />5 LO   |
|              | Conclusion                                                                                                                                                                                       | 6 CO                  |
| APPENDIX "B" | REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF FLYING OBJECTS AS OF                                                                                                                                                       |                       |
|              | 1 AUGUST 1948                                                                                                                                                                                    | 7                     |
| APPENDIX “C” | - SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS                                                                                                                                                    | 8                     |
| APPENDIX "D" | FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT                                                                                                                                                                        | 17                    |
|              | Germany<br />Great Britain<br />United States                                                                                                                                                    | 17<br />28 21<br />23 |

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# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OB ECT INCIDENTS IN THE U. S.

## SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

## PROBLEM

1. TO EXA:MlNE 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

2. A DETAILED discussion of information bearing on the problem as set forth above 1s 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 re search projects and technicians employed. by commercial airlines.

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

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION (cont.)

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 1n 1948, • and that the observers reporting such incidents may have been interested in obtaining personal pubUcity have been considered as possible explanations. However, these posslb111t1es 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 un1denttf1ed objects was in Apr1i, 1947. On all four occa sions the weather balloon and the unidentified objects were in view through the theodolite. These observations at the Richmond Bureau occurred several months before publ1city on the flying saucers appeared in a U.S. newspaper.

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

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION (cont.)

5. DESCRIPTIONS OF the flying objects fall lnto three configurat1on 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 1n 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 ls possible that the object, or objects, may have been domestically launched devices such as weather balloons, rockets, experimental flying wlng 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.

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

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION (cont.)

8. THE ORIGIN of the devices is not ascertainable. There are two reasonable possibllltles: (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, particu larly 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 Flap3ack") 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 l:f 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 un1denttfied 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 aircrait based on such designs might have speeds approaching trans ~;onic 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OB ECT 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 utilization of Dr. Guenther Bock who, at the end of. World Wa:r IT, was in charge of the flylng wlng 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 1t has been reported that the U.S.S.R. 1s 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 xm, is at Kuzm1kha, an air base two mE.es 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, vi.z:

a. To negate U.S. confidence in the atom bomb as the most advanced and decisive weapon in warfare.

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TOP SECRET

## APPENDIX "A"

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OB· CT 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 ?rom he outset that firm conclusions have been reached on .both the existence and origin o! 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.

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

2. SOME ASPECTS REGARDING FLYING OB CT INCIDENTS. A cursory examination of evidence on repo n s poss 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 whlch 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. Iri 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 distrlbuUon 1n dayllght 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 slghtlngs, and differences ln description may result from viewing the objects at various angles and under dlffering conditions of visibility. The above tends to indicate that some type object ha~ 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 possibillty 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 eome 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 misident1.f1cation of a conventional object.

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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 ls 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 af object and description of maneuverability is approximately equal 1n each of these areas and this ls belleved to further substantiate the possibility that one type of object might have been observed In dl:fferent aspects of flight.

?f 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 1n 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 1n bullt-up areas.

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

It therefore seems that some type of flying object has been observed; the ldentlftcatlon of its origin requires the compet1on 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 perform- ance 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.

# ANALYSIS OF FLYING OB· CT 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 clearcut 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 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 pro- 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 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 develop- ments 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.

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

the Russian oll situation (regardless of estimated 011 reserves) is quite dl:fferent from that 1n the U.S. For example, U.S. oil industry 1s prepared to turn out tremendous quantities of highly frac tionated petroleum products, while the U .S.S.R. cannot reasonably approach such capabilities. This consideration dictates different solutions on fuels for propulsion 1n 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 descrlb~d, would possess unusual performance characterist1cs which, in all probability, would include unusual range. The poss1b111ty 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:

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

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 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 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 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.

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

b. FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE. It ls possible that the Soviets have employed the flying o ec or e co ec on p o ograp c 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 pelng 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 have been made near Oak Ridge, Tenn., Las Cruces, N. M., and in the general area o! 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 Il 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 TI con tacts. This 1s 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 .

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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 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.

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CONFIDENTIAL

APPENDIX "B"

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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 sensatlonallsm 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 1s of. such a nature that it cannot be entirely ignored.

# SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

## 2. DESCRIPTIONS 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 16,000 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, aithough 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.

# SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

## 2. DESCRIPTIONS OF significant incidents, arranged chronologically, follow: (cont.)

c. While flylng at 10,000 feet on a course of 300 degrees, 30 miles northwest of Lake Meade, Nevada, an Air Force lieutenant rE:tported seeing flve or six white circular objects in close forma tion and traveling at an estimated speed of 286 miles per hour. This sighting occurred on 28 June 1947.

# SELECTED REPORTS OF FLYING OBJECT INCIDENTS (cont.)

## 2. DESCRIPTIONS OF significant incidents, arranged chronologically, follow: (cont.)

d. The followl.ng 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 1t 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 fly ing over differell.t 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 ci'rcling 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 torm. These photographs have been examined by experts who state they are true photographic images and do not appear to be imperfection ln the emulsion or imperfections 1n the lens. (See Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.)

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# ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

# ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS (cont.)

## ENLARGEMENTS OF ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

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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 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

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SECRET

# ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS (cont.)

## Fig. 6 (cont.)

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 book."

1. On 6 April 1948, three trained balloon observers from the Geophysics Laboratory Section, Watson Laboratories, N.J. reported seeing· a round, indistinct object 1n the vicinity of Rollman 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.

# ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS (cont.)

## Fig. 6 (cont.)

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 .ln 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 Klrtlan.d Alr Force Base describes a sighting in the vicinity of San Acacia, New Mexico, of seven unidentified objects flying in a ''J" f ormatlon 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 zen.ith but there was no smoke or vapor trail. If the reported altitude is correct the speed was estimated a't 1,500 miles per hour, according to the report.

# ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS (cont.)

## Fig. 6 (cont.)

p. other sightings of lights and trails, 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, 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 noth to south several times in a wide arc, finally disappearing over the horizon.

# ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. RHOADS (cont.)

## Fig. 6 (cont.)

q. During the early morning of 26 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 vlsibillty, was travel ing at hi.gh 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.

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Fig. 7

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Fig. 8

SEGRET

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# SECRET (cont.)

SEGRET

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 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. At times it traveled faster than the F-51 and performed maneuvers in an evasive manner. When first 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 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.

# SECRET (cont.)

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 all 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.

# SECRET (cont.)

3. REPORTS OF radar intercepts point to unusual air activity which may be related td 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-mlle track, is believed accurate.

# SECRET (cont.)

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, 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 identifi cation of the object involved:

# SECRET (cont.)

b. On 19 August 1848, at approximately 1060 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 silver color and gave a bright reflection from the sun. An F-61 was dispatched from standi:ford 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 God.man Air Force Base. The F-61 which was flying over Gedman 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 Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. It 1s believed that earller incidents at Gedman Fleld (reference paragraph 2k, page 12, Appendix "C0 ) may also have been observations of the planet Venus.

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APPENDIX “D”

# FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT

# FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT (cont.)

1. AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERS in several countries have been engaged for some tlme 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 FIGHTER, PROJECT I. This is a tailless, low-wing monoplane with swept-back wing of large root chord and having a long, narrow fuselage.

# FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT (cont.)

| Span                     | 80.3 feet                 |
|-|-|
| Length                   | 42.5 feet                 |
| Power Plant              | 2 Hes 011 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. bi and ruader units are mounted on the wing midway between fuselage and wing tip at the trailing edge.

| Span                         | 29.3 feet                |
|-|-|
| Length                       | 18.4 feet                |
| Power Plant                  | 1 HeS 011 turbo jet unit |
| Max. Speed (sea level)       |                          |
| Max. Speed (service celling) |                          |

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.

# FLYING WING TYPE AIRCRAFT (cont.)

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 011 turbo jet units
Max. Speed: 620 miles per hour
Range: 3700 miles

1. 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        | 513 feet                        |
|-|-|
| Length      | 35.4 feet                       |
| Max. Speed  | 456-466 miles per hour          |
| Power Plant | 2 DB 603 reo!1,rocatlng 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 pro- gressed 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 as early as 1938, proving the soundness of this design. (Figs. 1, 2 and 3)

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Fig. 2

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Fig. 3

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# CONFIDENTIAL-

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Fig. 5

22

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# CONFIDENTIAL

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b. NORTHROP YE 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

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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
Length
Power Plant
Max. Speed

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SEOPET

TOP SECRET

NIW 911376

Derelid:84 74 90016 Page 32

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7341

54507

# REGISTER OF PERSONNEL
HANDLING TOP SECRET MATERIAL

T.S. CONT. # <empty>
D.I. HQ USAF
DATE 4y 11 3
DEC 5 1950

DIVISION: D/I USAF 4B 854-Pentagon
OFFICE: <s>RDB</s> DD
SUBJECT AND DESCRIPTION OF INCLOSURES: Air Intel Rpt #100-203-79, Cy #102 of 103
SubAOFOIIT U S
NUMBER OF PAGES:
IN BASIC: <empty>
IN INCLS.: <empty>
NUMBER OF INCLOSURES: 0

# REGISTER OF PERSONNEL
HANDLING TOP SECRET MATERIAL (cont.)

## INSTRUCTIONS

The above described Top-Secret document has been received in this office this date. The circulation of thi• material will be limited to the minimum number of person• necessary for completion of the required action, The name• of all peraons handlina or havin4 knowledae of the subject docuMent will be record•d below a• indicated.

The document will be returned to the Tor-Secret Control Officer (Rooa ______ ) for record prior to dispatch from thi• office or other disposition, Thi• forM will not be removed from the subject document except by him when lorwardin,.

# REGISTER OF PERSONNEL
HANDLING TOP SECRET MATERIAL (cont.)

## INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

| NAME                          | DATE            |              | TIME       |    | PURPOSE                     | ALL PAPER<br />ATTACHED   |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Roy E Ostrem                  | 5 Dec           |              | 0900       |    | Processing                  | yes                       |
| Treph R. Grauch               | ....            |              | 1130       |    |                             | .. ,                      |
| CAPT ALFRED PRITCHARD         | 2 JANSI         |              | 1540       |    | PROCESSING                  | YES                       |
| Joeph Biguine Cept            | 3 Jan           | 31           | 1025       |    | Preasing                    |                           |
| Acker of to 8<br />Dewey June | JAN<br />6 June | 1951<br />JV | 16 1685 05 | ✓  | PROCESSING<br />Information | Yes                       |
| WILLIAM H. CLARK              | 24 JUN          | 1952,        | 125        |    |                             |                           |
| .a. g wall                    |                 |              | 1445       |    | fogging                     |                           |
| 24                            | Jay *           | 1952 1952    | 1505       |    | Logging                     | you                       |
| F.g. Alyzes                   |                 |              | .521515    |    |                             |                           |
|                               | 24 June         | 52           |            |    | Logging                     |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |
|                               |                 |              |            |    |                             |                           |

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CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION

AFON-2B3
Capt Fournet/e1/55894
wrtm 5 Jun 52

# MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

## PROBLEM

1. To declassify Study 100-203-79, "Analysis of Flying Object Incidents" dated 10 December 1948, if practicable.

## FACTS AND DISCUSSION

2. In accordance with a request from Col. W. A. Adams, AFOIN-2B, to declassify Study 100-203-79 if practicable, the following information is submitted. A search through D/I files was made, but no such study was found. However, a draft study bearing the same title and date, plus the designation *D/I-ONI Study No. 203" was located. This study is classified Top Secret and is presumed to be the study in question.

3. Two copies of the latter study were distributed to ONI.

4. Subject matter will not be submitted for inclusion in the Daily Staff Digest.

# MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD (cont.)

## CONCLUSIONS

5. It is not considered advisable to declassify Study No. 203 inasmuch as it contains much speculation on the possible origin of unidentified flying objects, information on Soviet AOB and atomic energy installations, and some information on U.S. Research and Development activity. In addition, the study contains a treatise on possible Soviet intentions in utilizing controlledeaerial missiles over the U.S.

## ACTION RECOMMENDED

6. None; for information only.

<u>COORDINATION</u>
Col. J. G. Eriksen - AFOIN-2B3 - Ext. 52466
CAPT. R. C. Bauer, USN - AFOIN-2B - Ext. 55909
Col. E. H. Porter - AFOIN-2 - Ext. 71110

MR

DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3
AFINA (other) 5 May 85
By (signature), NARS, Date 3/22/85

<s>CONFIDENTIAL</s>
SECURITY INFORMATION

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