Papers d'Ovnis - 1a epoca - No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: Número 9
Date: Setembre 1994 (September 1994)
Publisher: Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)
Language: Catalan

This issue of the bulletin 'Papers d'OVNIS' from the Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris focuses on terrestrial UFO phenomena and the broader study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It includes an editorial by Joan Crexell, an analysis of the relationship between science fiction comics and UFO sightings by Joan Muntaner, a detailed report on the speed of the declassification process of Spanish Air Force UFO files by V. J. Ballester Olmos, and an article on Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) by Pere Redon. The cover prominently features a 'AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY' cover story about the Sikorsky Cypher drone, with the headline "OVNIS... terrestres!" (UFOs... terrestrial!).

Editorial: Desmitificar o estudiar el Fenómeno OVNI

Joan Crexell addresses the core mission of the CEI: whether to demystify or study the UFO phenomenon. He argues that the CEI's role is to present UFO cases that appear to be genuinely unidentified, distinguishing them from misinterpretations of known phenomena and the 'flying saucer syndrome.' Crexell emphasizes the importance of presenting real UFO cases, differentiating the CEI from 'platillistas' (flying saucer enthusiasts) who treat the subject as a religion or business. He references Dr. James E. McDonald's work with NICAP, highlighting how McDonald's serious approach facilitated investigations by allowing open discussion with credible individuals. Crexell positions the CEI's work as subsidiary, aiming to filter and disseminate information until the scientific community eventually engages with the phenomenon, acknowledging that while they are serious, they are not the scientific community itself.

Còmics de S-F 1941-1968 ...i OVNIS?

Joan Muntaner explores the potential link between reading science fiction (S-F) comics in childhood or youth and later UFO observations. He references a previous discussion with V. Cererols about popular S-F publications and films. Muntaner analyzes José Antonio Ortega Anguiano's "Catálogo general del cómic español 1865-1993," which lists 4,900 Spanish comic titles. Of these, only 302 (about 6%) are classified as science fiction. He divides S-F comics into two periods: pre-1968 (74 titles, 1.5% of total) and post-1968 (228 titles, 4.6% of total), noting that the 1968-1969 period saw a significant UFO 'wave' in Spain. Muntaner highlights key S-F comics like 'Diego Valor,' 'Flash Gordon,' 'Red Dixon,' and 'Mundo Futuro,' and discusses their publication history and potential reach. He questions whether reading these comics directly influenced later UFO observations but suggests it might have fostered an interest in the phenomenon. He contrasts this with the impact of war comics like 'Hazañas Bélicas' and 'El Capitán Trueno,' which did not lead to an increase in military enlistment. Muntaner finds it more plausible that films and TV series, such as 'Los invasores,' might have contributed to false UFO sightings during the 1968-1969 wave, primarily involving lights in the sky rather than landed craft or occupants. He concludes that directly linking S-F comics to subsequent UFO observations is difficult, especially given the limited re-editions of such comics in the 1980s.

Notas sobre la velocidad del proceso de desclasificación

V. J. Ballester Olmos reports on the 22-month progress of the official declassification of Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire) UFO files. Since September 1992, over 700 pages from 40 declassified files have been released. Olmos analyzes the uneven pace of this process, noting that periods of inactivity are often preceded by intense activity from the responsible official, or by changes in command. He attributes slowdowns to factors such as the reassignment of the initial responsible officer, Lieutenant Colonel Angel Bastida, and the subsequent month-and-a-half absence of his replacement, Lieutenant Colonel Enrique Rocamora Aniorte, for service in England. Further delays were caused by Rocamora's intelligence course and flight training in Salamanca. Another significant factor was the increased workload of Rocamora in the Programming and Evaluation Section of the Air Operational Command (MOA), even though he retained responsibility for declassification. Personnel changes at the MOA command level, with Lieutenant General Alfredo Chamorro Chapinal being replaced by Lieutenant General José Luis Tojeiro Aneiros, also contributed to a learning curve. Additionally, Rocamora's military obligations, including flight practices, a trip to Lisbon for NATO-related matters, and international exercises, slowed the process. Despite these delays, Olmos concludes that the declassification process is reasonable and acceptable, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is for all archives to reach researchers. He mentions that three new reports are expected in September, including one concerning a commander's encounter with a UFO over the Mediterranean.

OVNIS... terrestres!

Pere Redon discusses the use of Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs), also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, in modern warfare and their potential civilian applications. He uses the 1982 conflict in Lebanon as an example, where Israeli RPVs were used to neutralize Syrian anti-aircraft missile systems by acting as decoys and providing targeting data. Redon traces the concept of RPVs back to the 1930s and their use as aerial targets during and after World War II. He highlights their evolving utility, allowing them to infiltrate enemy lines, operate day and night, and fly over targets undetected. RPVs can be equipped with electro-optical sensors and real-time data transmission systems. Their operation requires transport, mobile command and control stations, mission planning, and recovery equipment. Redon notes that aeronautical engineers have developed various shapes for these vehicles, including conventional aircraft-like designs, fusiform shapes with stabilizers, and more unusual forms like discs ('platillo volante') and 'flying peanuts.' He suggests that these anomalous shapes, particularly the disc shape, are more likely to attract attention from observers and potentially cause 'flaps' (unusual sightings) if witnesses are not informed about the technology. He also points out that RPVs operating in real-time via TV systems can be useful for civilian tasks, such as inspecting power lines for a utility company.

Krahn Cartoon

A comic strip by Krahn, published in 'La Vanguardia' of Barcelona, humorously depicts a flying saucer-like vehicle landing and deploying a smaller, tank-like craft carrying occupants. The final panel shows a cow seemingly interacting with the craft or its landing site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of UFO phenomena (whether to demystify or study), the historical context of UFO research (referencing NICAP and Dr. McDonald), the influence of popular culture (science fiction comics) on perceptions of UFOs, and the official processes of government declassification. The CEI's editorial stance, as articulated by Joan Crexell, is to approach the study of UFOs with seriousness and rigor, distinguishing their work from sensationalism and aiming to present credible cases for future scientific investigation. They position themselves as facilitators rather than definitive scientific authorities.