AFU Newsletter - No 37 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: AFU Newsletter
Issue: Nr 37
Date: January 1992 - December 1993
Publisher: Archives for UFO Research
Location: Norrköping, Sweden
ISSN: 0283-6378
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, published by the Archives for UFO Research (AFU), covers a period from January 1992 to December 1993 and details various UFO and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) reports and investigations. The AFU, founded in 1973, is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a comprehensive UFO archive, supporting research, and fostering scientific discussion.

A "New Age" for the AFU Archives

The editorial section highlights a significant "culture revolution" within AFU over the preceding ten months. This includes acquiring new collections, establishing a sponsor pool, moving to larger premises, and employing a small staff of full-time individuals through Sweden's "ALU" (Arbetsmarknadslänk) scheme. The ALU program provides government-funded workers for idealistic projects, and AFU has benefited from this by having individuals catalog UFO cases, code reports into a computer file (ScanCat), transcribe witness interviews, and work on a dBase file of the AFU's book collection. This influx of help has been crucial in managing the growing archive, which had outgrown its previous 38 square-meter location.

Several individuals are credited with significant contributions: Peter Lundström and Ulf Lindqvist copied UFO cases from the press (1970-1992); Jörgen Granlie coded 600 cases; Stefan Roslund assisted with editorial matters and contacts with the former Soviet Union; and Tobias Lindgren transcribed witness interviews. Wolfgang Randisek is working on a dBase file of AFU's book titles. The move to new premises, totaling 110 square meters, was financed through a sponsor pool, with individuals and companies contributing between 50 and 400 SEK monthly.

Recent acquisitions include the library of the esoteric society Brevcirkeln Arcanum and the extensive clipping collection of Roland Adlerberth, a librarian who had been reviewing UFO and fortean literature since the early 1950s. AFU is also negotiating to purchase fortean and von Däniken materials from Adlerberth's library. Additionally, Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) donated about 100 kilos of magazines, and David Clarke provided documents on phantom airships in Britain.

AFU emphasizes its willingness to take responsibility for any UFO-related collection, viewing the alternative—the loss of such materials—as a disaster. The organization is described as a well-known, albeit poor, idealistic institution, a member of archive associations and listed in directories. The Swedish National Archives provided a grant of 6,500 SEK for ALU projects. Håkan Blomqvist's first book is also mentioned as a potential stimulant for interest in AFU's work.

Security Police Investigates "Cigar" Sighting

This article by Clas Svahn details an incident that occurred on August 25, 1991, near Håknäs, Sweden. A married couple and their daughter witnessed a cylindrical, white object with a pointed front and blunt end, described as looking like a piece of piping. The object moved slowly and silently across the blue sky. The witnesses, who were interviewed thoroughly by the Swedish security police (SÄPO) and the 120 infantry regiment, were described as "very reliable" and their accounts were consistent.

The object was described as being larger than a hand held at arm's length, white but dark at the rear, with no visible shine in the back. The daughter noted the front was cone-shaped. The object did not appear to have wings, fins, or windows, and no exhaust or lights were seen. It moved in a northwesterly direction and disappeared into a small cloud. The witnesses could not hear an engine sound, though the daughter reported a "dull sound of an engine" like a low-speed combustion engine.

The investigation by SÄPO concluded that there was no indication the story was false and that an unknown object had violated Swedish airspace. The SÄPO report was classified. The investigator, referred to as AA, stated that the witnesses were sensible and trustworthy. He considered possibilities such as a missile, an airplane in hot air, or something else entirely. He ruled out Swedish air traffic at the time and noted that the object was not visible on radar, though he cautioned about radar's limitations. He also confirmed contact with the military but found no explanation. The investigator found the case difficult, considering the possibility of a flying object belonging to a foreign secret service.

Close Encounters with Unknown Missiles

This section, co-authored by Clas Svahn and Anders Liljegren, reviews a dozen incidents from the last decade involving civilian aircraft encountering unknown cigar- or missile-shaped objects. Some incidents resulted in loss of life, and the authors suggest that authorities may have covered up events, possibly to conceal mistaken actions like nearly hitting or shooting down civilian aircraft.

The Crashes

• Italian DC-9 (1980): An Italian DC-9 aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, killing all 81 on board. An investigation suggested the plane was shot down by a military missile, with phosphorus found in the victims' bodies. An anonymous military source confirmed a missile hit, and a military control center sergeant admitted seeing the plane disappear off the screen, contradicting earlier denials of surveillance.
• Irish Sea (1968): An Air Lingus Viscount plane crashed into the Irish Sea, killing 61 people. Six years later, parts of an RPV-like missile were found, suggesting a connection to the accident near a military test field.
• Italian DC-9 (1982): Another Italian DC-9 nearly collided with a mysterious object at 27,000 feet, which exploded near the plane. Passengers described it as a "fast-moving projectile, like a missile."
• Norwegian Case (1982): A Norwegian Twin Otter crashed off the coast of Norway, killing 15 people. Witnesses reported a fighter-like plane, and radar data showed another echo on a parallel course that crossed the Twin Otter's path. The investigation committee chairman denied Norwegian or NATO aircraft presence, but a journalist suggested the crash was covered up to protect NATO interests.

Australian RAAF Report (1984)

A RAAF pilot observed a missile-shaped object with a tapered body and fins, described as sand-colored, with no sound or exhaust. It disappeared quickly into the sky.

Over the Swiss-Italian Border (1985)

A Greek Olympic Airways aircraft encountered a projectile without wings, described as dark brown or black and a couple of meters long, passing about 60-150 meters below the aircraft. Swiss military exercises had just concluded in the area. Italian authorities denied knowledge of military tests, and the object was not spotted on military radar. The pilot insisted it was a military device, possibly a ballistic rocket.

Missile That Followed the Power-Lines (1985)

Four civilian pilots in Sweden observed a metallic missile-like object, about six meters long, moving on a counter course. It appeared to be following power lines, changing its course according to the terrain. The object was described as having steering fins at the back and was difficult to keep up with due to its speed.

The Delta Case (1987)

The captain and crew of a Delta Airlines flight reported a small, squatty, "homemade" appearing missile, approximately 4-6 feet long with large fins, passing about 500-600 feet below the aircraft. The object was white and yellow with beige fins and appeared to be descending and unpowered. The FAA report listed it as an unidentified flying object.

Over the English Channel (1991)

An Italian pilot on a routine flight reported a circular, missile-like object passing by at high speed. The object was described as about ten feet long, light brown, with large fins. The pilot reported it to air traffic control, which confirmed a target ten miles behind them. The object was later identified by authorities as either a helicopter or a meteorological balloon, though the pilot found these explanations unlikely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly those resembling missiles or cigars, and the subsequent investigations, often involving official bodies like security police and military. A strong undercurrent of potential government cover-ups and secrecy is present, with the AFU Newsletter aiming to bring these less-reported incidents to light. The editorial stance is one of promoting critical, scientific inquiry into UFOs and ensuring that collected data and research are preserved and accessible. The newsletter actively seeks contributions, donations, and support from the public to continue its archival and research efforts.

Title: AFU Newsletter 37
Cover Headline: Miniature stealth-like plane over Lake Vänern
Author: Clas Svahn
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, number 37, features a prominent article on a miniature stealth-like plane sighting over Lake Vänern in Sweden, authored by Clas Svahn. The newsletter also includes a critical analysis of the Russian UFO press by Vladimir Musinsky and reports on several other UFO/UAP encounters.

Miniature stealth-like plane over Lake Vänern

This article details a Swedish daytime sighting on June 20, 1992, in Brandstorp, south of Hjo. Witnesses Hans and Seija Augustsson reported seeing a small, black object flying at incredible speed. The object was described as having a "lifting body configuration" with rounded edges, resembling a Lockheed SR-71 without wings but with a tail. Its size was estimated to be similar to an F-16 (about 50 feet long), and its speed was considered supersonic. The witnesses also reported a strange, undefinable sound, described as a "whining," "metallic," or "cosmic" sound, which they found more puzzling than the object itself. The Defence Department and Air Force denied knowledge of any such projects but alluded to other organizations being involved. The object's flightpath was observed to be straight, not turning over on its side. The sound was not loud but conveyed an impression of speed and strength. The object was estimated to be visible for only 4-5 seconds, disappearing rapidly. The F6 air force wing at Karlsborg and the Air Staff in Stockholm stated that no military activity had taken place in the area, suggesting the possibility of a remote-controlled airplane.

Another witness in Hjo reported hearing a similar strange sound from above her house, likening it to a "flying saucer" sound. While the connection between the two reports is uncertain, the Brandstorp incident is labeled a UFO.

UFO/UAP Encounters by Commercial Aircraft

The newsletter reports on several encounters involving commercial flights:

• Alitalia Encounter: A sighting that made headlines, with newspapers like The Sunday Times reporting on it. The British Civil Aviation Authority stated there were no military missile launchings that could explain the sighting. Paul Murphy, a member of the British parliament, inquired with the Ministry of Defence, which claimed no threat from UFO incidents.
• A Cylindrical Body: On June 1, 1991, at 1438 hours, two pilots of a Britannia Airways Boeing 737 saw an unknown object over the British mainland. The object was described as a yellow-orange cylindrical body with a possible "wrinkled appearance," estimated to be about 10 feet in size. It was seen for only 1-2 seconds at 8,000 feet, descending rapidly. The CAA committee found the meteorological balloon theory improbable, and the case remains unidentified.
• The Dan Air Case: On June 17, 1991, four passengers on Dan Air flight DA 4700 from London to Hamburg saw a wingless projectile flying at an altitude of 4-5,000 feet. The main witness, German engineer Walter Liess, described it as a flying object without wings and with no vapor trail. The object was described as "slender, grey, and, so it seemed, sort of cigar-shaped," oscillating in altitude and visible for 2-3 minutes. The Dan Air crew did not see it, but three other passengers did.
• The Britannia Encounter: On July 15, 1991, a Britannia Airways Boeing 737 on a flight from Crete to Gatwick encountered a "small black lozenge shaped object" about 500 meters ahead and above. The object was on a collision course, passing the aircraft's wing at a distance of only 100 meters and less than 10 meters above the wing. No impact or "wake" was felt. The object was reported to London Air Traffic Control as moving away at 100 miles per hour. It was described as very small, about 1.5 feet in diameter, smooth, and roundish. A balloon was suspected, but this did not align with the radar reports. The official report regarded the object as "untraced."
• The United Airlines Case: On August 5, 1992, pilots of United Airlines' flight 934, a Boeing 747, reported an unusual aircraft passing directly towards them and then under them at an estimated distance of 500-1,000 feet. This sighting occurred about 50 miles northeast of George Air Force Base.

Summary of Explanations for Sightings

The newsletter categorizes potential explanations for UFO sightings:

1. Military ballistic missiles gone astray: While possible, large intercontinental ballistic missiles are unlikely causes for most mid-air encounters due to their speed. Smaller anti-aircraft or military missiles are more plausible.
2. Remotely-piloted vehicles and cruise missiles: These are considered the most likely candidates, as they travel at lower speeds and not on ballistic trajectories. The absence of exhaust or vapor trails in some sightings is noted as peculiar.
3. Balloons: Meteorological balloons typically collapse at lower altitudes, but large toy or advertising balloons could be a factor, though less likely for sightings above 20,000 feet.
4. Para-missiles: The article references historical data on "technological imitations" or "ghostly" appearances, such as airship waves and ghost fliers, suggesting these might be collective hallucinations or reflections of developing technologies elsewhere.

The Russian UFO Press - A View from Within

Ufologist Vladimir Musinsky provides a critical perspective on the state of ufology in Russia. He describes the Russian UFO press as difficult to characterize, often focusing on biolocation and mysticism rather than scientific analysis. He criticizes publications like "Fourth Dimension" and "Anomaly" for lacking facts and filling pages with "garbage." Musinsky notes that Russian ufologists often prioritize personal opinions as scientific hypotheses and may ignore or fabricate facts. He cites the example of a ufologist who claimed extraterrestrials abducted bodies from a plane crash, without any factual basis. Musinsky also touches upon the rumor of Yuri Gagarin's abduction, dismissing it due to his status as a test pilot and citing evidence of his death in an air crash. The article highlights the reliance on sponsors for UFO publications, with many businessmen hesitant to associate with them. Musinsky concludes with a pessimistic outlook on Russian ufology, citing a "severe crisis" exacerbated by jealousy, intolerance, and narrow thinking, suggesting it might even cease to exist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO/UAP sightings and investigations, presenting witness testimonies and official reports. There is an emphasis on detailed descriptions of objects and their behavior, as well as attempts to find plausible explanations, ranging from conventional aircraft and missiles to more speculative theories. The critical review of the Russian UFO press indicates a stance that values scientific rigor and evidence-based analysis over mysticism and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena while maintaining a skeptical approach to unverified information.