THE AIRMAN

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AIRMAN
Issue: July 1967
Publisher: U.S. Air Force
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of THE AIRMAN, the official magazine of the U.S. Air Force, features a prominent cover story titled "WHAT DOES THE AIR FORCE REALLY KNOW ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS?". The article, written by Maj. George W. Ogles, aims to present the truth about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the Air Force's knowledge of them, based on authentic statements and investigations.

Article: What Does the Air Force Really Know About Flying Saucers?

Introduction and Air Force Stance

The article begins by clarifying the U.S. Air Force's position: it has never denied the possibility of extraterrestrial life or interplanetary travel. However, after nearly two decades of investigation and over 11,000 reported sightings, the Air Force maintains that it has no concrete evidence, such as photographs, films, or physical samples, of vehicles of unknown origin. This stance is presented to members of the Air Force to ensure they are informed.

Rising Trend in Sightings

In 1966, the United States Air Force received 1,060 UFO reports, an increase from previous years. This trend has been rising steadily, with 887 reports in 1965, 562 in 1964, and 399 in 1963. The article notes the widespread public fascination with flying saucers, fueled by television series, movies, newspapers, magazines, and books.

Personal Accounts and Misidentifications

The article includes anecdotal accounts to illustrate how sightings can be misinterpreted. Mr. B. F. Wood of Hollister, Missouri, initially mistook a jeep towing a hay rake in the fog for a "space ship." Similarly, Mr. Stewart McManaway of Thaxton, Virginia, who had previously reported a flying saucer, later realized his sighting was likely a cluster of thistle petals caught in the wind, exhibiting rapid, erratic movements.

Defining UFOs and Flying Saucers

The terms "unidentified flying object (UFO)" and "flying saucer" are discussed. The Air Force defines a UFO as "any aerial phenomenon which the observer is unable to identify." The article points out that "UFO" implies a flying object of solid material, which is not always the case, and that "flying saucer" is often used even when the object's shape doesn't resemble a saucer.

Air Force Investigation History

Since 1947, the Air Force has been responsible for investigating UFO reports. Initially, "Project Sign" (created in February 1948) aimed to collect and evaluate such reports. Its conclusion was that there was no definite evidence to confirm or disprove the existence of unidentified flying objects as new types of aircraft. The project was renamed "Grudge" in late 1948, which concluded that the phenomena posed no threat to U.S. security and were mostly misrepresentations of conventional objects. In March 1952, the project became "Project Blue Book," which continues to this day with the objectives of determining threats to national security and identifying unique scientific information or advanced technology.

Explanations for Sightings

The article details numerous explanations for reported UFO sightings:

• Conventional Aircraft: Many sightings are identified as aircraft, especially during adverse weather or when observed at high altitudes. Vapor or condensation trails from jet aircraft can appear as glowing phenomena.
• Satellites: With the increase in space exploration, satellites are a common source of misidentification. Positive identification is made possible by tracking systems like NORAD.
• Natural Phenomena: This category includes astronomical sightings (planets like Venus, stars, meteors, aurora borealis), ball lightning, optical mirages, and lenticular cloud formations.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Weather balloons, particularly large ones with running lights, can appear unusual. Reflections of sunlight on balloons or clouds can also cause strange effects.
• Other: Flocks of birds, luminescent organisms (like fireflies), and even airborne residue from industrial processes or soap detergent bubbles have been identified.

The "Saucer Believers" vs. "Saucer Doubters"

The article acknowledges the existence of "saucer believers" who suspect extraterrestrial visitation and "saucer doubters" who seek rational explanations. Key questions posed by doubters include why UFOs, if capable of supersonic speeds, do not produce sonic booms, and how they defy gravity. The lack of any "extraterrestrial hardware" associated with sightings is also highlighted.

Radar and Observatories

While radar sometimes detects "unknown targets," these are typically attributed to precipitation echoes or temperature inversions, not extraterrestrial craft. The article notes that about 1.5 percent of UFO sightings reported since 1947 were detected by radar, but none of the unexplained cases were radar-sighted.

Astronomical observatories and radar networks have not detected any unusual space movements corroborating UFO reports. The article suggests that if interstellar space vehicles were to arrive, professional astronomers and tracking stations would likely detect them long before they reached Earth's atmosphere.

Security and Information Release

Air Force officials state that UFO reports are analyzed to prevent the public from being misled. Investigations are conducted systematically, and reports are sent to Wright-Patterson AFB for review. While Project Blue Book files are open to newsmen and scientists, information that could reveal classified installation locations or defense capabilities is deleted, leaving the UFO-related data unclassified.

Notable Quotes

• "We honestly don't believe that the scientists will keep such an event to themselves and not reveal it to the general public." - An Air Force officer.
• "We know of no phenomena or vehicle, intelligently guided, which have come from extraterrestrial sources." - The Hon. Harold Brown, Secretary of the Air Force.

Future Articles

The issue concludes by previewing a future article titled "Have Flying Saucers Destroyed Military Aircraft?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the Air Force's systematic and rational approach to investigating UFO reports. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards extraterrestrial explanations, emphasizing scientific inquiry and the identification of conventional causes for sightings. The magazine aims to inform its readership, primarily Air Force personnel, about the facts as determined by official investigations, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the subject.