CENAP REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr. 159
Volume: 5.89
Date: May 1989
Publisher: CENAP-MANNHEIM
Price: DM 3,90

This issue of CENAP REPORT, the official publication of the Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP), delves into the "V-7 Legend," exploring the possibility of advanced, disc-shaped aircraft developed in Germany during World War II. The cover prominently features the ME-163, a rocket-powered fighter, and the headline "DIE V-7-LEGENDE."

CENAP: An Overview

The magazine begins with an introduction to CENAP, describing itself as a private, independent institution dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena. Since 1976, CENAP has conducted around 380 investigations, often finding natural explanations for reported sightings. They refer to natural explanations as "UFO Stimulus." CENAP emphasizes its scientific approach, considering psychological and sociological factors. Notably, CENAP was invited for confidential discussions at the German Ministry of Defense and received recommendations from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior as a point of contact for UFO sightings. The Braunschweiger Luftfahrt-Bundesamt and Frankfurt Air Traffic Control also share UFO reports with CENAP. The organization serves as a public contact point for UFO reports via a Mannheim telephone number and aims to provide media with accurate and critical information. CENAP maintains an extensive archive, including Europe's largest UFO video archive, and has gained national recognition.

CENAP is associated with various national and international UFO organizations and has established a global correspondent network. It is a member of the GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of Para-Sciences), aiming to combat occultism and modern superstition, and to expose manipulations by popular authors and mass media.

The publication also highlights its monthly journal, "UFO-FACHJOURNAL CENAP REPORT," available via subscription.

The V-7 Legend: "Hitler's Green Men" and Masonic Lodges

An article titled "Für UFOlogen sind Fliegende Untertassen nichts Rätselhaftes: Es sind Freimaurerlogen oder ,Hitlers grüne Männchen'" by Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim, suggests that flying saucers are not necessarily extraterrestrial but could be linked to Masonic lodges or Nazi secret projects.

A UFOlogist reportedly complained that "Kreisky made a UFO into a meteorite by order." The article features a map indicating locations where UFOs were sighted.

Gertraud Franke's article, "Die kleinen grünen Männchen haben uns wieder nicht die Ehre gegeben," discusses the persistent mystery of UFO sightings. She notes that even experts in UFOlogy in Austria have reservations and are cautious about being ridiculed. The article implies a division of opinion among UFOlogists.

German Secret Weapons and the "Flying Saucer"

An article by Jan Holberg from "Das Neue Zeitalter" dated August 26, 1966, titled "'UFOs gibt es nicht! Wohl aber: Flugscheiben am laufenden Band!'" presents revelations about the production of "flying saucers" in the USA and Russia. The author claims to have received detailed technical information and drawings from Dipl.-Wirtsch. Hermann Klaas, who asserts that these craft are not unknown but are manufactured on a large scale.

Holberg details various German prototypes and concepts from the 1940s, including:

• Schriever-Habermohl's "Flying Saucer" (1943/45): A later prototype capable of vertical takeoff, reaching 12 km altitude in under 3 minutes and horizontal speeds of 2000 km/h.
• First experimental type (1941/42): A vertical-takeoff craft with similar flight characteristics but issues with stabilization.
• Early type: Developed from the above, utilizing the Coanda effect for vertical ascent.

Klaas claims these models could not be effectively built with a diameter under 2 meters and highlights the importance of the Coanda effect for vertical lift. He suggests that modern engines and fuels make such designs more feasible.

The article asserts that these "flying saucers" are now manufactured on a "production line" basis in both the West and the USSR, questioning the secrecy surrounding them.

The ME-163 and the "V-7 Legend"

Wolfgang Späte, a former test pilot and Staffelkapitän for the ME-163 rocket fighter, provides insights into the development of advanced German aircraft during WWII. His experiences, detailed in his book "Der streng-geheime Vogel Me-163," are presented as crucial for understanding the "V-7 Legend."

Späte recounts his involvement in the ME-163 program, which began in 1941. He describes the aircraft's revolutionary technology, including its rocket propulsion and tailless design, developed by engineers like Lippisch, Hubert, and Kraemer. The ME-163 was intended to be a high-performance interceptor, capable of rapid ascent and high speeds.

The article touches upon the secrecy surrounding these projects, with Späte being ordered to keep all information confidential. He describes the challenges of developing and producing such advanced aircraft, including engine reliability, fuel supply, and the need for specialized training for pilots operating at high altitudes (e.g., the training conducted at Zugspitze).

Späte also discusses the broader context of German "V-Weapons" (Vergeltungswaffen), including the V-1 and V-2 rockets, and the development of jet aircraft like the ME-262. He notes that the ME-163 was considered a secret weapon and that plans for its mass production existed.

"Flying Saucers" - An Unraveled Mystery?

Another section, "Fliegende Untertassen enträtselt" (Flying Saucers Unraveled), suggests that "flying saucers" are not extraterrestrial but are a terrestrial development, specifically a type of rocket-powered aircraft. The article describes a disc-shaped aircraft that uses a jet drive for propulsion and lift. It explains how rotating the disc creates an updraft, and strategically placed jet nozzles provide thrust and control.

The article posits that these craft are a development of German V-1 technology, simpler and cheaper to produce in large quantities than intercontinental rockets or large bombers. It speculates that they might be used as automated bombers for disrupting enemy rear areas.

Citing reports from the "Hamburger Freie Presse" (April 22/23, 1950) and "Mannheimer Morgen" (March 12, 1950), the article questions the US origin of these "flying saucers," suggesting that the US military might hold the answers.

Project Y and Aerodynamic Principles

A section titled "Das geheimnisvolle, Projekt Y'" discusses a "flying saucer" from Avro (A.V. Rae Ltd.) in Canada, built for the American Air Force. It mentions Lord Montgomery's alleged sighting and quotes James C. Flayd, VP of Avro, confirming the existence of "Project Y." The design is described as a non-rotating disc with numerous nozzles for lift and propulsion, capable of flying in any direction.

Another article, "UFO-Forschung nüchtern vom Flugzeugkonstrukteur betrachtet," by an unnamed author, analyzes a photograph of a cigar-shaped spacecraft from an Adamski book. The author, a flight engineer, compares its aerodynamic shape to that of the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin, concluding that the craft's design is plausible for terrestrial atmospheric flight. The article also discusses the control mechanisms of such craft, suggesting they rely on directional jets for propulsion and maneuvering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP REPORT strongly leans towards terrestrial explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly those rooted in advanced, secret German aviation technology from World War II. The "V-7 Legend" and the ME-163 are central to this narrative, presented as evidence that "flying saucers" are not necessarily alien but rather a continuation of wartime secret weapon development. The magazine aims to debunk the extraterrestrial hypothesis and expose what it views as media manipulation regarding UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many sightings. The editorial stance is one of demystification, attributing UFOs to human ingenuity, albeit often clandestine and military-driven.

This issue of the magazine features a prominent article titled "Erste „Flugscheibe" flog 1945 in Prag" (First 'Flying Saucer' Flew in Prague in 1945), dated April 26, 1953, published by Welt am Sonntag. The cover story is an interview with Oberingenieur Georg Klein, a former special representative for Speer's ministry, conducted by Dr. Werner Keller. The magazine also includes articles on the German Me 163 rocket fighter and a discussion on science fiction.

First 'Flying Saucer' Flew in Prague in 1945

Oberingenieur Georg Klein recounts his experience witnessing the first test flight of a manned flying saucer in Prague on February 14, 1945. He states that this was not an entirely new development, as similar experimental designs had been underway in Germany during the war. The tested machine reportedly ascended to an altitude of 12,400 meters in three minutes and reached a speed of 2200 km/h in level flight, nearly double the speed of sound. Klein suggests that the aerodynamic design of this saucer type could potentially achieve speeds of up to 4000 km/h. He highlights the need for special metal alloys to withstand the extreme heat generated at such velocities. Klein also mentions that three different construction types were developed by 1944, including one by Miethe and others by Habermohl and Schriever. The article notes that the prototypes and all construction plans in Prague were destroyed before the Soviet invasion, while some of Miethe's prototypes and his associates fell into Russian hands. Habermohl and his collaborators disappeared after the occupation of Prague. Schriever, the aviator and constructor, passed away a few weeks prior to the interview. Miethe, after leaving Breslau, is reportedly now in the USA.

Klein believes that these high-speed flying saucers could significantly influence future aviation, potentially enabling flights like Hamburg to New York in just 90 minutes, though he deems such large-scale passenger versions impractical due to size constraints. He also points out the potential for smaller, agile aircraft derived from this technology. The article includes a sketch of the "Prague Flying Saucer."

The AS 6 V1: A Failed Circular-Wing Experiment

Another section details the history of the AS 6 V1, an experimental circular-wing aircraft developed in Germany. The article traces its origins back to Arthur Sack's model aircraft experiments in the late 1930s. Despite initial interest from Generalluftzeugmeister Udet, Sack's model faced difficulties. The full-scale AS 6 aircraft, built with the help of the Brandis airfield workshop, was completed by early 1944. It was equipped with an Argus 10 C engine and had a circular wing. However, the aircraft proved problematic. Multiple test flights revealed issues with weight distribution, control surfaces, and engine performance. One pilot, Baltabol, conducted several unsuccessful takeoff attempts, with the aircraft repeatedly veering off the runway. The article mentions that a pilot named Franz Rösle also attempted a takeoff, resulting in a landing gear failure. The AS 6 V1 ultimately crashed, and its further development was halted. The article also briefly mentions a sighting of a circular-wing aircraft at Neubiberg airfield in late 1944.

RAF Returns Me 163 to Luftwaffe

This section reports on the return of a captured German Me 163 "Komet" rocket fighter from England to Germany. Wolfgang Späte, the last commander of Jagdgeschwader 400, which operated the Me 163, compares owning this aircraft to possessing a "Blue Mauritius" stamp, highlighting its rarity and historical significance. The article details the Me 163's development in the late 1930s as a response to the limitations of conventional aircraft, with engineers like Alexander Lippisch and Hellmuth Walter aiming to break the sound barrier with rocket propulsion. The Me 163, a tailless delta-wing aircraft, was considered a valuable "special trophy" by the British due to its advanced design. A British test pilot reportedly flew it by being towed and then gliding it back to earth, avoiding the use of its explosive hydrogen peroxide fuel. The returned aircraft was in poor condition, missing its engine and parts of its cockpit. The restoration process in Oldenburg involved replacing the canopy with plexiglass and stripping away multiple layers of paint. The article explains the Me 163's operational characteristics, including its short powered flight time (about seven minutes) and its high landing speed (215 km/h) due to the lack of brakes. It also notes the dangers faced by pilots due to the volatile fuel and the aircraft's extreme speed, which sometimes caused it to overshoot its targets. The Me 163 was eventually phased out due to its inherent risks.

Science Fiction: Dreams of Tomorrow

This section discusses the trends in science fiction literature. It notes a shift away from space exploration towards more terrestrial themes, with a focus on psychological issues, genetic manipulation, and the potential negative consequences of technological advancement. The article contrasts the early optimism of authors like Jules Verne with the more pessimistic outlook prevalent in contemporary science fiction, citing influences like George Orwell's "1984." It also touches upon the role of science fiction in predicting future technologies and societal developments, referencing a seminar held by the US Air Force with science fiction authors to discuss future warfare. The article mentions the "doomsday stories" genre, which explores themes of nuclear war, pandemics, and environmental destruction. It also briefly touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and the challenges of space colonization.

Other Short Items

The issue also includes a "Rätsel um „Fliegende Untertassen"" (Riddle of 'Flying Saucers') section, which reiterates the claims about German flying saucer development during WWII, mentioning Schriever, Habermohl, and Miethe, and the destruction of prototypes. It also includes a brief report about a "UFO" sighting near London that turned out to be a hot air balloon, and an "ASTRO-WARNUNG" for May 1989 detailing planetary visibility. A letter from the DDR discusses the lack of systematic UFO research there and praises CENAP's work. Another section discusses the magazine's approach to UFO research, emphasizing a neutral, scientific perspective and the lack of conclusive evidence for exotic UFO explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in historical aviation, particularly experimental and military aircraft from WWII, such as the Me 163 and the alleged German flying saucer projects. There is also a clear focus on UFO phenomena, with an editorial stance that emphasizes scientific investigation, skepticism towards sensational claims, and a desire for verifiable evidence. The magazine aims to debunk hoaxes and misidentifications while remaining open to the possibility of genuine, unexplained aerial phenomena. The discussion of science fiction reflects a broader interest in future technologies and societal impacts, often viewed through a lens of caution and critical analysis.