CENAP Report - No 160

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr.160
Date: June 1989
Publisher: CENAP-MANNHEIM
Country: Germany
Price: DM 3,90

This issue of the CENAP REPORT, a specialized journal on UFO phenomena, focuses on the 'V-7 Legend' and the potential German origins of flying saucer technology. It features detailed technical drawings, historical accounts, and interviews related to experimental aircraft developed during and after World War II.

CENAP: An Independent UFO Research Network

The CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene) is presented as a private, independent institution dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena since 1976. It operates on self-funding and has conducted investigations into approximately 380 reported UFO cases. CENAP aims to explain reported sightings within a natural, scientific framework, identifying 'UFO stimuli' when natural explanations are found. The organization emphasizes a rigorous, almost 'criminalistic' approach to its investigations. Representatives of CENAP were reportedly invited to confidential discussions at the German Ministry of Defense. Various German authorities, including the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior, the Braunschweig Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, and air traffic control, have recommended CENAP as a point of contact for UFO reports. CENAP also maintains an extensive archive and serves as a central information point for media interested in the UFO phenomenon. It is associated with international UFO organizations and has a global correspondent network. CENAP is a member of GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal), aiming to combat occultism and superstition and to expose media manipulation.

The V-7 Legend (Part 2): Flying Saucers Invented in Germany?

This section, authored by Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim, explores the 'V-7 Legend,' suggesting that flying saucers might have been invented in Germany. It highlights the work of Chief Pilot and Engineer Rudolf Schriever.

Rudolf Schriever and the 'Flugkreisel'

Rudolf Schriever, a former chief pilot for leading German aviation companies, spent four years working on the construction of a 'Flugkreisel' (flying disc). His plans, reportedly sought after by world powers, were allegedly stolen after Germany's capitulation. The article describes Schriever's inspiration stemming from the problem of achieving both high speed and vertical maneuverability in aircraft. He envisioned a craft with a circular, curved cabin and rotor wings driven by turbines, combining the advantages of helicopters and conventional aircraft.

Schriever began his development work on July 15, 1941. The first model of the 'Flugkreisel' was completed on June 2, 1942, and initial flight tests the following day were reportedly successful, demonstrating impressive flight characteristics. Schriever claims that the first 'Fliegende Untertasse' had a wingspan of 14.40 meters and could achieve vertical take-off, vertical landing, hovering, and a top speed of around 4000 km/h. He famously stated, "Had we been able to continue working in 1945, flying saucers would have been over Germany's skies long ago like warm rolls in a bread basket."

Technical Details and Historical Context

The article includes technical drawings and cross-sections of the 'Flugkreisel,' illustrating its design with rotating wing blades, jet engines for vertical and horizontal flight, and fuel tanks. It references a 1938 German project for a disc-shaped aircraft with a rotating ring of propellers, which was deemed too complex and never built. Another account mentions a similar concept by Mr. Pullin in England.

The report also draws from various German publications of the early 1950s, such as 'Deutsche Illustrierte,' 'KRISTALL,' and '7 Tage.' It notes discrepancies in the historical accounts, particularly regarding the timeline and the alleged involvement of figures like Richard Miethe. The article questions the timeline of patent applications versus alleged operational use, suggesting inconsistencies in the narrative.

Post-War Developments and Secrecy

After the war, Schriever reportedly fled to the West, and his plans were allegedly stolen. He later settled near Bremen and, upon hearing reports of 'flying saucers,' apparently began to re-engage with his designs. The article suggests that Schriever was approached by various international research institutes and universities, including American ones, but declined offers from South America and was warned against negotiating with Eastern Bloc countries. He remained in Germany, working as a driver, and reportedly found the sensational stories about flying saucers amusing, considering them improbable given the vast distances in space.

Technical Limitations and Skepticism

The report touches upon the technical challenges and skepticism surrounding flying saucers. Schriever is quoted as saying that completely silent flying discs are impossible, attributing silent sightings to optical illusions or light phenomena. He believed that any operational flying disc would produce significant noise due to its propulsion systems. The article also references the limitations of current technology, suggesting that the reported maneuvers of flying saucers are beyond the capabilities of known materials and engineering, leading to the conclusion that they cannot be solid objects.

International Interest and Speculation

Despite the skepticism, the article notes the continued interest in flying saucer technology, citing reports from Canada about Avro Canada developing disc-shaped aircraft and the US Navy reportedly experimenting with flying discs. The article also mentions that Professor Oberth and Dr. Meyer-Cords, prominent German rocket scientists, believed in the extraterrestrial origin of some UFOs, dismissing the idea that they were secret Soviet or American weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently explores the possibility of advanced, possibly German-origin, aerial technology that could explain UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, presenting historical evidence, technical details, and interviews while acknowledging inconsistencies and skepticism. The magazine aims to demystify UFO phenomena by linking them to potential terrestrial technological developments, particularly those from the WWII era, and to counter sensationalism and superstition.

This issue of CENAP-ARCHIV, titled "Die fliegende Untertasse" (The Flying Saucer), dated March/April 1989, with issue numbers 20-21, delves into the historical and contemporary aspects of UFO phenomena. The magazine explores the origins of 'flying saucer' concepts, the alleged Nazi involvement in advanced aircraft technology, and the subsequent efforts by global powers to acquire this knowledge.

Post-War Scramble for German Technology

The issue details how both the US and the Soviet Union aggressively sought German scientific and technical expertise after World War II. The US, through programs like Overcast and Paperclip, recruited hundreds of German scientists and engineers, many with former Nazi affiliations, to work on advanced projects. The Soviets, in turn, systematically dismantled and transported German industrial and technical assets to the East as reparations. This competition for German scientific talent and technology intensified the Cold War and influenced post-war geopolitical relations, including the Potsdam Conference.

The 'Flying Saucer' Legend and Nazi Connections

The magazine examines the origins of the 'flying saucer' myth, linking it to figures like Schriever, Miethe, and Bellonzo. It investigates claims of Nazi 'UFOs' or 'V-7' projects, with researchers contacting German archives. However, official responses from the Militärgeschichtliches Forschungsamt and the BUNDESARCHIV indicate no evidence of a militarily relevant Nazi 'flying saucer' program or the inventors' names appearing in specialized archives. This leads to the conclusion that the 'flying saucer' narrative might have been a journalistic legend or publicity stunt.

Project Blue Book Revival

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the relaunch of 'Project Blue Book' as a private initiative by an industrialist from Arkansas named William Pitts. The original Project Blue Book, a US Air Force UFO investigation, was closed 20 years prior, leaving over 700 cases unexplained. The new, privately funded project aims to re-examine these old cases and others, promising transparency and anonymity for its large team of advisors, many recruited from former Pentagon and US intelligence personnel.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine presents various UFO-related accounts and investigations:

• Space Shuttle Discovery Encounter: An alleged encounter between the US Space Shuttle Discovery and an extraterrestrial craft in orbit is reported, with details supposedly kept secret by NASA.
• 'Lizard Man' of South Carolina: The case of the 'Lizard Man' sighted in South Carolina is discussed, including a pilot's fabricated story to maintain the legend, illustrating how UFO narratives can be manufactured.
• US-Astronauts and UFOs: Reports suggest US astronauts have had secret encounters with UFOs, with the US government allegedly possessing evidence of crashed alien spacecraft (MJ-12 rumors).
• The "White House" and SETI: The issue touches upon the US government's interest in SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and speculates on the motivations behind President Reagan's support for such programs, questioning why the government would fund SETI if it already possessed evidence of alien contact.
• Roland Horn's Investigations: UFO investigator Roland Horn's methodical approach to debunking UFO sightings is highlighted. He uses a questionnaire to categorize phenomena, often identifying them as misidentified aircraft, weather balloons, Venus, or even party balloons, attributing most sightings to natural explanations or mass hysteria.

Media and UFO Reporting

The role of sensationalist media, particularly the "WEEKLY WORLD NEWS," in perpetuating UFO stories is examined. An interview with the magazine's manager reveals a policy of printing unverified UFO accounts for entertainment value, contrasting with the more rigorous approach of daily newspapers.

Historical UFO Cases and Theories

The magazine revisits historical UFO incidents, including:

• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (1947): The seminal sighting of nine 'flying saucers' over Mt. Rainier, which popularized the term.
• Captain Mantell Incident (1948): The mysterious death of a fighter pilot who pursued a UFO.
• German 'Flying Saucer' Projects: Details of alleged German flying saucer projects from WWII, with claims that plans and expertise were transferred to the Soviets.
• Mexican 'Flying Saucer' Incident: A sensationalized story about a crashed saucer and a 'Martian dwarf' in Mexico, later revealed as a hoax.

Editorial Stance and Themes

CENAP-ARCHIV appears to adopt a critical yet investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings, the magazine often seeks rational explanations, highlighting instances of hoaxes, misidentifications, and media sensationalism. The recurring themes include government secrecy, the legacy of Nazi technology, the psychological aspects of belief in UFOs, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The magazine aims to provide a historical and analytical perspective on the 'flying saucer' mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical development of the 'flying saucer' concept, from its alleged roots in Nazi Germany and post-war technological acquisition to the modern era of UFO investigations and media coverage. There's a consistent effort to debunk sensational claims and provide rational explanations, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding some unexplained sightings. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding extraterrestrial explanations for most phenomena, emphasizing the role of human factors like misidentification, fabrication, and media sensationalism. However, the magazine also explores the possibility of genuine government cover-ups and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence through projects like SETI.