CENAP REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr.161
Date: July 1989 (7.89)
Publisher: CENAP-Mannheim
Price: DM 3,90

This issue of CENAP REPORT, a German-language publication focused on extraordinary aerial phenomena, features a provocative cover headline questioning whether a feature on Venus resembles the 'Mars face' and speculates about a 'Western city' on the planet. The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including the psychology of rumors and disinformation, historical German aviation projects, and early US military investigations into flying saucers.

TOP-MELDUNG: ORF Broadcast on UFOs

The lead story details a televised debate on the Austrian ORF (2nd Program) on June 27, 1989, titled 'A Sky Full of Flying Saucers.' The program featured CENAP representatives, including Rudolf Henke, author J.v. Buttlar, singer Nina Hagen, and UFO contactee Walter Rizzi. The debate, which extended late into the night, saw CENAP representatives critically engage with the topic, reportedly leaving UFO-Baron von Buttlar somewhat flustered. Nina Hagen is described as having disqualified herself by deviating from the objective discussion of UFOs to discuss life after death and other unrelated topics. The article notes that a VHS recording of the broadcast is available for DM 60.

GERÜCHTE, IM ALLGEM. (Rumors, in General)

This section, authored by Werner Walter of CENAP-MA, explores the concept of rumors and disinformation as they relate to the UFO legend. Citing a study on terrorism and fear, Walter uses the 'Radio Eriwan' anecdote to illustrate how rumors and disinformation distort facts. He argues that these are effective psychological weapons, especially in the short and medium term, as 'Semper aliquid haeret' (something always sticks). The article suggests that the popularization of topics often relies on incomplete information and half-truths, and that rumors can be deliberately manufactured to create a false impression of evidence.

Horst Schuh on the Psychology of Rumors

Horst Schuh, a government director with a background in psychology and history, contributes a detailed analysis of rumors. He traces the etymology of the word 'Gerücht' (rumor) and defines it as a message passed from mouth to mouth with an unverified source, operating independently of formal media. Schuh outlines the psychological conditions that foster rumors, particularly in crisis situations marked by fear and uncertainty. He discusses the functions of rumors, which include providing emotional relief, explanation, and justification. Allport and Postman's findings are cited, linking rumor propagation to the importance and ambiguity of the information. Schuh also touches upon the 'scapegoat' phenomenon, where people seek external explanations for their anxieties by blaming individuals or groups.

The V-7 Legend, Part 3: 'Flying Saucers'

This article, referencing a DNZ report, claims that flying saucers observed worldwide are of Soviet origin and construction. It mentions Dr. Sånger's assertion that plans for such 'flying disc-discs' existed as early as 1943, with attempts at construction in Germany. The text suggests the Soviet Union possesses a secret aircraft capable of reaching any point on Earth within three hours, with vertical take-off and landing capabilities and speeds exceeding those of the best jet aircraft.

CENAP-ARCHIV: 'Flying Saucer' Before Test Flight in South Africa

This archival piece from the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung (September 6, 1957) reports on a 'flying saucer' designed by an Austrian engineer, set for a test flight in Johannesburg. The craft is described as having a disc-shaped wing with a 3-meter diameter, a pilot's cabin, and four jet engines. It was intended to be remotely controlled during its test flights.

GEHEIMDIENST (Secret Service) - Radar Detects Unknown Flying Objects

This section compiles various reports and claims about unidentified flying objects. It includes an account from Adolf Niemeyer, a flight controller, who claims to have seen a blinking, silvery disc-shaped object in 1954. The article also references a report from 'Welt am Sonnabend' by Rüdiger Boschmann, which attempts to cover the 'Flying Saucer' issue from multiple angles. It mentions alleged evidence from private archives and official sources, including radar detections and eyewitness accounts. The text discusses the possibility of 'mother ships' and smaller craft, and notes the high speeds and unusual maneuvers attributed to these objects. It also touches upon the Adamski case and the mysterious death of Captain Thomas Mantell.

The V-7 Legend, Part 3: 'Flying Saucers' (Continued)

This continuation discusses the Soviet Union's alleged possession of a secret flying craft based on German designs from World War II. It mentions reports of crashes and deformities in conventional aircraft that attempted to engage these objects. The article suggests that the US, Canada, and the USA are also developing similar craft, with the US reportedly keeping its project under extreme secrecy due to fears of revealing its most effective secret weapon.

The V-7 Legend, Part 3: 'Flying Saucers' (Continued) - Model Descriptions

This section provides descriptions and diagrams of various flying saucer designs. It includes a model of a Soviet craft allegedly based on German wartime plans, a Canadian project that was reportedly halted, and a highly secret US project. The article notes that the basic construction and propulsion principles are similar across these designs, despite external variations.

GEHEIMDIENST (Secret Service) - Radar Detects Unknown Flying Objects (Continued)

This part of the article continues the discussion on radar detections of unknown flying objects. It mentions a specific incident where two smaller discs merged into a larger 'mother ship' on radar, which then departed at an estimated speed of 13,500 km/h. The text suggests that many reports originate from private archives and that disinformation plays a significant role in the UFO belief system.

The V-7 Legend, Part 3: 'Flying Saucers' (Continued) - German Projects

This section focuses on German contributions to flying saucer technology. It mentions Rolf Schriever's 'Flugkreisel' project from 1941, which aimed for speeds of up to 100 m/sec and over 4000 km/h. A model was reportedly built and flown, but the project ended with the war. It also references a report from The New York Times (April 4, 1950) suggesting that 'flying saucers' might actually be naval aircraft, a combination of helicopters and jets.

Flying Saucers Instead of Helicopters

This article details the 'Aerokinetics Lift Mark I,' a US experimental craft built in 1963, which resembled a flying saucer. It was designed to provide better performance and lower maintenance costs than helicopters, with plans for larger versions capable of carrying significant payloads, particularly for military use.

The Path Away from Saucers - Flying Discs

This section discusses various experimental aircraft designs that bore resemblance to flying saucers. It mentions the Vought V-173 'Flying Pancake' from 1942, a short take-off and landing aircraft, and its successor, the XFU-1, which was intended to achieve high speeds and hover capabilities but was ultimately never completed. The article notes that the advantages of such 'flying saucer' designs were not realized.

'Flying Saucers' Are Not Hallucinations

This article from the Mannheimer Morgen (February 28, 1956) reports on the US Air Force releasing its first photos of flying saucers and revealing that test flights were already underway. It quotes US Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles, who stated that flying saucers were real aircraft of revolutionary design, a combination of helicopter and jet. The article mentions a 1942 US project that completed over 100 test flights and was taken over by the Navy. It also references Charles H. Zimmerman's elliptical-shaped aircraft with speeds of 400-500 mph and a low landing speed. The article suggests that the Air Force's discontinuation of its UFO investigation in December indicated they knew the origin of the saucers.

Secret Service - Strictly Secret Invention Named

This piece reports on claims by radio commentator Henry J. Taylor that flying saucers are secret US military aircraft inventions. He described two types: the 'Flying Saucer,' a remotely controlled disc of various sizes, and 'Flying Phantoms,' related to the jet-powered XF-5-U tested by the Navy. Taylor alleged that these craft were found in Texas with markings indicating they were secret US military property. However, both the Navy and the Air Force denied any involvement or knowledge of such projects.

'Flying Saucers' - The Futile Hunt

This article, part of a series from 'Die Welt' (Hamburg), discusses the ongoing investigation into flying saucers. It mentions various sightings, including a cigar-shaped object in Mississippi and a large object pursued by fighter jets near Fort Knox, which resulted in the disappearance of one pilot. The article notes the difficulty in identifying these objects and the conflicting reports and theories surrounding them. It also touches upon the first 'victim' of the flying saucer phenomenon, implying a tragic outcome related to these encounters.

'Flying Saucers' - The Futile Hunt (Continued)

This continuation of the 'Futile Hunt' series from 'Die Welt' details further sightings and investigations. It describes an encounter by Lieutenant George Gorman with a glowing sphere. The article also mentions observations in Holland and the alleged sighting of a 'wingless air giant' by pilots. It highlights the conflicting nature of reports, with some attributing sightings to weather balloons while others maintain the existence of distinct aerial phenomena. The text discusses the challenges faced by investigators in distinguishing between genuine sightings and misidentifications or disinformation.

'Flying Saucers' - The Futile Hunt (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on flying saucer sightings and investigations. It describes an incident where a B-29 bomber was tasked with pursuing an unidentified object, but the object's speed made pursuit futile. The article also mentions sightings over Lhasa, Tibet, and reports of 'fire dragons' over China. It touches upon the possibility of messages from Agartha being conveyed by these craft, warning humanity. Additionally, it recounts an incident where French government officials witnessed a luminous 'atomic mushroom' and 'fiery tires' in the sky, interpreted by occultists as a final warning.

Observer from Outer Space? Opinion vs. Opinion

This article, part of a series from 'Die Welt' (November 2, 1950), presents conflicting views on flying saucers. It discusses the US Air Force's denial of building disc-shaped machines, contrasted with Henry J. Taylor's claims that they are secret American weapons. The article mentions the discovery of such craft in Texas with military markings and the subsequent denial by the Navy and Air Force. It also references Captain Sperry's account of an encounter with an object of incredible speed and mentions the sighting of discs over Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as an encounter over the Pacific Ocean. The text notes the rapid disappearance of these objects and the difficulty in explaining them.

Observer from Outer Space? Opinion vs. Opinion (Continued)

This continuation of the 'Opinion vs. Opinion' series discusses further sightings and investigations. It mentions a sighting over Tucson, Arizona, involving a large object with a fiery tail that briefly hovered before disappearing at high speed. The article also reports on sightings over a Chilean Antarctic base, with photographic evidence allegedly existing but not yet released. The text highlights the lack of satisfactory explanations for these phenomena, even among military experts, and calls for reader contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained in the skies, with a particular focus on 'flying saucers' and UFOs. There's a clear interest in the technological and psychological aspects of these phenomena, including early aviation projects, potential military applications, and the role of rumor and disinformation. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the prevalence of speculation. The magazine seems to aim at informing its readership about ongoing investigations and historical cases within the UFO field.

This issue of DIE WELT, dated Saturday, November 4, 1950, features a cover story titled "Suche nach dem Ursprung" (Search for the Origin) by Gerald Heard, which investigates the phenomenon of flying saucers and their potential origins. The magazine also includes articles on alleged German WWII secret weapons, UFO sightings in the USA and Europe, and the challenges faced by the US Air Force in dealing with public inquiries about UFOs.

Search for the Origin

The main article by Gerald Heard posits that the widespread sightings of flying saucers, particularly in the United States, are a perplexing contemporary problem. Heard dismisses the idea that these craft could be private ventures due to the impossibility of maintaining secrecy. He also questions whether they could be Soviet technology, arguing that Russia's post-war industrial capacity would likely not allow for such advanced development, especially given the destruction of key infrastructure like the Dnieper power plant. Heard suggests that the Soviets would not risk revealing such a secret weapon by flying it over US territory. The article then speculates about other potential manufacturers, considering and largely dismissing Great Britain, Spain, Italy, and France due to their post-war conditions and industrial limitations. The author implies that the origin of these craft remains a profound mystery, possibly involving unknown technological advancements.

German Secret Weapons and Advanced Technology

Several articles delve into the possibility that flying saucers are remnants of advanced German technology from World War II. One piece, attributed to Gunther Burkhardt, discusses the "Flugkreisel" (flying circle) or "Flugscheibe" (flying disc) development, mentioning specific projects like "Haunebu I, II, III" and "Vril I." It claims that these developments occurred in at least four separate, uncoordinated departments within the Third Reich, with one group led by Dr. Schumann reportedly solving the principle of tachyon propulsion. The article cites 'insiders' who confirm these developments and mentions that many plans were made but not realized. It also touches upon the 'Andromeda Device,' a Zeppelin-like craft designed to transport smaller flying discs. The article speculates that the SS-Abteilung 'SS-E-IV' might have been responsible for the 'Haunebu' designs and that these projects could have continued in secret locations like 'Neuschwabenland' in Antarctica after the war.

Another section, featuring a report by German engineer G. Sautler, details the construction of "Fliegende Teller" (flying discs). Sautler describes how the disc shape, inspired by discus throwers, allows for rapid rotation and lift. He discusses the development of rocket-powered aircraft and helicopters, leading to the concept of a hybrid craft that combines hovering and high-speed flight. The article mentions Prof. Tank's plans for a rocket helicopter with rotating wings and the development of the "Nurflügel-Flugzeug" (flying wing aircraft), some of which featured disc-shaped wings. It also references Rudolf Schriever's 'Flugkreisel' and notes that the propeller ring was replaced by a jet ring in later designs.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue includes numerous accounts of UFO sightings. A report from The New York Times dated December 14, 1944, details the appearance of "Floating Mystery Balls" as a new German weapon, described as silver-colored spheres encountered by American pilots over German territory.

A lengthy report from "The New York Times" on August 1, 1952, highlights how "Flying Saucer" queries were hampering the work of the US Air Force. The Pentagon reported receiving 432 written reports on sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena that year. The article mentions the Coast Guard's plan to release a photograph of five mysterious objects over Salem, Massachusetts.

Another section focuses on a UFO film from Hallingdal, Norway, dated July 13, 1986. Witnesses described a blue-white object, like a large pea, with three distinct lights, emitting sparks and light beams. A second, red-white object was also observed. The article discusses the analysis of the video footage, noting that the visual appearance on film did not match the witnesses' direct observations, and suggests that celestial bodies like Jupiter or Capella might have been misidentified.

An article titled "Mit Außerirdischen ins Weltall" (Into Space with Extraterrestrials) recounts the experience of Archie Baker, a Scotsman who claimed to have been abducted by three unknown beings in a UFO and taken aboard their craft for examination. The article also mentions the case of Brazilian farmer Villas Boas, who reported a similar encounter involving examination and intimate contact with an alien.

Analysis and Skepticism

While presenting various accounts and theories, the magazine also incorporates elements of skepticism. The analysis of the Hallingdal film suggests that the observed phenomena might be misidentified celestial bodies, with Jupiter and Capella being potential candidates. The article questions the authenticity of UFO photographs, suggesting that some might be models or hoaxes. It also points out that many UFO sightings can be explained by conventional aircraft, weather phenomena, or psychological effects like the autokinetic effect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the potential for advanced, possibly extraterrestrial or secret human technology, and the challenges of verifying such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various eyewitness accounts and scientific analyses while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification and hoaxes. There is a clear interest in exploring the technological capabilities of both past and present, particularly in the context of secret wartime projects and the implications for current understanding of aerial phenomena. The magazine seems to lean towards the idea that while many sightings can be explained, a small percentage remains unexplained, warranting further investigation.