Data Net - No 66 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. VI. No. 12
Date: December 1972
Publisher: DATA-NET
Focus: The UFO Amateur Radio Network, dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena.

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS: Biometric Data in 19 UFO Occupant Cases

This extensive article, authored by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, delves into a specialized study of the landing phenomenon, focusing on occupant files researched since 1969. The author extracts evidence statements from a Spain and Portugal Type-I catalogue, which comprises over 130 entries, to analyze the morphology and behavior of alleged UFO occupants and the characteristics of the UFOs themselves. The study focuses on reports mentioning the presence of a being or entity connected to a landed object, excluding cases without a clear UFO connection.

The article presents a catalogue of 19 UFO occupant cases in the Iberian Peninsula, with dates ranging from 1935 to 1969. It notes that 68% of the reports involved only one percipient, but a total of 31 people reported these occurrences. The data indicates a wave in 1968/69, with a nocturnal character and many objects reported resting on the ground. Curiously, the last occupant case documented was in February 1969, though landing cases without beings continued to be reported.

Detailed tables and a bar diagram illustrate the number of witnesses per event and the distribution of occupant numbers per object. The study highlights that "two" and "several" occupants are the most common perceptions (54%), followed by single occupants. The author notes that 52 strange-looking living forms, many humanoid, have been allegedly associated with UFO landings in Spain and Portugal over 35 years.

Morphological descriptions of the occupants reveal a lack of clear typology, with descriptions varying widely. Two distinct height groups are identified: those under 1.50m (10 cases) and those of human height (5 cases). The "conduct of the presumed occupants" is analyzed, categorizing actions into three types: moving towards the object, exhibiting unremarkable behavior (observing, unintelligible actions), or attempting contact. The author concludes that the behavior often appears incoherent or nonsensical, lacking clear purpose, which is discussed in relation to Aime Michel's theories.

Table IV provides characteristics of the UFOs themselves, noting a prevalence of circular shapes (7 round, 3 ovoid, 3 hemispheres) and a significant amount of light emitted by the objects. The dimensions suggest a major axis roughly 1.7 times the minor axis. Colors reported include bright white, grey, orange, and fluorescent.

UFOS AND THE AEROSPACE ENGINEER

John F. Schuessler, an Astronautics Consultant and staff member of MUFON, argues that the aerospace engineering community has a crucial responsibility in addressing the UFO problem. He emphasizes that UFOs operate in areas normally reserved for aircraft and spacecraft, and that citizens expect responsible answers to their sightings, rather than dismissive explanations like "swamp gas."

Schuessler posits that aerospace engineers, accustomed to solving complex problems, should apply their expertise to UFO phenomena. He points out that UFO reports are based on observations from diverse individuals who seek understanding. The article presents an example of a prominent St. Louis businessman and his son who observed an unidentified object in 1966, illustrating the type of credible witness that exists.

Other Sections

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Includes information on DATA-NET communication centers and research progress.

SIGHTING REPORT DISTRIBUTION MAP & INDEX: Provides navigational tools for sighting reports from September 1972.

CLIPPING THE NEWS: A section for news items related to UFOs.

SHOP & SWAP: A service for members to list items for sale, wanted, or trade.

DATA-NET Information: Details on membership fees ($5.00 domestic, $6.00 foreign), copyright, and contact information for key personnel like Mrs. Josephine J. Clark (Editor-Publisher) and Michel M. Jaffe (Control-Director).

POLICY: DATA-NET believes sufficient evidence exists to prove the reality of unidentified flying objects and seeks answers to their origin, nature, and purpose.

REWARD: A $25.00 reward is offered for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer, available to members.

RESEARCH LIBRARY: UFO books are available to members.

MAGNETIC UFO DETECTOR: Information on "The Saucer Seeker" by W9AUT, available free to members.

BACK ISSUES: Availability of past issues of the DATA-NET report is detailed.

SPECIAL REPORT: Announcement of "A Study of 100 Iberic Landings" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallee.

DATA-NET COMMUNICATION CENTERS: Network schedule provided: Wednesday at 7:00 pm PST / Thursday at 0300 GMT on 7.268(LSB).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the empirical study of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on collecting and analyzing data from sightings and alleged occupant encounters. The editorial stance, as articulated by the DATA-NET policy, is that unidentified flying objects are real, and the organization is dedicated to seeking answers through research and communication among its members. There is a clear call for a scientific and rational approach to the subject, encouraging collaboration between amateur researchers and professionals, such as aerospace engineers, to unravel the mysteries of UFOs. The publication aims to serve as a hub for information exchange, research dissemination, and community building within the UFO field.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (Volume 18, Number 6, November 1972) focuses on the proposition that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) represent a significant engineering problem, requiring the attention of aerospace engineers and scientists. The cover headline, "UFOs and the Engineer," encapsulates this theme, suggesting that conventional explanations are insufficient and that the phenomena demand a rigorous, scientific, and engineering-based approach.

UFO Sightings and Engineering Challenges

The issue presents several detailed accounts of UFO sightings, emphasizing the technical aspects and the implications for engineering.

Case Examples:

• Example No. 1: Two observers witnessed a silent, ovoid UFO, approximately 50 feet in diameter and 12 feet thick, glowing from brown-orange to light red-orange. It passed overhead in seven seconds, leaving a distinct impression.
• Example No. 2 (March 6, 1967): A private pilot, his mother, and sister observed a UFO in daylight near St. Louis, Missouri. The object hovered at 2,000 feet, performed a slow 360-degree turn, pitched up 50 degrees, and accelerated rapidly into the clouds, changing to a bright red color.
• Example No. 3 (April 8, 1967): Eight witnesses, including a manager from an aerospace firm, observed three UFOs descend into a clay mine near St. Louis. The objects hovered at treetop and 2,000 feet, pulsed with high-intensity white light for over 30 minutes, and then ascended vertically at extreme acceleration, disappearing in 2-3 seconds.

These examples are presented to highlight observations that aerospace engineers should investigate. Key features noted include:

• Aerodynamic Feats: Objects moved at speeds varying from zero to several hundred miles per hour.
• Color Changes: Associated with speed.
• Acoustics: No audible sound was observed in any case.
• Observational Conditions: Sightings occurred in darkness, daylight, and transitions between them.
• Witness Credibility: Observers were credible and feared ridicule, indicating a desire for factual reporting.

The McMinnville Photographs (May 11, 1950):

Photographs taken by Paul Trent in McMinnville, Oregon, were extensively analyzed. The conclusion was that the object was an extraordinary flying object, silvery, metallic, disk-shaped, tens of meters in diameter, and artificial. The object maneuvered in the atmosphere, gliding slowly, then shifting orientation and increasing speed. The lack of noise or smoke presented a significant challenge to propulsion engineers.

Lakenheath AFB Incident (Summer 1956):

This case involved a UFO tracked by multiple radar stations and observed visually over Lakenheath AFB, England. RAF aircraft intercepted the object, which engaged in evasive maneuvers, demonstrating a high probability of being a genuine UFO. The incident is significant due to radar reporting and the aerial engagement.

Corning, California Sighting (August 11, 1960):

Two California highway patrolmen observed a silent UFO for two hours. The object could hover, move in any direction without altering orientation, sustain high accelerations, and move rapidly or slowly. The report provided negative information about propulsion, ruling out jet or rocket reactions, aerodynamic lift, and lighter-than-air craft.

The Engineering Perspective:

The magazine argues that the UFO problem is fundamentally an engineering one. Engineering is defined as the science of making matter and energy useful to man, driving technological advancement. The current state of technology, while advancing rapidly, is far from perfect. The author suggests that other civilizations may possess advanced engineering capabilities, enabling them to visit Earth.

Propulsion and Materials:

The issue discusses the limitations of current chemical propulsion and the potential of advanced methods like harnessing gravity or anti-gravity. It references Dr. Joseph Weber's work on gravitational waves as a potential breakthrough. The materials used in reported UFOs, often found to contain common elements like iron and silicon, are not necessarily indicative of terrestrial origin, as these elements are universal.

UFO Configurations and Evolution:

Four general types of UFO configurations are mentioned: globe, disc, cigar/cylinder, and egg. Over the past twenty years, changes in vehicle design have been observed, including the adoption of lighting systems for concealment or other purposes. The diversity of UFO configurations is compared to the variety of vehicles developed by human society.

Approaches to Solving the UFO Problem

Three avenues of approach are proposed:

1. Do nothing: Deemed insufficient, as much has already been done without resolution.
2. Individual talents: Engineers investigating phenomena individually, which is currently happening but limited by separation of resources and effort.
3. Engineering Tiger-Team: An integrated approach, similar to a NASA space program, involving major aerospace firms to define requirements, develop a technological plan, and ultimately duplicate the UFO as a prototype and then a flight model.

The primary focus of such a team would be to solve the propulsion problem. The issue emphasizes that sufficient information is available to begin this process, and materials and processes exist to support it.

Specific Case Studies and Reports

• Maureen Puddy Encounters (July 25, 1972): Mrs. Puddy, a housewife, reported two encounters between Frankston and Dromana, Australia. In the first, her car's engine cut out, and she experienced a profound silence and loss of control. She saw a large, glowing object above her car and received telepathic messages: "All your tests will be negative," "Tell media, do not panic we mean no harm," and "You now have control." In the second encounter, the object reappeared, and her engine cut out again.
• Helen Benger Sighting (August 27, 1972): A schoolteacher near Alice Springs, Australia, witnessed a brilliant yellow light moving irregularly in the sky. The object later appeared as a mushroom-shaped, glowing entity hovering about half a mile away. The car's headlights dimmed significantly when the object was close.
• Pimba, South Australia Sighting (August 28, 1972): The same witness observed a dull, metallic silver object near the Woomera rocket range. The object signaled back to her torchlight and reappeared ahead of and behind her car.
• Ray Jamieson Photograph (September 19, 1972): A staff photographer in Melbourne, Australia, described a fast-moving, light-colored object with a purplish fringe, throwing a brilliant light. He photographed it for 15-20 minutes, noting its speed and complex maneuvers, including multiple loops in seconds. The RAAF officer in charge of UFO sightings could not explain the photographs.
• Cec Smith Sighting (September 23, 1972): Mr. and Mrs. Smith in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, observed a yellow-orange object, described as red as fire, hovering and then landing somewhere near the Ontario Hospital. They noted it was not a plane or helicopter.

Shop & Swap Section

This section includes requests for specific past issues of "Flying Saucer Review" and articles related to UFOs, physics, and extraterrestrial intelligence. It also features an offer for sale of the "STENDEK" UFO magazine collection and subscription information for "DATA-NET REPORT."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reclassification of UFO phenomena from a fringe topic to a serious engineering and scientific challenge. The editorial stance is that the presumption of human technological superiority is unwarranted and that the study of UFOs offers potential for significant advancements in technology, including propulsion, materials, and clean energy. The magazine advocates for a systematic, professional approach, moving away from sensationalism and towards objective analysis, emphasizing the engineer's role in understanding and potentially replicating these advanced aerial vehicles. The issue concludes by stating that the time has come to recognize the UFO as a true engineering problem, not solely the domain of the Air Force, astrophysicists, or psychologists.