1958 09 00 Fantastic Universe - Man-made UFO, Sanderson

Magazine Overview

This issue of FANTASTIC UNIVERSE features an article titled "MAN-MADE UFO" by Ivan T. Sanderson. The article delves into the controversial possibility that some Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) are not extraterrestrial but rather of human origin, particularly focusing on advanced technology developed during World War II.

The Man-Made UFO Hypothesis

Ivan T. Sanderson begins by referencing previous articles that discussed the general possibility of objects from outside Earth entering our atmosphere. In this installment, he focuses on the fourth proposition: that some UFOs are man-made. He acknowledges that not all UFOs could be man-made unless humans have existed for a much longer time with advanced technology, for which there is no evidence. However, he asserts that the vast majority of UFOs are indeed man-made.

Sanderson emphasizes the importance of "qualifying" words in statements about UFOs, warning that ignoring them can lead to misinterpretations. He states that "Unidentified" is the key qualifying word when discussing UFOs.

He highlights the alarming fact that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of unidentified objects are detected daily by radar and reported to Air Force filter centers, yet are never heard of again or identified. Similar reports come from moonwatch teams, weathermen, military and civilian airfield personnel, pilots, and ordinary citizens. Sanderson suspects that national defense systems are either inadequate, lackadaisical, or excessively secret, leading to a failure to identify these objects.

He argues that just because an object is not identified does not mean it *could not* be identified. He believes that most of these objects could be identified if photographed closely or if defense organizations were more alert and efficient in coordinating reports. He also notes that many reports come from primitive tribesmen, astronomers, and others, and that these objects are similar to those that could be identified if spotters had better means.

Potential Explanations for UFO Sightings

Sanderson then lists several potential explanations for objects observed in the sky:

• Military, Commercial, and Private Planes: A large number of planes are constantly in the air, and their exact whereabouts are not always precisely known due to weather, deviations from flight plans, and other hazards. He notes that many planes do not carry radar, follow radio beams, or maintain constant contact with the ground. Private planes, in particular, create a confusing web, and some pilots are irresponsible or incompetent.
• Balloons: Numerous organizations launch balloons for meteorological and cosmic-ray research. These can go to high altitudes, move erratically, and cross radar barriers.
• Birds: Migrating birds, despite having set flyways, can be poor navigators and wander off course, potentially fouling up their readings of navigational effects like the Coriolis Effect or magnetism.
• Other Phenomena: The article also mentions shooting stars, bolides, proper meteorites, ball-lightning, tectites, debris from incinerators, gliders out of control, hail, and pieces of ice.

Sanderson acknowledges that these explanations might be disturbing to dedicated observers but suggests they could account for many reported UFOs.

The German V-7 and Advanced Technology

The core of Sanderson's argument shifts to the possibility of advanced, man-made aircraft. He introduces the concept of the V-7, allegedly a lenticular-shaped airplane developed by the Germans during WWII. He claims to have received information about it firsthand from an engineer who worked at a factory outside Munich that supplied engines for the V-7.

According to this engineer, the V-7 was a lenticular plane with a revolving flange around its edge, capable of vertical takeoff and high-speed maneuvering. It was powered by eight engines, with two additional engines for steering and stabilization. The prototype was reportedly flown and had enough fuel to circumnavigate the globe. Its speed was developed in short boosts, after which kinetic energy took over. The plane's design allowed it to cut through the sky and float like a thrown disc, enabling it to coast and maneuver indefinitely without significant loss of speed.

Hitler allegedly inspected the prototype, and the first two official test flights took place over the Baltic Sea. Test reports indicated that these "flying saucers" could reach an altitude of 20 km (12.5 miles) within 16 seconds, achieving an uplift speed of 2,800 miles per hour. They were designed to cruise at 40 km (25 miles) altitude. A whole factory was dedicated to producing these craft, with a considerable stockpile of special rocket tubes.

Post-War Technology Transfer and Russian Involvement

Sanderson then details what happened to this technology after the war. He states that a Russian detachment, under the Reparations agreements, arrived at the factory, loaded up finished V-7 parts, essential components, blueprints, and technologists, and took them to an unknown destination in Russia. He notes that the Russians had already acquired V-7 plants while combing East Germany.

He cites Vladimir Sjabinski, who was with the Russian occupation forces, describing 20 km long tunnels near Nordhausen that housed the V-2 assembly factory. Sjabinski counted over a thousand machines for V-1 robot production and noted that storerooms were filled with reserve parts for rockets, special steel, copper plates, and complex instruments for radio steering. Everything movable, along with the workers and engineers, was sent to Russia.

Sanderson also mentions that the Americans, who had first occupied the area, left behind "an almost complete set of blue-prints for the V-weapons" and drawings of larger rockets, including the inter-continental A-9/A-10. However, they reportedly showed little interest in the rocket tubes themselves. The Russians, by "combing" East Germany, were able to locate some experts, while others were kidnapped from West Germany.

Implications and Questions

Sanderson argues that if this account is true, it implies that technology took a significant leap in Germany during the war. It also suggests that the Russians were aware of this potential and were the first to acquire it. He speculates that they, being aggressive and open-minded, would have utilized this technology rather than keeping it secret.

He raises questions about why, if the Russians have had such efficient aircraft for over ten years, they would bother with Sputniks and intercontinental ballistic weapons. He suggests that in a cold war or a fight for world conquest, there could be a dozen reasons why they might not use these advanced craft, or they might be using them covertly.

Sanderson concludes by suggesting that the V-7, or similar craft, could explain sightings of "flying saucers" that banked and twisted at incredible speeds. He posits that if such craft existed and were visible, Mr. Kenneth Arnold might have seen them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this article is the exploration of unconventional explanations for UFO phenomena, moving beyond the purely extraterrestrial. Sanderson's stance is one of critical inquiry, urging readers to consider all possibilities, including advanced human technology, and to pay close attention to the precise wording of reports. He expresses a degree of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that significant technological advancements, particularly from WWII, have been overlooked or deliberately obscured. The article champions a rational, albeit speculative, approach to understanding UFOs, grounded in historical technological developments and potential geopolitical implications.

This issue, titled "MAN-MADE UFO," is the 47th issue of Volume 4, published in April-May 1958. It is edited by James Moseley and focuses on the controversial theory that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are not extraterrestrial in origin but are advanced, man-made aircraft, primarily stemming from German World War II technology.

The German Rocketry Connection

The article begins by discussing the potential offensive capabilities of UFOs, suggesting they could be used for reconnaissance, propaganda, or intimidation, and that their limited numbers might be due to a need for rare components. It then delves into claims made by Ulbricht von Rittner, a former officer of the Wehrmacht's Technical Services. Von Rittner, in a book co-authored with Enrique Miguel Borges, asserts that a "Joint Intelligence Objective Committee" was formed to gather German scientific products. He claims 1500 tons of secret German papers were taken to the U.S. and sold, with the Russians also acquiring some.

Among these papers, Von Rittner allegedly found blueprints for a 52-ton rocket (itemized as A-4) and another device, the A-10, capable of traveling at 6000 m.p.h. The A-10 is said to have been able to carry a two-ton load of TNT from Germany to New York in thirty minutes. Most significantly, Von Rittner states that over a hundred designs for pilotless missiles included two—the V-8 and V-9 (likely referring to A-8 and A-9)—that were lenticular, or "saucer-shaped."

Technical Specifications and Post-War Development

The article notes that Von Rittner provides specifications for these two devices that closely match those given by an unnamed engineering friend. These specifications include a peripheral flange, jet or rocket engines set at a 45-degree angle, and a central lense-shaped cabin housing the power control unit and fuel, which included "oxygen, alcohol, compressed air, peroxyde (sic), and hydrogen."

Von Rittner himself suggests that many designers of these machines did emigrate to the U.S., while others were taken by Russia. He believes that both parties have likely continued their research, leading to rapid development due to the availability of plans and the immense technical and industrial resources of both superpowers. He speculates that one or the other, or both, may have had these machines in the air by 1947, potentially explaining the shock caused by Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting.

Critiques of Extraterrestrial Theories

The author interjects a note of skepticism regarding the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, stating, "I would point out that the theory of their origin is not extraterrestrial but entirely terrestrial." The author also criticizes the tendency to lump all UFOs into a single category, regardless of size or nature.

Confirmatory Evidence from British Sources

Further evidence supporting the man-made theory comes from a British source: the magazine FLYING, the official journal of the Royal Air Force. In its June 1958 issue, an article titled "Rocket Arsenal" is cited. This article details an investigation by British Intelligence into Hitler's factories for manufacturing "V" (or "A") weapons. The article implies that the Allies initially misunderstood the extent and importance of German rocketry.

After initial "bungling" and inaction by the Americans and British, a team was sent to investigate further. This team reportedly asked "intelligent questions" of scientists like Wernher von Braun. The findings included information about "missiles" numbered one to ten, radio controls, and the eventual transfer of machines, parts, experts, and workers to Russia. The article concludes that there is substantial published evidence that Germany had blueprinted and experimentally built lense-shaped guided missiles before the end of the war.

Conclusion: Man-Made Origins

The article asserts that it is "perfectly useless" for government spokesmen or retired generals to deny the existence of such technology or to claim that neither the U.S. nor Russia pursued these developments. It posits that if these devices are unmanned, they could perform the same actions attributed to early "saucer" sightings. The issue concludes with a strong statement: "Take it as certain that 75% of reported UFOs could be IFOs and that 99% of those that are, are man-made."

Next Month's Features

The "Next Month-" section previews upcoming articles in "FANTASTIC UNIVERSE," including stories by Stanley Mullen, Lester del Rey, Clark Ashton Smith, Steve Vannevar, Lee Chaytor, and William F. Nolan, covering themes of fear, space survival, mythology, and disaster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the debunking of extraterrestrial explanations for UFOs in favor of a terrestrial, specifically German, technological origin. The editorial stance is critical of official denials and embraces the idea that many UFO sightings are misidentified conventional aircraft (IFOs) or, more significantly, advanced, man-made craft derived from World War II German technology. The article strongly advocates for the idea that the technological advancements of the war era, particularly in rocketry and aerodynamics, laid the groundwork for what are now perceived as UFOs.