Hangar 18 - No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: HANGAR 18
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: January 2001
Publisher: DUFOA
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of HANGAR 18 is presented as a new, more informative format for the DUFOA's UFO information service, also serving as a mouthpiece for the UFOrm-Datei. The editorial team emphasizes that it is not a new magazine but a newsletter for these two projects. The title 'HANGAR 18' is acknowledged as sensational but chosen deliberately to provoke interest in the UFOlogy field.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Liebe Leserinnen und Leser" (Dear Readers), explains the transition from the previous DUFOA-INFO to HANGAR 18. It highlights that HANGAR 18 will cover the work of Christian Czech and the UFOrm-Datei led by Peter Kauert, which focuses on various UFO shapes. The editorial also introduces a new section called "FORUM" where reader letters on specific UFO topics will be published. The first forum topic asks whether a standardized, cross-group questionnaire is needed for witness interviews.

News and Reports (Nachrichten / Berichte)

UFO Meldung 5000 im DUFOA-Katalog: The DUFOA archive has reached its 5000th UFO report. The reports, which can be requested by mail, are becoming more comprehensive, including witness statements, observation details, object descriptions, general information, and media evidence. Following a computer virus that erased the DUFOA's hard drive, reports are now being filled out manually. Despite this, the project is noted as one of the most extensive collections.

Neuer Stern? A report from the Rhein Zeitung mentions a new stimulus for UFO reports, cautioning about descriptions of distant, dimly lit, slow-moving objects. It emphasizes the importance for UFOlogists to monitor current space projects.

ISS leuchtet wie ein Stern: The International Space Station (ISS) is now visible as a bright object in the night sky due to its newly mounted solar sails, becoming the third brightest object after the Moon and Venus.

Flaute im UFO-Blätterwald: The landscape of UFO publications is experiencing a downturn. The Kopp-Verlag's "UFO-KURIER" has reduced its publication frequency, and "Magazin 2000 plus" has seen a split between its editor and Michael Hesemann. This is attributed to a general lull in UFO interest after the peak in the late 1990s, leading to a consolidation of publications.

Michael Hesemann's Departure: Michael Hesemann has disappeared from the latest issues of "Cenap Report," a publication from the skeptic group CENAP. He was a controversial UFO researcher who contributed significantly to the topic. The publication itself will now appear in a reduced format due to internal disagreements within CENAP.

Computer auf UFO-Jagd: The US Air Force is reportedly planning to use a new supercomputer for UFO detection. This IBM computer is capable of 480 billion operations per second, significantly faster than the "Deep Blue" computer that defeated Garry Kasparov in chess. The specifics of how the computer will be used for UFO hunting are not detailed.

Zitat des Monats: A quote attributed to Professor Dr. Harald Lesch, who teaches theoretical astrophysics, humorously suggests that while 70% of Americans believe in aliens, 90% of aliens do not believe in Americans. Lesch's research areas include black holes and plasma physics.

• UFO-Meldungen (UFO Reports):
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain (November 22, 2000): A glowing sphere was observed, causing a stir. A star observatory confirmed the phenomenon. Police consulted scientists who considered space debris (Re-Entry/Weltraumschrott) as the most likely explanation, though meteorites or weather balloons were also considered.
• Calvörde, Germany (November 29, 2000): Witnesses reported a bright light illuminating a village square and a nearby stable. Another witness reported seeing a bright point in the sky during a car journey. The most likely explanation is considered to be a helicopter with its searchlight on, despite the witnesses' initial exclusion of this possibility.

Cartoon: A cartoon depicts a couple in a car, with one person commenting, "I find this UFO panic-mongering totally exaggerated, don't you, Schatz?" This is dated December 24, 2000.

Essay

UFO-Forschung für das 21. Jahrhundert (UFO Research for the 21st Century) by Peter Kauert:

Peter Kauert reflects on the current state of UFO research, describing it as a "heap of shards" after 50 years. He notes the lack of public interest and the prevalence of ridicule in German-speaking countries, contrasting it with the "golden years" of the mid-1980s and early 1990s. He criticizes pre-astronautics proponents and esoteric channels, warning against UFO cults that exploit people's search for meaning. Kauert questions the premise of alien visitation, using the example of Roswell and the vast distances involved in interstellar travel. He argues that no conclusive proof of extraterrestrial presence has been presented by researchers like Däniken or projects like SETI. Thousands of sightings have been explained by natural phenomena, leaving only a few hundred cases that remain unexplained due to insufficient data.

Kauert questions whether a small percentage of unexplained cases is sufficient motivation for amateur UFOlogists, suggesting that UFO research as an amateur pursuit has largely failed. He contrasts this with hardliners who profit from UFO books or personal sightings. He raises the question of whether there are more pressing issues, such as environmental destruction, war, and overpopulation, that should take precedence. He uses the metaphor of the "unsinkable Titanic" heading for an iceberg, suggesting a reliance on external forces (aliens) to solve problems.

Looking ahead to the future, Kauert anticipates continued research, theories, and rejections, with new types of UFOs and aliens potentially being discovered. He acknowledges that many will abandon the search, while others will remain motivated. He personally hopes his UFO motivation will endure, finding inspiration in phenomena like the Mars face, Nazca lines, Roswell, alien abductions, and scenarios from science fiction films like "Independence Day" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Serie

UFO-CRASHS IN DEUTSCHLAND (1) (UFO Crashes in Germany (1)):

This series aims to present alleged UFO crash incidents in Germany. The first installment focuses on an incident on June 9, 1955, over Rhens, Germany. According to a publication called "Flying Saucer World UFO Roundup," two USAF Sabre jets were scrambled to identify an unknown flying object. During this mission, one jet exploded and crashed, killing the pilot and a civilian. The case was included in UFO compilations, assuming a crash with a UFO occurred. A note from the "Rhein Zeitung" reported that aircraft were launched due to the detection of multiple unidentified objects on radar.

Berichte (Reports)

Invasion der Feuerkugeln? (Invasion of Fireballs?):

The author observes a trend in UFO reports, noting that while triangular UFOs were prominent in the early 1990s (Belgian wave), the last three years have seen an "invasion" of glowing spheres. These sightings range from faint flickering to bright, intense lights. The author questions whether this is a new wave, a test of new aircraft, a rise in natural phenomena, or simply a result of witnesses being more inclined to report sightings as UFOs. The article suggests that media coverage can trigger a wave of sightings, with people reconsidering ambiguous light points in the sky as potentially more than just aircraft or planets. The term "herd mentality" is used, but the author acknowledges that the feeling of "I am not alone with my sighting" can be responsible for such waves. The era of distinct UFO shapes seems to be over, and the quality of fireball sightings is debatable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, research, and the analysis of reported phenomena. There's a blend of reporting on recent events (like the ISS visibility and UFO sightings) with historical cases (the Rhens crash). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging skepticism while still exploring the possibilities within UFOlogy. The publication seems to aim at providing a platform for discussion and information sharing among UFO enthusiasts, as evidenced by the introduction of the "FORUM" section. There's a clear interest in categorizing UFO shapes and analyzing the trends in reported sightings. The essay by Peter Kauert introduces a more critical and introspective perspective on the field of UFO research, questioning its current direction and the validity of its pursuit, while ultimately reaffirming personal motivation.

Title: Rhein-De
Issue Date: June 10, 1955
Type: Newspaper/Magazine

Article: Flugzeug explodierte über Rhens (Airplane Exploded Over Rhens)

This article from the "Rhein Zeitung" dated June 10, 1955, reports on a dramatic incident that occurred on Thursday, June 9, 1955, around 4 PM. An American jet fighter, identified as a Sabre F-86, exploded over the town of Rhens near Koblenz. The explosion was heard up to 20 kilometers away. The aircraft crashed into the railway embankment near the track between Koblenz and Mainz, creating a deep crater. For about an hour after the crash, further explosions were heard.

Parts of the aircraft were thrown onto the adjacent Federal Highway B9 and into three houses. The jet fuel and burning debris ignited the houses and two cars on the B9, as well as a bicycle. Numerous witnesses observed the tragedy but were unable to intervene due to the intense heat from the burning vehicles. The driver of one of the cars was burned to death.

Fire departments, police, and French military personnel quickly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue and cleanup operations. Within minutes of the crash, a triphibious aircraft from the American XII Air Rescue Group in Spangdahlem appeared, suggesting the pilot may have sent distress signals before the crash. This aircraft did not land but summoned helicopters, which landed near the crash site and later searched the area for aircraft debris.

Eyewitness accounts describe the jet fighter flying burning over the Rhine, maneuvering over Oberlahnstein, then turning west before exploding over the houses near the riverbank. It is speculated that the pilot intended to reach the emergency airfield at Kar-Kause near Koblenz in his final moments.

Chief Prosecutor Dr. Buchheim led the initial, difficult investigations. The crash site was a scene of devastation, and the exact number of fatalities and injured was initially unclear. The fire department managed to save the three houses and their occupants. The two cars were completely destroyed and their wreckage blocked the B9 for a considerable time, necessitating traffic diversions via the Hunsrückhöhenstraße. The railway line also experienced a significant disruption, requiring approximately 30 meters of track to be replaced.

Official Statements and Investigation

Brigadier-General William M. Gross arrived from Ramstein on Thursday evening, accompanied by Colonel McNidde, the commander of Hahn Air Base, to express condolences on behalf of Major General Robert M. Lee, commander of the XII Air Force. During a visit to the Rhein-Zeitung, General Gross explained that the Sabre jets had been scrambled because radar had detected unidentified aircraft. He stated that this incident occurred during a genuine defense mission in the spirit of NATO. The jet's distress was reportedly noticed by another pilot and immediately reported to the control tower at Hahn Air Base. The rescue teams of the US Air Force in Spangdahlem were alerted. General Robert M. Lee added that such unidentified aircraft detected on radar are usually those that deviate from their flight path. Sometimes, they are simply aircraft for which the flight plan has been lost.

Airfield Commander Colonel Melvin F. McNickle of Hahn was expected to visit the crash site again to assess the damage. According to Captain Stankay, the information officer at Hahn Air Base, the airfield's fire engines were also involved in the operation. The cleanup was complicated by the fact that the crashed aircraft was equipped for combat and carried live ammunition.

General Gross conveyed his thanks, through the "Rhein-Zeitung," to all German and foreign rescue units involved in the cleanup efforts.

Casualties

As of Thursday evening, it was confirmed that two people died in the incident: the pilot of the jet fighter and Paul Sistig, born April 20, 1897. Paul Sistig was the driver of the second car, which caught fire. He was traveling with friends from a bowling club in Düsseldorf. The occupants of the first car, a Swedish vehicle, managed to pull the two occupants of the second car, Paul Huber (born July 26, 1916) and Otto Walde, both from Düsseldorf, out of the burning vehicle. However, it was too late for the driver of the second car. Florian Klein and retired head teacher I. R. Wilhelm Haas, both from Rhens, sustained minor injuries.

Orient Express Collision

Separately, the article mentions a collision on Thursday evening near Premosello, Upper Italy, where the Orient Express derailed after colliding with a freight train at over 100 km/h. The locomotive engineer was killed, and over 30 people were injured.

Document 3: Letter from the Federal Ministry of Defence

This section presents a letter dated October 19, 1998, from the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung) in Bonn to a Mr. Kauert. The letter addresses an inquiry regarding an incident on June 9, 1955. It clarifies that the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) did not exist in June 1955. At that time, the USA, Great Britain, and France were responsible for air sovereignty in West Germany, while the Soviet Union held this responsibility in East Germany. The letter confirms that a US Air Force "SABRE" jet fighter, along with another Sabre, was scrambled to intercept an unidentified plane. During this mission, one of the jets exploded for an unstated reason, leading to the described consequences. The US General quoted in the excerpt stated it was unclear if the intercepted aircraft was an "enemy plane" (meaning communist at the time) or simply an aircraft that had lost its flight plan. The Ministry's opinion is that a lost flight plan is the most probable explanation, and the incident has no connection to UFOs in the sense of extraterrestrial craft. The letter notes that "plane" means "airplane" and "scramble" means "alarm start," and that such jets were usually armed. It suggests contacting the US Embassy in Bonn for further information.

Video Review: ALPHA CENTAURI

This section reviews a video series titled "ALPHA CENTAURI" featuring Professor Dr. Lesch, presented during the "space night" program on BR (Bayerischer Rundfunk). The review praises Professor Lesch's engaging presentation style, comparing it to an enthusiastic teacher explaining complex astronomical concepts in a way that captivates viewers. The 15-minute segments cover topics such as black holes, plasma physics, and neutron stars. The review also notes that the series addresses UFO and alien themes critically, without suggesting that humans are visited by extraterrestrials. It touches upon the search for "Others" (SETI, radio telescopes, probes) and the possibility of non-terrestrial life. Specific videos mentioned are:

• Video 1: What's behind the Mars face?; Are we alone in the Universe I?
• Video 3: Can we search for life in space?
• Video 4: Are we alone in the Universe II?

Contact information for ordering the videos from BR Show in Munich is provided, with prices for individual videos and sets.

Classified Ads Market (Kleinanzeigenmarkt)

This section offers a space for readers to buy, sell, or search for items related to the UFO theme, free of charge. The publication reserves the right to reject ads.

Two book advertisements are featured:

1. "DAS RÄTSEL: UNBEKANNTE FLUGOBJEKTE" by Hans-Werner Peiniger, described as a "serious and informative book on the UFO theme." It is a 285-page hardcover book available from Moewig Verlag, Rastatt, for DM 19.80.
2. "Unheimliche Begegnungen" (Uncanny Encounters) by Wladislaw Raab, a research report of 260 pages with illustrations, available from CTT-Verlag for DM 32.00.

DUFOA-INTERN (Internal DUFOA News)

This section provides updates from DUFOA (Deutscher UFO-Informations-Archiv).

1. One Year of DUFOA: The organization reflects on its first year, noting successful contact building and archive expansion. It announces that DUFOA-INFO will be replaced by a new publication, "HANGAR 18," aimed at providing more intensive information.
2. Ordering UFO Reports: All "UFO-Meldungen" (UFO reports) available from DUFOA can now be ordered through Peter Kauert at Museumstraße 50, D-56564 Neuwied. The email address provided is [email protected]. Standard ordering conditions apply.
3. Subscription for HANGAR 18: DUFOA-INFO was previously free, but "HANGAR 18" will be offered at a cost-recovery price of DM 20,- per year, covering 10 issues. The postage alone for this period amounts to DM 15,-. The organization expresses openness to exchanging publications or receiving books for review.

A subscription coupon for HANGAR 18 is included, allowing readers to order the publication by mail. It also offers the option to exchange HANGAR 18 for another publication or newsletter.

DUFOA Information Section

This section provides background on DUFOA, stating it officially began on February 1, 2000, after a period of material collection. DUFOA's mission is to inform the public about the UFO phenomenon. The organization's current holdings include approximately 5000 UFO sighting reports, over 1000 newspaper articles, and 2000 UFO documents. Readers can request a UFO data catalog for DM 3,- in stamps. New UFO reports received are included in this issue (as an insert).

UFOrm-Datei Project

The "UFOrm-Datei" project, initiated by IAN, aims to chronologically classify UFO sightings by shape to facilitate analysis. Initially, only "Good UFO" cases were considered, but now all cases are included to allow for a more precise investigation of the phenomenon.

Imprint

"HANGAR 18" is published ten times a year on a non-commercial basis. The publisher is DUFOA, located in Holzminden. The editorial team consists of Peter Kauert (editor-in-chief) and Christian Czech. Reprints are permitted with proper source attribution and a copy of the publication. Copyright for contributions remains with the author.

The subscription price is DM 20,- per year (including postage of DM 15,-). The address for "HANGAR 18" is Peter Kauert, Museumstr. 50, D-56564 Neuwied.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue prominently features a detailed report on a military aircraft incident, which is analyzed from both a factual and an official perspective. The article explicitly downplays the likelihood of UFO involvement in the Rhens crash, favoring the explanation of a lost flight plan. This stance is reinforced by the letter from the Ministry of Defence. The magazine also dedicates space to UFO-related topics through book advertisements and the DUFOA internal news section, which promotes its UFO reporting and classification efforts. The review of the "ALPHA CENTAURI" video series highlights a critical yet open approach to UFO and alien themes within an astrophysical context. The editorial stance appears to be one of factual reporting of incidents, coupled with a skeptical but not dismissive attitude towards UFO phenomena, emphasizing official explanations and scientific inquiry.