INEXPLICATA 01

Magazine Overview

Title: INEXPLICATA
Subtitle: The Journal of Hispanic Ufology
Issue: # 1
Date: Fall 1998

INEXPLICATA is a twice-yearly publication dedicated to showcasing the research and concerns of UFO and paranormal investigators from Spain, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The journal aims to provide a venue for longer, in-depth pieces that may not be suitable for the Internet.

Editorial

Scott Corrales, Editor, welcomes readers to the inaugural issue. He explains that the journal's name, INEXPLICATA, is derived from the Vatican's 1997 addition of 'res inexplicata volans' (Unidentified Flying Object) to its Latin dictionary. The editorial highlights the journal's goal to showcase the work of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking researchers, covering diverse topics such as manmade saucers in Spain, the Zone of Silence in Mexico, paranormal activity in Puerto Rico, and other engrossing accounts from various countries. Corrales acknowledges the existence of the Internet but asserts that INEXPLICATA offers a different kind of content – longer, more detailed articles.

Departments and Columns

• Dr. Rafael Lara's Mexico Watch: A column by Dr. Rafael Lara (Page 35).
• Ex Libris (book reviews): A section dedicated to book reviews (Page 34).

Articles and Features

• Mystery Animals Yesterday and Today by Scott Corrales (Page 1): This article explores historical accounts of mysterious animal encounters. It begins with a Reuters World Service story from October 1996 about strange animals in Armant, Egypt, described as large hyenas or wild dogs, which killed villagers. The article draws parallels to a similar event in 774 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Leo IV, where bizarre carnivorous animals resembling wolves appeared in the Eastern Roman Empire. The author notes the paranormal overtones in these accounts, such as animals abducting children and dogs refusing to bark. The pattern of such creatures preying on domesticated animals is noted to have repeated over centuries.

• The Moca Vampire -- Deja Vu All Over Again by Scott Corrales (Page 4): This feature details a wave of mysterious animal deaths in Moca, Puerto Rico, starting on February 25, 1975. The creature, dubbed 'The Moca Vampire,' killed numerous animals, leaving them drained of blood with strange puncture marks. Speculation about its nature ranged from supernatural birds to unknown predators. The article links this phenomenon to UFO sightings in the area. It recounts specific incidents, including the killing of cows, goats, and pigs, and the testimony of witnesses who saw strange aerial objects. The phenomenon expanded island-wide, with similar depredations occurring in other locations. The article also touches upon the 'Chupacabras' of the 1990s, noting parallels in the unknown predator's dietary habits and the official response.

• An Aeronautical History of Flying Saucers by Manuel Carballal (Page 10): Excerpted from his book "Saucers Unveiled!" (1995), this article examines the concept of 'flying saucers' and their relationship to UFOs and extraterrestrial spacecraft. Carballal argues that the concepts are not necessarily related. He traces the history of circular aircraft designs, mentioning Leonardo Da Vinci's sketches, August Wilhelm Zachariae's experiments in 19th-century Germany, and Lee Richards' circular wing aircraft in 1922. The article also discusses circular wing aircraft built in the United States during the 1930s, some of which were later mistaken for crashed UFOs, and mentions the 'Chance Vought 173' and Caldwell aircraft.

• Voyage to the Land of the Living Dead by Manuel Carballal (Page 15): This article is listed but no content is provided in the scanned pages.

• Sightings at Chiquihuite Hill by Roberto S. Contreras (Page 29): This article is listed but no content is provided in the scanned pages.

• The UFO Phenomenon in China by Salvador Freixedo (Page 33): This article is listed but no content is provided in the scanned pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of INEXPLICATA revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly animal mutilations and UFO sightings, with a focus on cases originating from or related to the Hispanic world. The editorial stance, as expressed by Scott Corrales, is to provide a platform for detailed, in-depth research that may not find a place in more ephemeral media like the Internet. The journal appears to favor a serious, investigative approach to ufology and paranormal studies, presenting historical and contemporary cases with a critical yet open mind.

This issue of "Flying Saucers" magazine, dated February 1989, focuses on the history of German flying saucer designs and related aerial phenomena, particularly those from the World War II era. The main cover headline is "The Reich's Flying Saucers."

Caldwell's Circular-Wing Aircraft

The article begins by detailing the work of Jonathan Caldwell, an engineer who founded the Gray Goose Company to manufacture his unique circular-wing aircraft. Caldwell designed at least two types: one resembling a helicopter with a large disk and gyroscopic blades, and a more sophisticated spool-like prototype with two rotating frames. Despite test flights starting in 1935, Caldwell's business acumen lagged behind his technical skills, leading to bankruptcy. In 1949, the U.S. Air Force investigated claims related to Caldwell's company and found remains of his prototypes in Maryland. These early American prototypes have frequently appeared in UFO literature, often associated with alleged "crashed" saucers.

The Prag-Gbell Sighting

The issue then recounts a report from a German aviation official about an astonishing sighting of a "flying saucer" at the Prag-Gbell aerodrome (formerly Praha-Kbely) in August/September 1943. The device was described as a disk, 5-6 meters in diameter, with four tall legs, an aluminum color, and a rim of external rods. It was observed emerging from a hangar, rotating, and flying at low altitude before landing roughly. The report notes that this device was antithetical to other described saucers due to its basic dimensions.

Nazi Aviation and Circular-Wing Designs

The article explores the history of German "flying saucers," mentioning antecedents like August Wilhelm Zachariae and Alexander Lippisch, who developed the Delta-winged rocket-fighter Me-163. Lippisch also researched circular-wing aircraft in the early 1940s. Arthur Sack, a farmer from Machern, also designed a circular aircraft, which he presented in 1939 as a model. This model, measuring 1.25 meters and weighing 4.5 kg, was powered by a small motor and propeller. The presentation event was held behind closed doors, and most models, including Sack's, experienced significant failures.

The AS6 Prototype

Arthur Sack's project eventually led to the AS6 prototype, completed in early 1944. This aircraft was equipped with an Argus 10cc engine and a 6.40-meter circular wing. Test flights conducted by flight leader Baltabol at Brandis faced numerous complications, including rudder and brake failures, and landing gear issues. Despite modifications, the AS6 struggled to achieve sustained flight. In one attempt, it lifted off the ground for a brief moment after rolling 500 meters down the runway, but then landed again. Later tests also proved difficult, with one attempt ending prematurely as the end of the runway approached. Another test saw the aircraft roll 600 meters without lifting off. A subsequent attempt finally achieved a brief takeoff after rolling 700 meters, but the illusion was short-lived.

German "Flying Discs" and Experts

The article references Major Rudolf Lusar's book, "Germany's Weapons and Secret Weapons of the Second World War," which included a section on Nazi saucer designs. Lusar stated that German scientists began developing "flying discs" in 1941, with blueprints provided by experts like Schriever, Habermohl, Miethe, and Bellonzo. Habermohl and Schriever reportedly achieved a height of 12,400 meters and a speed of 2000 KMH in a "flying disc" on February 14, 1945. The article notes that experts have criticized these claims, but journalistic references from the time allude to such vehicles.

The "Miracle Fighter"

The issue also discusses the Focke-Wulf "miracle fighter," a German secret design developed during WWII. Inspired by dragonfly flight, the project aimed to combine propulsion and lifting bodies. The original idea involved a powerful engine powering two wide-diameter, inverse-rotation propellers. The project was detailed in 1944, calculating extraordinary flight performance, but setbacks in propeller development and the war's end prevented it from being built. Blueprints fell into American hands, leading to similar projects like the Lockheed XFV-1 "Tailsitter" and Convair XFY-1 "Pogo," though the U.S. Navy ultimately abandoned the "tail take-off" concept.

Foo Fighters and Feuerballs

The article touches upon the phenomenon of "Foo Fighters," described in media reports from late 1944 and early 1945. These were seen as strange, enigmatic spheres or fireballs encountered by Allied pilots over Germany, often appearing to be guided and possessing anti-collision and anti-thermal protection. Renato Vesco theorized that Foo Fighters were secret anti-radar weapons. The "Feuerball" project, started at Wiener Neustadt, aimed to create a weapon capable of revolutionizing aerial warfare by using ionized atmospheric effects to disrupt radar. Despite initial successes and Hermann Goering's interest, the project's full potential was not realized due to the war's end and the subsequent Soviet seizure of facilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly suggests that Nazi Germany was actively developing advanced and unconventional aircraft, including designs that resembled "flying saucers." The articles present historical accounts, expert opinions, and contemporary reports to support the existence of these prototypes and phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical inquiry, presenting evidence and theories about these "secret weapons" and their potential connection to modern UFO sightings, while also acknowledging the skepticism and criticisms from aeronautical historians. The focus is on the technological achievements and mysteries of German wartime aviation.

This issue of UFO Universe delves into two primary, yet distinct, areas of mystery: the enduring enigma of 'Foo Fighters' and their potential connection to Nazi secret weapons, and a comprehensive exploration of Haitian Voodoo, its practices, and its societal impact.

Foo Fighters and Nazi Secret Weapons The magazine begins by addressing the persistent mystery of 'Foo Fighters,' phenomena observed by pilots, particularly during and after World War II. It is suggested that Allied forces discovered that German flyers considered these to be either Nazi secret weapons or American/British secret weapons they had also encountered. The 'Foo Fighter mystery' continues to this day, with pilots still reporting encounters with strange balls of flame.

A significant modern case highlighted is the Spantax airline flight between Tenerife and Las Palmas on September 17, 1968, piloted by Cmdr. Julián Rodríguez Bustamante. The official files from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, declassified after over 25 years, describe the phenomenon as a Foo Fighter. However, the article critiques the immediate and incorrect relation of this event to ball lightning, attributing this link to the tendentious evaluations of civilian ufologists. Cmdr. Rodríguez himself rejected the 'secret weapon' explanation, and the author agrees that Nazi weapons being tested in 1968 over Spanish skies is unlikely. The issue posits that if 'Project Feuerball' existed, it was distinct from the Foo Fighters seen before WWII.

The magazine then explores 'Postwar Flying Saucers,' debunking 'consparanoid' theories linking Nazi secrets to sophisticated flying saucers. It references W.A. Habinson's account of a 1978 scientific expo where a publication called 'Brisant' discussed Germany's WWII flying saucers, mentioning research centers in Bohemia and Mahren regions. The article notes the existence of vast subterranean research complexes in this region near Prague.

Further discussion revolves around the article's claim that WWII saucer designs were altered by the West German government to make their publication 'innocuous.' It states that such devices were considered secret and taken by Himmler's SS, with patents disappearing into Russian, American, and British archives, or being lost. Sir Roy Feddon is quoted stating that had the war continued, Germany would have produced deadly aerial warfare elements. Captain Edward J. Ruppelt is mentioned as noting that at the end of WWII, Germany had developed advanced aircraft and missiles, some of which behaved similarly to UFOs.

The V-173, nicknamed the 'Flying Flapjack,' is presented as a circular aircraft tested in 1942. When UFO sightings surged in 1947, the V-173 (and its perfected version, the XF5U-1) was blamed. The XF5U-1 crashed in 1948, and the V-173 was relegated to oblivion.

The UFO phenomenon's surge in 1947 is linked to Kenneth Arnold's observations over Mount Rainier, though Arnold reportedly saw a formation of nine boomerang-like devices, not 'flying saucers.' The term 'flying saucer' is attributed to a journalistic error. The article notes that the U.S. government was suspected of developing new secret military aircraft following the Mount Rainier sighting.

'Other Postwar Saucers' discusses testimony from a former aviation official who suggested flying saucers were a development of German psychological anti-aircraft weapons, citing German nighttime fighters with strobe lights and guided objects ('Feuerballs' or 'foos') used to disrupt enemy systems. The concept of a 'psychological weapon' is highlighted, referencing a CIA memorandum. Andreas Epp, a designer of flying saucers during WWII, claimed his designs were 'expropriated' by Nazi engineers and flew before the war's end, providing photos identical to modern discoidal UFOs.

The issue also mentions the Rolls-Royce 'Flying Bedstead' VTOL testbed (1953), the XR-62 Rotoplane (1961), and retrieved CIA documents referencing prototypes and designs for earthly UFOs. Dr. Edward Ludwig is cited stating that 'flying saucers' resembled aircraft developed at Professor Junker's research plant. A 1952 patent for a 'flying saucer' by Rudolf Schreiver in West Germany is mentioned, with a test flight over Prague in 1942 reportedly reaching 12,400 meters in 3 minutes at 2,200 KMH. Other examples include disc-shaped vehicles by John Searl and antigravitational technology by Marcel Pages.

Finally, the section on Nazi high-technology saucers and the legends that originated the UFO phenomenon in the 1940s-1950s is presented as a myth to be sifted through.

Voyage to the Land of the Living Dead This section shifts focus dramatically to the culture and practices of Haiti, beginning with a personal account of visiting a voodoo ritual. The author describes being in a Haitian village, surrounded by locals, and gaining access to a 'hounfor' (voodoo temple) through a 'bokor' (high priest). During the ritual, a blackout occurs, and the bokor enters a trance, seemingly possessed by a loa. The narrative emphasizes the fragility of Western logic in the face of Haitian voodoo, a cult deeply rooted in the Fon language.

Voodoo Reaches the Presidency The influence of Voodoo in Haiti is presented as pervasive. The article notes that in late 1995, President Bill Clinton's visit was interpreted by thousands of Haitians as a divine 'sign of approval' when a white dove landed near his microphone during a speech. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, after his return to power, announced the construction of a great Voodoo temple, equating the religion with other accepted faiths.

Warlocks in Charge François Duvalier, the former dictator, is highlighted as a ruler who effectively used Voodoo for political gain. His monograph 'L'Evolution graduelle du vaudou' displayed his knowledge, which he utilized during his political career. Duvalier's newspaper, 'Les Griots,' revindicated Voodoo against American colonizers, and he gained support from traditional secret societies, using 'hounfour' or Voodoo temples as local party headquarters. Upon becoming president, Duvalier appointed a feared bokor as commander-in-chief and revindicated Voodoo as the official religion, using his 'Tontons Macoutes' (esoteric police) to persecute those not aligned with his regime. A disturbing anecdote recounts Duvalier ordering the decapitation of a rebel and contemplating his head.

Blood, Rhythm and Possession The article describes a voodoo ritual witnessed in Cachimán, near the Dominican Republic, characterized by drumbeats, chants, and the sacrifice of a ram. Voodoo is described as a syncretism of African religions and Christianity, where African deities ('orishas' and 'loas') were disguised as Catholic saints to survive. The pilgrimage to Saut d'Eau, recognized by the Catholic Church as Marian worship, is identified by Haitians as homage to the goddess Erzulie Freda. Despite Haiti being nominally Christian, it is described as '110 per cent voodooist.' Possession is presented as an indispensable element of Voodoo celebrations, where believers directly contact spirits, experiencing phenomena like voice changes and hysteria.

Three types of possession are mentioned: rada, gede, and petro, with petro being the most brutal and dangerous, reflecting the rage and humiliation of the people.

Haiti's Secret Societies The existence of numerous secret societies in Haiti is discussed, with penetration being nearly impossible. An account from Juan Blázquez, Spain's consul, describes witnessing a ritual involving a sacrificed girl's head and arm. Societies like the Zobop are known for kidnapping and punishing traitors, while the Bizango uphold ancient sorcerous traditions, mixing elements from witchcraft texts, Masonic ritual, and African magical practices. Their strict rules include 'The Seven Crimes,' with infractions leading to severe punishment, including death by poisons.

Poisons and the Living Dead This section focuses on the mystery of 'zombie dust' and zombification. The article describes an attempt to record a voodoo ritual that nearly cost the authors their lives due to a price dispute and threats. The fear of zombification is so prevalent that corpses are sometimes decapitated or nailed to caskets. The article explains that zombification is not a supernatural ritual but a result of natural chemistry, involving a compound of vegetable, animal, and human materials, with the tetrodotoxin from the Haitian blowfish as the main active ingredient. The process involves the bokor blowing the powder into the victim's face or depositing it where they will step on it, leading to a state of apparent death, after which the bokor 'steals the soul' and sells the zombie as a slave.

Sighting at Mexico's Chiquihuite Hill This brief section, by Roberto S. Contreras, reports on sightings of bright, metallic lights near Chiquihuite Hill in Mexico City, which have been occurring periodically and have been featured in publications like 'Reporte OVNI.' These events are described as unknown and incomprehensible to local residents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The magazine consistently explores phenomena that blur the lines between the known and the unknown, often questioning official explanations and delving into historical mysteries and cultural beliefs. There is a clear interest in fringe topics, including UFOs, secret technologies, and esoteric practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and critical analysis, presenting various theories and accounts while also offering skepticism where appropriate, particularly regarding sensationalized claims. The juxtaposition of technological mysteries (Nazi UFOs) with deeply rooted cultural and spiritual practices (Haitian Voodoo) suggests a broad interest in the unexplained aspects of human experience and history.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated July 1997, focuses on UFO phenomena in Mexico and China, with additional sections on South American 'Men in Black' cases and reviews of Hispanic ufology literature. The magazine presents itself as an investigative publication, offering a platform for witness accounts and analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena.

UFOs in Mexico

The issue begins with a report from Mexico concerning sightings on Chiquihuite Hill, Cuautepec Barrio Alto. In November 1995, Rodrigo Gonzales photographed a golden object suspended in mid-air, which he had not noticed at the time. Later, in February 1996, Jaime Espinoza, a hobbyist photographer, captured an image of a 'strange object' at the summit of the same hill while testing camera equipment. The article notes that small brilliant fireballs have also been reported in the area, characterized by their static nature followed by sudden directional changes.

The UFO Phenomenon in China

Authored by Salvador Freixedo, this section details the increasing openness to discussing UFO activity in China following its opening to the West. A significant event occurred in 1965 when two shiny discoidal objects were seen over Beijing, prompting the government to establish a UFO Study Group. Due to the historical scarcity of cameras in China, many sightings are documented through drawings. The article also mentions the efforts of Moon Wai to make ufological information more accessible in China. Several specific cases from China are then listed, dating from 1947 to 1981, including sightings of spiral-shaped objects, discoidal craft, circular objects with concentric rings, and cylindrical objects emitting light beams. These incidents occurred in various locations across China, such as Huangshi, Puxing, Yuanlong, Gansu airport, Lanxi highway, Nanking, and the China Sea.

Ex Libris: Hispanic Ufology in Print

This section reviews two books related to Hispanic ufology. "La Noche de Mi Encuentro con Extraterrestres" by Amaury Rivera, ghost-written by Manuel Figueroa, retells the experiences of Amaury Rivera, a case that generated controversy within the Spanish-speaking UFO community. The review notes that the book is a straightforward retelling and has elements of early contactee narratives. The second book reviewed is "UFOs: A Great New Dawn for Humanity" by Enrique Castillo Rincón. This book details Castillo's encounter with humanoid aliens from the Pleiades, describing his experiences as logical and including trips by saucer. The review highlights that Castillo's claims were considered significant enough for the U.S. government to whisk him to Washington D.C. for 'tests'.

Mexico Watch: Contactee Carlos Diaz and the Sounds of the Light Beings

Written by Dr. Rafael A. Lara, this segment discusses Carlos Díaz, a prominent Mexican contactee. Díaz has released a musical CD titled "Todos Nosotros Podemos Salvar al Planeta" (We Can All Save the Planet), inspired by his encounters with 'beings of light' who conveyed a message about Earth's impending 'death throes' and the need for humanity to save the planet. The CD, priced at $70.00 NP (approximately $10 USD), had a production run of 3 million copies. Dr. Lara expresses concern that UFO research in Mexico is dominated by opportunists seeking personal gain and criticizes claims made by alleged experts regarding UFO vibrations.

Mexico Watch: The MIB in South America: A Sampling of Cases

This article presents lesser-known cases involving 'Men in Black' (MIB) phenomena in South America. It begins by noting the theatrical nature of MIB portrayals in Hollywood. The section details a singular MIB event in Argentina in 1967, preceding a wave of UFO sightings. A man in black delivered a letter warning of an impending 'massive fly-over' of extraterrestrial craft. The "Cobrea Case" in Argentina's Santa Fe province is also described, involving strange lights, animal deaths, and an encounter with a Jeep carrying MIB figures who questioned a landowner about an exit, despite no visible entry points. The article concludes with a 1971 incident in Venezuela where two physicians witnessed two characters in black arrive in a Mustang, followed by a brilliant disk-shaped object that descended, and the MIB entered the vehicle, which then vanished.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings and encounters, the nature of extraterrestrial beings, the role of contactees, and the often controversial or sensationalized aspects of UFO research. The editorial stance, particularly evident in Dr. Rafael A. Lara's contributions, appears critical of opportunistic individuals and 'charlatans' within the UFO community, advocating for more rigorous investigation while acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena and the existence of 'beings of light'. The magazine aims to present diverse cases and perspectives, encouraging readers to analyze and research the information presented.