1954 05 31 Life

Magazine Overview

This issue of "FLYING SAUCER" (Issue 18) features a cover story titled "FLYING SAUCER BOUNCES OFF," accompanied by a dramatic drawing illustrating a 40-foot flying saucer capable of vertical take-off and landing. An inset image shows a smaller, disk-shaped craft labeled "Project Y."

Flying Saucer Project

The lead article details the U.S. government's serious consideration of building a flying saucer. The proposed craft, if its designers' expectations are met, would possess remarkable capabilities: vertical take-off, a speed of 1,800 mph, and a combat radius of 1,500 miles. It would also be able to hover in mid-air and maneuver sideways or backward. The design is expected to resemble the illustration on the cover.

Despite these ambitious goals, some aerodynamics experts express doubt about the feasibility of building a saucer today that would offer significant advantages over conventional aircraft currently in development.

The flying saucer concept being pursued by the Air Force is the brainchild of John C. M. Frost, a shy, 35-year-old English-born engineer whose hobby is flower cultivation. This design evolved from a saucer-like craft named "Project Y," which Frost had previously designed for his employers, A. V. Roe Canada Ltd.

Design Principles

The operational principle of Frost's flying saucer is rooted in jet-outlet experiments conducted by the Frenchman Henri Coanda in the 1930s. The design involves jets of gas being propelled downwards and outwards from vents located on the edge of the saucer. This action is intended to pull air down over the top surface of the saucer, thereby reducing the air pressure above it. When this upper surface pressure becomes sufficiently lower than the pressure on the saucer's underside, the craft is expected to rise. This phenomenon is analogous to how an airplane wing generates lift.

Design Board: How the Saucer Works

The "DESIGN BOARD" section elaborates on the theoretical operation of the flying saucer. According to the theory, the pilot, seated in the center of the saucer above the engine, would activate all 180 jet streams. This would cause the craft to ascend slowly. To level off, the pilot would reduce power. By redirecting the rear jets to propel the craft forward instead of downwards, and by shutting off all but the rear ports, the saucer could achieve forward motion, functioning similarly to a conventional plane. Changes in direction would be managed by adjusting the ports; for instance, shutting off ports on the left would facilitate a left turn. The pilot's cockpit would automatically revolve to maintain a forward-facing orientation. The craft would theoretically have the ability to stop almost instantly in mid-air and tilt for observation.

Cross Section and Propulsion

A cross-section diagram illustrates the internal workings. Air is drawn into the engine through grilled intakes around the cockpit. This air then enters a compressor, mixes with fuel in a combustion chamber, and is processed by a turbine. The turbine, driven by the hot gases, powers the compressor. The resulting hot gases are then expelled through jets to propel the craft. The diagram also indicates space for cargo.

International Sightings

While the U.S. was preparing for this potential "saucer age," the article notes that the Air Force had already received photographic evidence of flying saucers, purportedly Soviet, observed flying over Scandinavia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine focuses on the technological advancements and potential military applications of flying saucer technology. It highlights the innovative design by John C. M. Frost and the underlying aerodynamic principles. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the ambitious nature of the project while also noting expert skepticism. The inclusion of reports on Soviet sightings suggests an underlying theme of international competition in advanced aerospace technology.