Project Red Book vol 3 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of YUFOS magazine, titled 'Project Red Book', is Volume 3, Number 2, published in August 1999 by the Yorkshire UFO Society. The cover features a prominent alien head silhouette and highlights an exclusive interview with Andy Roberts, an analysis of the STS-48 footage, and a look 'Inside the Skunkworks'. The price is listed as £1:50.

Contents

The magazine's contents page details the following articles:

1. INTERVIEW WITH ANDY ROBERTS: Dave Baker interviews ufologist Andy Roberts.
7. AN ANALYSIS OF STS-48 FOOTAGE "STREAKS" AND SDI TECHNOLOGY: An article by YUFOS's 'space-scientist' on rail-guns, lasers, and Star Wars for real.
12. THE OUTER LIMITS: An exploration of 'the Skunkworks' with Nick Cook.
15. FORUM
16. BOOK REVIEW: Mark P. Martin reviews Nick Pope's "The Uninvited".
17. NICK POPE AND ‘THE PETER CONTROVERSY': Featuring comments by Nick Pope.
19. NEW PEAK DISTRICT AIRCRASH MYSTERY: Re-visiting the Howden Moor Incident.

The editorial team includes Dave Baker as Editor, Chairman & General Dogsbody, and Ian Gregory and Jonathan Slater as the printers. Contributions come from a range of individuals including Andy Roberts, Mark P. Martin, Nick Cook, and Dave Clarke. Research is credited to Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Christopher Moltisanti, Paulie Walnuts, Tony Soprano, and Uncle Junior.

A disclaimer states that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, YUFOS members, or Indrid Cold. A quote from Dave Baker emphasizes his belief in monsters and heroes.

An Interview with Andy Roberts

Andy Roberts, a vocal critic in ufology for 17 years, discusses his involvement, which began in the 1970s after a fascination with UFOs during the 1967 wave and experimentation with psychedelics. He became actively involved in 1983 after reading Jenny Randles' book. Roberts is a co-author of "The UFOs That Never Were" with Jenny Randles and Dr. Dave Clarke, contributing chapters on the Berwyn Mountain and Cracoe cases, and the Alex Birch case, alongside nine solved classic cases. He describes the book as "damn fine" and likely to provoke strong reactions.

Regarding the Berwyn Mountains case, Roberts notes that Nick Redfern provided a contact who knows about alleged military presence, but no new developments have occurred. He believes that while some cases remain unexplained, many 'classics' like Roswell and Rendlesham are being solved, with few new well-documented cases emerging. He criticizes the UFO community for thriving on belief and rumour, with a small group generating literature consumed by a larger audience.

Roberts identifies as a "Skeptic's Sceptic," driven by the fun of exploring the process by which UFO stories arise and spread, viewing ufological cases as problems to be solved. He finds the subject "enormous fun" and a "fantastic opportunity" to explore the biggest myth humanity has ever known. He contrasts this with negative experiences with some individuals in the field.

He argues with Dave Clarke often about evidence and research methodologies, particularly regarding Nick Redfern's books. Roberts is a proponent of the Earth-lights theory for many UFO reports, explaining it as geological pressure creating atmospheric light phenomena. While acknowledging their existence and potential influence on consciousness, he is less convinced of their relevance to mainstream ufology than before.

Roberts expresses interest in various paranormal phenomena, including legends, folklore, and the Big Grey Man of Ben Macdhui. He lists five indispensable books for ufologists: "The UFO Handbook" by Allen Hendry, "Phantoms of the Sky" by Roberts and Clarke, "The UFO Encyclopaedia" by Jerome Clark, "UFOs & Ufology" by Paul Devereux & Peter Brookesmith, and "Borderlands" by Mike Dash.

He disagrees that little has been learned in ufology over fifty years, stating that much is ignored. He asserts that only a small proportion of cases remain unexplained and that all witnesses can be fooled. He views UFO phenomena as developing and psycho-social, revolving around human perception and belief, thus entering the realm of folklore and mythology. He notes that many ufologists leave the subject because they cannot reconcile their preconceived ideas with the evidence, or they move to less demanding areas of interest. He believes the UFO mystery is solved case-by-case, but lessons are not learned or applied.

Roberts would not travel to see anyone lecture, and would avoid crop-circle proponents and abductionists, whom he views as perpetuating a mystery for personal gain or manipulation. He enjoys "Have I Got News For You" and aims to expose the internal workings and conflicts within the ufological community through his newsletter, "The Armchair Ufologist."

He recounts instances of controversy and threats of legal action from individuals like Graham Birdsall and Harry Harris, viewing such reactions as confirmation of touching a nerve. He welcomes physical confrontation as a sign of cowardice from intellectually inferior opponents.

Regarding MJ-12, Roberts considers it a hoax that fed into the Roswell narrative, questioning Tim Good's early announcement of its existence. He finds "The X-Files" unconvincing as a portrayal of real investigation, preferring "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale," though he enjoyed the "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" episode.

He describes Quest International as a publication that has improved in quality but disagrees with their content, believing readers have more money than sense. He notes Mark Ian Birdsall's initials are M.I.B.

Roberts discusses several historical cases: Kenneth Arnold's sighting, which he believes was misperceived birds and a myth in action; the Gulf Breeze sightings, which he dismisses as a hoax; and George Adamski, whom he respects as a performer but criticizes ufologists for using his accounts to justify theories. He praises The Amazing Randi as a "sceptic with attitude" and laments that Randi cannot legally challenge Uri Geller. He holds John Keel in high regard, recommending his books, but advises against taking him too literally. He dismisses Remote Viewing as "complete, absolute and unadulterated nonsense," questioning why it isn't used for practical, beneficial purposes. He finds ufology in the USA "massively interesting and infuriating," plagued by a "git them wagons in a circle Martha" mentality.

He describes Timothy Good's "Above Top Secret" as a useful book if one cuts through his belief system, but otherwise finds him "barking," particularly regarding his belief in meeting aliens and other bonkersness.

On the Cracoe case, Roberts explains that two police officers reported a blinding light in 1981. YUFOS and the Birdsalls built their reputation on this case, but Roberts and his team replicated the photograph in 1987, proving it to be a complicated light reflection. He notes that Philip Mantle eventually left YUFOS over this issue.

Roberts describes BUFORA as an "old boy's club" that contributes nothing to ufology and charges members excessively. He advocates for small groups or individuals for UFO research.

He details the history of the IUN (Independent UFO Network), founded in 1987, which published "UFO Brigantia" and organized early UK UFO conferences. He describes the IUN as an "anti-organisation" and "Chaotic Good."

Roberts' greatest satisfaction comes from the "glow of knowledge" on a child's face at an IUN lecture and from solving cases. He highlights the Cracoe UFO case as a moment of realization that it was explained, and finding documentation at the British Geological Survey archives that corroborated witness Pat Evans' account.

An Analysis of the STS-48 Footage "Streaks" & SDI Technology

By Iain M. McCafferty

This article examines the STS-48 footage, where objects, dismissed by NASA as "ice particles," are argued to be intelligently controlled craft. The author references Dr. Jack Kasher's analysis, which reportedly proves the objects are not ice crystals but spacecraft. The footage shows a flash of light followed by streaks, with two streaks appearing to target groups of UFOs, which then take evasive action. These streaks are theorized to be weapons, potentially originating from Pine Gap, Australia, a high-security NSA facility.

The article delves into the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), or "Star Wars" program, launched in 1983. It discusses various theoretical weapons systems developed under SDI, including laser weapons, X-ray lasers, Electromagnetic Launchers (EMLs or rail guns), Kinetic Energy Weapons, and particle beams. The author systematically evaluates each system's potential to cause the observed streaks.

Laser Weapons: The author dismisses laser weapons due to atmospheric dispersion, the difficulty of powering them in orbit, and the fact that laser beams are only visible end-on or when ionizing atmospheric particles. He argues that the streaks were too long-lived for an ionization discharge and that the UFO reacted to the flash too quickly for a ground-based laser.

X-ray Lasers: This weapon system is ruled out because X-rays are invisible to the naked eye and the SDI program's X-ray laser component was abandoned due to a treaty banning nuclear weapons in space.

Electro-Magnetic Launchers (Rail Guns): The author considers rail guns the most likely candidate, suggesting the streaks are caused by a particulate object rather than an energy discharge. He notes that the particle accelerator at CERN is the world's biggest rail gun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It challenges conventional explanations, questions the credibility of certain witnesses and organizations, and emphasizes rigorous research and evidence-based analysis. There is a strong undercurrent of criticism towards what the magazine perceives as sensationalism, belief-based ufology, and internal conflicts within the UFO community. The editorial stance, particularly through Andy Roberts' contributions, is to debunk perceived hoaxes and misinterpretations while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena, albeit with a critical eye. The magazine appears to value critical thinking and evidence above blind faith or adherence to established UFO narratives.

This issue of YUFOS magazine, dated August 1999, features a cover story titled "THE OUTER LIMITS" by Nick Cook, exploring the intersection of advanced defense technology, military secrecy, and UFO phenomena. The magazine also includes articles on rail guns, plasma weapons, the US "black budget," Area 51, and a review of Nick Pope's book "The Uninvited."

Rail Guns and Advanced Weaponry

The article "Rail Guns" explains the mechanics of linear accelerators and cyclotrons, which use electromagnets to accelerate projectiles. These systems are being developed for defense purposes, both space-based and ground-based. Ground-based systems are less effective due to atmospheric friction, but easier to power. The author speculates that a projectile from a rail gun could be the cause of streaks observed in the STS-48 footage, proposing that such a projectile, possibly made of titanium, would be subject to atmospheric friction upon re-entry, leaving a vaporized trail similar to a comet's tail.

Plasma Pulse Weapons as a Cause for STS-48 Streaks

Further exploring the STS-48 footage, the magazine considers particle beam weapons, which are described as plasma weapons. These weapons use a pulse of highly ionized gas accelerated to a significant fraction of the speed of light. The author argues that plasma weapons are within the performance range to explain the streaks, possessing the electrical properties to account for the streaking effect and the initial flash seen before the streaks. The article dismisses natural phenomena like sprites as explanations due to inconsistencies in duration and appearance.

The "Black Budget" and Secret Projects

Nick Cook's article, "THE OUTER LIMITS," investigates the US "black budget," estimated at $35 billion annually, which funds unacknowledged defense projects. The article highlights the "special access" system for protecting classified information, categorizing programs as white, grey, and black. It mentions Lockheed Martin's "Skunk Works" and a mysterious project called "Astra," initially depicted as a sleek-looking beast but later described as a cancelled high-speed airliner project. The article also touches upon the US Air Force's Groom Lake facility, or Area 51, a testing center for top-secret aircraft and a focal point for UFO conspiracy theories.

Aurora and Area 51

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher is cited for his campaign against black-budget secrecy, pointing to potential duplication of spending between visible programs like the X-33 and hidden "black" programs such as "Aurora." Aurora is described as a "family" of very fast high-flying aircraft, potentially capable of crossing the Atlantic in under 45 minutes. The article suggests that America's most sensitive military technologies are now being tested at discreet locations within the Nevada complex, possibly Area 51.

Book Review: "The Uninvited" by Nick Pope

Mark P. Martin reviews Nick Pope's book "The Uninvited," which examines the alien abduction phenomenon. The review praises the book's readability and its exploration of the subject from a British perspective, drawing parallels to ancient legends of "the little people." Pope's handling of hypnotic regression is noted as balanced, and the book covers various witness experiences, including the controversial case of a witness referred to as "Peter."

The "Peter" Controversy

The review also addresses the controversy surrounding the identity of "Peter," a witness whose experiences are detailed in Nick Pope's book. Some ufologists speculate that "Peter" is Nick Pope himself, leading to criticism for not revealing the identity and potentially betraying witness confidentiality. Nick Pope responds in a letter, emphasizing his policy of protecting witness identities and criticizing those who bend or break confidentiality, stating it discourages witnesses from coming forward.

Forum and Editor's Note

The "Forum" section invites reader participation and debate, with a letter from Eileen Fletcher questioning the authenticity of the moon landing footage. The Editor's Note clarifies that the magazine's content does not necessarily reflect the editor's views but aims to promote rational debate. A "Next Meeting" notice for the Yorkshire UFO Society is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for advanced, secret military technology to explain UFO phenomena, the pervasive nature of government secrecy surrounding defense projects, and the exploration of alien abduction experiences. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical examination of both official narratives and UFO claims, promoting open debate and investigation into these complex subjects. The editorial stance is one of encouraging discussion and presenting various viewpoints, even conflicting ones, to stimulate intellectual engagement among its readers.

Title: YUFOS magazine
Issue: Vol. 3 #2
Date: August 1999
Publisher: YUFOS magazine
Country: UK
Language: English

New UK Peak District Aircrash Mystery

This issue of YUFOS magazine reports on a perplexing "mystery aircrash" incident that occurred in the Peak District Moors on Tuesday, July 13, 1999. The event unfolded as police and extensive search and rescue teams scoured the moors following reports of a plane in distress.

The Incident and Initial Reports

Two helicopters, over one hundred Mountain Rescue Team staff, police, and dog teams were deployed for more than six hours. The search was initiated after two individuals reported hearing a light aircraft in difficulties. One witness, an airline pilot, described hearing what sounded like an aircraft in distress, while another heard a bang akin to an explosion in the air around 5 pm.

The witnesses indicated that the mystery aircraft appeared to be traveling from Chapel across the High Peaks eastward towards Mam Tor mountain and the Hope Valley, under conditions of heavy cloud.

Search and Rescue Operation

Search and rescue teams from Edale, Buxton, and Kinder conducted a thorough search of the 2,000-foot ridge of Mam Tor and Hollins Cross. The operation took place in driving rain and utilized sniffer dogs. Checks were also made with local glider clubs. Crucially, Manchester Airport reported no missing planes and had received no distress calls.

The extensive search, covering more than 25 square miles of moorland, was called off in the early hours of Wednesday morning without any trace of the aircraft being found.

Official Responses and Radar Data

Local police and Mountain Rescue leaders have added this incident to their growing file of similar mystery aircrash reports from the same region. At one point during the search, Manchester Airport alerted the RAF's Distress and Diversion Cell at West Drayton Command Centre. This specialized unit used sophisticated equipment to search for radio signals.

Air Traffic Controllers at Manchester stated they had not received any distress calls or detected anything unusual on radar. However, a senior ATC official acknowledged that the reported location was within a short distance of Ringway's terminal 214, above Whaley Bridge. Radar tapes for the period were retained, and a decision was to be made regarding reconstructing the incident on radar.

A spokesman for Derbyshire police confirmed they had passed the report to the RAF West Drayton. The Distress and Diversion Cell is responsible for locating missing aircraft and following up such reports.

The "Blackspot" Area

Mike France, the Peak District Mountain Rescue Team Leader who coordinated the search, revealed that the Hope Valley region is considered a radar "blackspot" for Manchester Airport. He emphasized the seriousness with which the reports were taken due to the independent nature of the witnesses. The potential for two to twenty casualties if a light plane had crashed necessitated the deployment of over one hundred volunteers.

Despite the deployment of both Derbyshire and South Yorkshire Police helicopters, the severe weather conditions meant much of the search had to be conducted from the ground. The search lasted over six hours, but yielded no findings and no reports of missing aircraft.

The Mountain Rescue Team remains on standby should further evidence emerge, such as a private pilot coming forward.

Previous Sightings and Explanations

A spokesman for Buxton Police stated that this report was the latest in a series of sightings of "phantom planes" from the Hope Valley-Derwent Dams area, with three or four such incidents occurring annually. They noted that usually, if a light plane has crashed, it can be located quickly.

Manchester Airport provided further context, explaining that pilots of light civil aircraft are not required to file a flight plan when flying in unrestricted airspace. They also noted the existence of numerous private airstrips, allowing pilots to take off and land without informing air traffic control, provided they do not enter controlled airspace. This could explain the lack of official notification.

Editor's Note

The editor's note connects this incident to previous discussions about "The Howden Moor Incident... The UFO Crash That Never Was," suggesting that such reports add credence to ongoing investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena. Jenny Randles is quoted as saying that these types of reports, sightings, or mis-sightings are common in the Peak District and around Manchester Airport. The note humorously lists various organizations and individuals who might be blamed if another aircraft, like an ET-black triangle, were shot down and covered up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), mystery aircraft, and potential cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into such events, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, while also acknowledging the need for thorough investigation and the possibility of mundane explanations. The inclusion of the editor's note, with its satirical list of potential conspirators, suggests a critical yet engaged approach to the subject matter, highlighting the skepticism and intrigue surrounding UFO reports.