Rencontres Ufologiques - 2014 01 14 - No 025

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques" (dated January 14, 2014) focuses on UFO-related events and investigations, featuring a mix of French and international content. The publication is from La Fédération Francophone d'Ufologie and is distributed privately.

Presentation at Paris-Ovni

The issue begins with a report on a "Paris-Ovni" meeting where Stéphane and Vincent Leroux presented their short film, "La Quatrième nuit." The film reportedly uses a "subjective" camera perspective, aiming to convey the experience of witnesses rather than just objective observation. The authors of the film are praised for their professional approach and humility. The article highlights the use of "experiencers" (a term considered a barbarism by the Academy but deemed necessary for familiar language) and the film's ability to capture not just visual perceptions but also feelings and sounds.

Argentine Official UFO Commission (CEFAE)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an article by Mario Lupo and Professor Ruben Morales concerning the official UFO study commission within the Argentine Air Force, known as CEFAE. Despite its creation three years prior, the commission has failed to publish any technical reports or methodologies. The authors criticize its ambiguous name, which could encompass various aerospace phenomena, and its lack of public engagement. They contrast this with the transparency of France's GEIPAN (Groupe d'Études et d'Informations sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés), which makes its archives publicly accessible. The article calls for an urgent audit of the CEFAE to define its techniques, human resources, and economic resources, emphasizing the need for transparency and public information.

Belgian F-16 Incident (March 30-31, 1990)

The magazine provides a detailed account of a notable UFO incident that occurred in Belgium on the night of March 30-31, 1990. The report, based on a synthesis by Colonel Aviateur DE BROUWER of the Belgian Air Force, describes multiple ground sightings of strange lights, corroborated by local police and radar stations. Two Belgian F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to investigate. The pilots engaged with the object, achieving radar lock-ons at distances between 5 and 8 nautical miles. However, the object demonstrated extreme and rapid changes in speed (up to 1010 knots) and altitude, preventing visual confirmation by the pilots. The object was described as a "light" that appeared to "descend" and then move away. The report concludes that the Belgian Air Force was unable to identify the nature or origin of the phenomena, but ruled out explanations such as balloons, ULM, RPVs, or conventional aircraft due to the observed speeds and behaviors. Laser projections and mirages were also deemed improbable due to the lack of a projection surface and the fact that the phenomena were detected by radar.

Transcribed communications between the F-16 pilots and air traffic control reveal the tension and excitement of the interception attempt. The pilots describe the object as a "flashing orange light" and note its unusual maneuvers. The object's speed and evasive actions suggest it was not a conventional aircraft.

Ufological Meetings in Corrientes, Argentina

The issue also covers ufological activities in Corrientes, Argentina. It reports on the 19th meeting of the "Café Ufológico de Corrientes" held on January 8, 2014. Attendees included Mirian Cristina Alarcón, Alex Correa, Stella Maris Ruiz Diaz, Andrés Salvador, Francisco Villagrán, and Pablo Omastott. The meeting featured discussions on aliens, near-death experiences, and upcoming ufological events, including the Second Interprovincial Corrientes-Chaco Ovnilogía Encounter. Pablo Omastott reported on a nocturnal observation session conducted by the CIFAD near Empedrado, investigating reports of strange lights. Alex Correa demonstrated a night vision device.

Recent UFO Incidents

Brief mentions are made of recent UFO-related incidents, including a near-accident involving a UFO at Heathrow Airport and a UFO that disrupted flights at Bremen Airport.

MUFON France Investigator Courses

Information is provided about the free online investigator training courses offered by MUFON France. These courses, covering topics like data collection and phenomenon characterization, are designed to equip investigators with the necessary skills for UFO research. The courses are progressive, requiring prior modules to be completed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of witness testimony, the role of official organizations in studying UFOs, and the need for transparency. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and the sharing of information, as evidenced by the criticism of the Argentine commission's lack of transparency and the promotion of MUFON France's accessible training programs. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous methodology and the analysis of evidence, whether visual, radar, or testimonial.

This issue of the MUFON UFO JOURNAL, dated August 1990, focuses on the extensive Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1990. It presents a detailed account of F-16 pilot interceptions and radar tracking of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), including transcripts of pilot-controller communications and analysis of radar data. The publication aims to disseminate information and support serious research into the UFO phenomenon.

Pilot Interceptions and Radar Tracking

The core of the issue details numerous interception attempts by F-16 fighter jets. The transcripts reveal a dynamic pursuit where pilots, identified by callsigns like 'Efflux' (controller) and 'Mel' (wingman), communicate with each other and air traffic control. The pilots describe visual and radar contacts with objects exhibiting extraordinary speed and maneuverability, often exceeding the capabilities of known aircraft.

For instance, at 15M, a pilot describes using the Head Up Display (HUD) and attempts to photograph an object. The conversation highlights the difficulty in maintaining visual contact and the object's evasive actions. The Belgian government reportedly released radar camera footage of these events.

Later, at 19M, the pursuit continues, with the pilot being instructed to contact Brussels air traffic control due to dense commercial traffic. The UAP momentarily disappears from radar. At 21M, a positive radar contact is re-established with an object described as 19 miles away, moving at 800 knots and 5300 feet, then closing rapidly to 5 miles.

By 42M, the F-16 radar tracks an object accelerating from 100 knots to 600 knots, with a speed that surpasses what a high-performance jet can achieve without stalling. The object's speed and maneuverability are deemed far beyond the capabilities of any known aircraft.

Analysis of Radar Data and Explanations

The issue delves into the technical aspects of the sightings, including analysis of radar data. Professor of Physics Auguste Meessen suggests that while some ground radar echoes might be due to exceptional atmospheric conditions, onboard radar images cannot be explained this way. M. Gilmard's research, using two distinct methods, attempts to determine the geographical locations of the echo sources during interception attempts.

His conclusions suggest that the detected 'targets' did not form a regular structure, implying that different interceptions might not relate to a single object. He also notes that the speed and maneuverability of the UAP were far beyond those of known aircraft.

Several potential explanations are explored. One prominent theory, favored by Colonel B., is the presence of ECM (Electronic Countermeasures), possibly from an advanced NATO aircraft. This theory suggests the UAP might have been a sophisticated lure or electronic gadget designed to confuse radars. However, the Colonel also expresses bewilderment, noting that maintaining contact with a civilian aircraft in the zone while experiencing ECM interference was unusual and contrary to his experience.

The article also considers the possibility of atmospheric refraction of visible light due to humid air masses, as depicted in Figure 14. However, it concludes that the dispersion of points in the radar data is too large for this to be a complete explanation.

International Attention and Investigations

The Belgian UFO wave garnered significant international attention. The European Parliament considered creating a central UAP research office due to the case's notoriety. The London Sunday Express reported on the case, quoting former Prime Minister Léo Delcroix stating that no terrestrial explanation had been found. The article also mentions attempts by Belgian F-16s to intercept similar UAP, refuting possibilities of AWACS or Stealth fighters being the cause.

Dr. David Clark, a spokesperson for the Labour party, is quoted regarding the secrecy surrounding the Ministry of Defence's information. The article also references a meeting between Mrs. Marie Galbraith of the BSW Foundation and General De Brouwer, who assured that the case remained unexplained.

SOBEPS and Ufological Research

The SOBEPS (Belgian civilian UAP research organization) published a detailed book on the 1989-1990 wave, though it is not available in English. The MUFON UFO Journal N.268 itself is cited as a report on the radar pursuit aspect of the Belgian case.

The issue also includes information about "Les Rencontres Ufologiques," a federating website dedicated to sharing UAP information and research, encouraging participation from the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of the Belgian UFO wave, the extraordinary capabilities of the observed phenomena, and the ongoing efforts to find a rational explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and open-mindedness, presenting detailed accounts and expert analyses while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The publication emphasizes the importance of sharing information and supporting serious research in the field of ufology.