1990 06 00 Science et Vie No 873

Magazine Overview

Title: SCIENCE & VIE
Issue: N° 873
Date: JUIN 1990
Cover Headline: UN "OVNI" DEMASQUE (A 'UFO' Unmasked)

This issue of Science & Vie delves into the mystery surrounding numerous UFO sightings, primarily focusing on the revelation that many of these were actually the highly classified Lockheed F-117A Stealth Fighter. The magazine explores the technological advancements that made the aircraft 'invisible' to radar and examines specific incidents where these craft were mistaken for extraterrestrial vehicles.

The 'UFO' Unmasked: The Stealth Fighter Revealed

The lead article, "L'OVNI C'EST LUI!" (The UFO It's Him!), details the extraordinary story of the F-117A Stealth Fighter. For over a decade, its existence was kept secret by the Americans, despite it flying daily. This 'invisible' fighter jet's history is presented as an extraordinary revelation. The article recounts sightings, particularly in Southern California in April 1989, where witnesses described triangular craft with powerful lights, initially identified as UFOs. These sightings were later understood to be F-117A aircraft flying training missions.

The F-117A's development began in 1973 with the 'Have Blue' program, aiming to create an aircraft that could evade radar detection. The program involved extensive research into non-metallic materials and composite structures. Lockheed, initially not a major player in fighter jet development for two decades, was awarded a contract for prototypes, leading to the XST (Experimental Stealth Tactical) designation and the coining of the term 'stealth'.

The article highlights the F-117A's unique design, characterized by angular, faceted surfaces that deflect radar waves, and the use of radar-absorbent materials like Fibaloy. Its construction also incorporates features to minimize infrared signatures and reduce noise. The aircraft's operational deployment began in October 1983 with a special squadron.

Several incidents involving the F-117A are discussed, including crashes that occurred despite the pilots' experience. One notable crash on July 11, 1986, near Bakersfield, California, involved Major Ross E. Mulhare, who did not attempt to eject. Another accident on October 14, 1987, near Nellis, resulted in the death of Major Michael C. Stewart. These incidents, coupled with the secrecy surrounding the aircraft, fueled speculation.

The Belgian UFO Wave and the F-117A

The magazine also addresses the wave of UFO sightings in Belgium starting in late November 1989. Witnesses described large, triangular objects with three powerful ground-facing lights. While some suggested these were F-117s, Science & Vie conducted a critical examination of this hypothesis. The article notes that the F-117's triangular shape and landing lights could resemble witness descriptions. Military radar operators in Belgium reportedly detected weak echoes, but F-16s sent to investigate found nothing, consistent with the F-117's extremely low radar signature.

The article concludes that while the F-117A's characteristics align with some aspects of the Belgian sightings, definitive proof is lacking. It emphasizes the F-117A's advanced technology, including its complex flight control systems and specialized cockpit equipment designed for night operations.

Technical Specifications and Historical Context

Detailed technical specifications of the F-117A are provided, including its wingspan (13.23 m), length (19.85 m), height (3.81 m), and empty weight (9,072 kg). Its engines are twin General Electric F-404 turboreactors. The article also includes a timeline of aircraft development, tracing the evolution of stealth technology from early concepts in the 1940s through various experimental aircraft like the L-133, F-80, U-2, SR-71, and the F-19, culminating in the F-117A and hinting at future developments like the Aurora bomber and YF-22/YF-23.

Other Articles

Beyond the main focus on the F-117A, the issue also features articles on:

• Avions d'amateurs : notre concours (Amateur aircraft: our contest) - A section dedicated to a contest for amateur-built aircraft.
• Ils ont choisi le sexe de leur enfant (They chose the sex of their child) - An article likely discussing advancements or ethical considerations in sex selection.
• La lecture rend-elle myope ? (Does reading make you myopic?) - An article exploring the relationship between reading and vision.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the demystification of UFO phenomena through technological revelation. Science & Vie adopts a critical and investigative stance, using scientific and technical analysis to explain seemingly inexplicable events. The magazine aims to inform its readers by uncovering the facts behind public mysteries, particularly in the realm of advanced military technology and its potential misinterpretations by the public. The editorial stance is one of rational inquiry and a commitment to revealing the scientific and technological underpinnings of modern advancements.

This issue of "L'OVNI C'EST LUI!" (The UFO, It's Him!) focuses on the F-117 Stealth Fighter, exploring its capabilities, operational history, and potential connection to unexplained aerial phenomena. The article delves into the technical aspects that make the F-117 virtually undetectable by radar and discusses its role in modern military operations.

The F-117 Stealth Fighter: Technical Prowess and Undetectability

The F-117 Stealth Fighter is described as having a significantly reduced acoustic signature compared to conventional aircraft, thanks to its reactor design and electric flight controls that allow for reduced power operation. Its radar cross-section is exceptionally small, estimated to be between 0.01 and 0.001 m², making its echo comparable to that of a seagull and easily lost in ground clutter when flying at low altitudes. This low observability allows it to operate with greater flexibility, including higher altitude approaches with steeper attack angles, enhancing its effectiveness against reinforced targets.

The article notes that the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, which operates the F-117, frequently deploys aircraft for temporary duty in various countries, including Great Britain, where the US Air Force has bases like Lakenheath and Upper Eyford. The region where unexplained objects have been frequently reported, at the intersection of Belgian, German, and Dutch borders, is highlighted as having one of the most extensive radar coverages in Europe. This has led to speculation that stealth aircraft from Britain might be used to test these defenses, similar to how the US Air Force initially denied the existence of the F-117 for ten years.

Operational History and Controversies

While the US Air Force has consistently stated that Belgian UFOs are unrelated to their aircraft, the article points out that the area has a history of strange sightings dating back to the 1960s and 70s, predating the F-117's service. However, these earlier phenomena were observed by isolated individuals and lacked the frequency of recent reports.

The F-117 is equipped with a range of advanced weaponry, including laser-guided air-to-ground missiles, optically guided missiles, anti-radar missiles, infrared-guided air-to-air missiles, and even B-61 or B-83 thermonuclear bombs. Its precision is emphasized by an anecdote about a 225 kg bomb dropped from 3000 meters accurately hitting a 210-liter tank.

Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver North had reportedly considered using F-117s for a raid on Tripoli. However, the aircraft's combat debut occurred during Operation Just Cause in Panama in December 1989. Six F-117s reportedly flew from Rota, Spain, to Panama in a single mission, with multiple mid-air refuelings, and were allegedly involved in bombing operations prior to the US Army Rangers' parachute drop on Rio Hato.

Reasons for Public Reveal and Cost Analysis

Despite the F-117 program being partially declassified, the US Air Force remains secretive, with the Tonopah Test Range, where most F-117s are based, remaining off-limits to journalists and the public. The decision to reveal the aircraft, which the US Air Force had previously gone to great lengths to conceal, is questioned. The Department of Defense explained that the disclosure was necessary due to the planned expansion of the F-117's missions, which would involve flying in less restricted environments. They also acknowledged that the aircraft would eventually be photographed, so presenting it officially was deemed preferable.

Financially, the F-117 is the most expensive fighter jet in the world. Each unit cost approximately 42.6 million dollars, escalating to 111.2 million dollars when including development and study costs. The entire Stealth Fighter program cost the Pentagon 6.56 billion dollars over ten years. This significant investment was seen by some as needing justification, especially as Congress grew weary of funding expensive secret programs without tangible results. Lockheed, the manufacturer, also benefits from the reveal, as increased visibility could lead to larger orders, helping to amortize their investments. The cost per unit could be reduced to 30 million dollars if production reached eight aircraft per year.

Strategic Implications and Future Technology

Some observers suggest that the F-117 was revealed because it is now considered technologically outdated. The secrecy surrounding the program may have served as a ruse to encourage other global powers, particularly the USSR, to invest heavily in similar, costly research, yielding no definitive results. The article posits that the USSR spent approximately six times more than the US on its own stealth program without comparable success. With stealth technology having evolved, the F-117's role as a technological testbed is complete, with lessons learned being applied to future projects like the ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) and the US Navy's ATA (Advanced Tactical Aircraft).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly implies a connection between the F-117's capabilities and the increase in UFO sightings, particularly in sensitive border regions. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official explanations and highlighting the financial and political motivations behind military programs and their public disclosure. The article emphasizes the technological advancements in stealth, the high costs associated with such programs, and the strategic implications of maintaining technological superiority, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena.