UFO Mail - No 011 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 11
Date: April 2, 2002
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into several intriguing topics, ranging from potential UFO sightings explained by advanced aircraft to the origins of resilient microbes and the history of aerial technology.

Hverken fugl eller fisk... (Neither bird nor fish...)

The lead article by Kim Møller Hansen investigates a series of unusual observations reported in the southwestern USA, particularly Alaska, around October 18, 2002. Initially described as a giant eagle or even a flying lizard, some reports mentioned a wingspan of nearly five meters, exceeding that of even large eagles. While biologists suggested Stellar's sea eagle, the size was inconsistent. The legendary 'thunderbird' was also invoked. However, the article posits that these sightings might be attributed to Boeing's highly classified stealth aircraft, the 'Bird of Prey'. This advanced, super-secretive aircraft had been undergoing test flights since the mid-1990s, possibly at Area 51. Significantly, on October 18, 2002, Boeing publicly displayed the 'Bird of Prey' for the first time to a select group of journalists at their Phantom Works facility in St. Louis. The article notes that the 'Bird of Prey' is named after a Klingon spaceship from 'Star Trek'.

Bird of Prey Development and Retirement

The 'Bird of Prey' project, initiated by Boeing, aimed to gain experience in stealth technology and showcase the company's ability to develop such aircraft quickly and affordably. It underwent 38 flights since 1996, with the locations of these flights kept secret. The development process was reportedly faster and cheaper than usual for such projects. The article states that the aircraft's mission is complete, and it is now being retired, which is why its existence was revealed. The 'Bird of Prey' is described as 15.5 meters long with a distinctive w-shaped wing at the rear.

Besøg fra Mars? (Visit from Mars?)

This section explores the microbe *Deinococcus radiodurans*, a remarkably resilient organism found on Earth. This microbe can tolerate radiation levels thousands of times higher than what is lethal to humans. Scientists Anatoli Pavlov and his colleagues at the Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute in St. Petersburg suggested to 'New Scientist' (September 25, 2002) that it would have taken millions of years for such a trait to evolve on Earth. They hypothesize that *Deinococcus radiodurans* may have evolved under the harsher conditions on Mars, was ejected into space by an asteroid impact, and subsequently landed on Earth via meteorites. However, David Morrison from NASA's Astrobiology Institute remains skeptical, noting that the microbe's chromosome structure is similar to other terrestrial bacteria, though he concedes that *Deinococcus radiodurans* remains a puzzle.

Den ser underlig ud (It looks strange)

This article discusses innovative airships developed by the Canadian company '21st Century Airships', founded in 1988 by Hokan Colting. The company has produced nine prototypes, starting with small remote-controlled models and progressing to larger, high-altitude research and sightseeing craft. These airships are highly maneuverable, nearly silent, lack external fins or gondolas, and can land on water. Passengers are located inside the 'balloon' with panoramic views. They require minimal crew, needing only two ground assistants for anchoring. These airships have been used for advertising, and there are rumors of their use by the Canadian military for surveillance. The article mentions a specific airship called 'Globussen' from 1998 and notes that a 10-passenger version is being designed.

Bliv en del af et aktivt team (Become part of an active team)

This section is a call for volunteers for SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information). The organization is seeking individuals with fast internet connections, critical analytical skills for online information, the ability to summarize information concisely, and experience in researching and cross-referencing sources. Ideal candidates are interested in UFO phenomena and have a basic understanding of the subject. SUFOI emphasizes that all work is voluntary and unpaid. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the chairman, Kim Møller Hansen.

Operation Backfire

This segment details a historical event involving German V2 rockets. The British army sought to understand the construction, preparation, and firing of these rockets. In October 1945, British forces, collaborating with German soldiers who had worked on the V2s, assembled three rockets and launched them from Cuxhaven-Altenwalde over the North Sea. This project, known as 'Operation Backfire', is documented in a 1945 film recording. The available video is a VHS-PAL format, approximately 40 minutes long, with black and white footage and English narration. The order number is V-014, priced at Kr. 69.00, and available through Skandinavisk UFO Information – SUFOI, with only one copy remaining.

Send ufo-mail til familie, venner og bekendte! (Send ufo-mail to family, friends, and acquaintances!)

This is a promotional message encouraging readers to forward the 'ufo-mail' newsletter to their contacts. It highlights that subscriptions are free and non-binding, and subscribers will receive updates on Danish and international UFO observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and special offers on UFO-related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with technological advancements and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various hypotheses and evidence, from potential misidentifications of advanced aircraft to speculative origins of life. There is a clear emphasis on informing the public about UFO-related news, research, and historical events, while also encouraging community involvement through volunteerism and information sharing.