UFO Mail - No 092 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 92
Date: 10. september 2007
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into various UFO-related phenomena, featuring articles on aerial sightings, debunked online videos, and a conference summarizing decades of UFO research.

Mystik på himlen ved Ankara

This article by Lennart Rasmussen discusses a photograph taken near Ankara, Turkey, on the night of August 12-13, 2007. Initially, the streaks of light in the image were thought to be meteors from the Perseid meteor shower, which peaked on those nights and appeared to radiate from the constellation Perseus. However, upon closer examination, the image, which was taken over a 40-minute period, shows that the streaks do not originate from Perseus. The article presents a magnified view of the lights and includes a star chart from the Stellarium planetarium program for orientation. Several hypotheses are considered, including a burning satellite in the atmosphere or meteors from the less active Alpha Ursae Majoris shower. As of the publication date, no definitive explanation had been reached for the photographed phenomenon.

Mærkeligt objekt på internettet - svindel!

Ole Henningsen reports on a peculiar object that appeared in photographs and videos posted online. These images had circulated in newsgroups, blogs, and on expert websites in the months prior. The article states that UFO-Mail had previously covered similar photographs in issue nr. 89. The object's unusual appearance led to discussions, with suggestions ranging from hoaxes and humbug to retouched photos of models, evidence of alien machines, or newly developed military drones. Comments from the American organization MUFON, which contacted experts in computer-generated imagery, indicated that they were certain the images depicted computer-generated objects. These experts pointed out technical details that revealed the work involved. The article notes that the photographer's hand might soon appear in a video of the object in motion. It also mentions that the photos consistently appeared anonymously and were spread through various internet sites. Danish experts in computer animation also commented that the images resembled computer-generated animations. The article then provides links to several YouTube videos showing the object in motion, suggesting that these are examples of what 'computer nerds' can create today, humorously comparing it to an iron flying.

UFO Konference vil afsløre konklusionerne på 50 års arbejde med ufoer

This section announces an upcoming UFO conference organized by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) to present the conclusions drawn from three years of work summarizing the results of the organization's 50 years of research into UFO mysteries. The conference will take place on November 10th at Lyngby Kulturhus. An excerpt from the report will be distributed to attendees. Toke Haunstrup of SUFOI will present the findings on the nature of the phenomenon. Tickets cost 120 DKK, and 80 tickets have already been sold for the event, which has a capacity of 150 people.

Nikolaj Kirks ufo-observation

A reader informed the editors about a mini-portrait in the newspaper Nyhedsavisen featuring a cook named Nikolaj Kirk, who recounted a UFO sighting. Kirk described seeing a triangular UFO with a light underneath over Sejrøbugten a couple of years prior. He expressed regret at not having his camera with him to prove it.

Udvalgte beretninger

This section presents several eyewitness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena:

• 8220 Brabrand, Juni/juli 1970: Around 10:40 PM, a witness observed a very strong, clear light in the sky over open fields. Initially thought to be car headlights, the light was much brighter and closer to the horizon. The light dimmed and then shone downwards, changing colors from faint red to strong red for several minutes before returning to a clear light. Subsequently, about ten small, oval objects appeared in the sky, moving rapidly and erratically. These objects were dark. Then, a large, round, stationary light was seen. Suddenly, the small objects vanished, followed by the large one. The witness woke their partner to witness this inexplicable event.
• Hälsingborg, Sverige, Juni/juli 1970: While driving back to Copenhagen from Sunds (near Jönköping), the car and surrounding forest were enveloped in a blue light similar to lightning. The light followed the car at a very low altitude, appearing as a large, round light spot wider than the road. It flew at treetop height without any blinking lights or sound, unlike a helicopter or airplane. The object matched the car's speed, whether slowing down or speeding up, for about 5-6 minutes before suddenly accelerating westward and disappearing.
• 6670 Holsted, 6. august 2007: At approximately 2:50 PM on a warm, clear day, a witness driving from Holsted saw a helicopter flying east. Slightly below and further east, a white, round object with rounded ends was moving slowly westward. The witness initially thought it might be a glider but noticed no wings. Concluding it was a UFO, the witness pulled over to observe. The helicopter moved further east, while the white object continued its slow westward movement. The witness's neighbor's assistant arrived and was directed to the spot where the witness had parked. The witness pointed to the sky twice, hoping the neighbor's assistant had also seen the UFO.

Masseobservationen af „ufo-balloner“ den 5. august 2007

This article revisits a report from UFO-Mail nr. 90 about an observation in Skagen that resembled similar reports from the Copenhagen area. A 53-year-old writer from Frederiksberg described observing about 30 luminous, reddish spheres flying in a narrow belt from southeast to northwest at midnight on August 4, 2007. Five people witnessed the event, noting that some objects formed isosceles triangles and changed speed, holding new positions. They moved silently across the sky for about fifteen minutes, sometimes disappearing behind clouds. The experience was described as breathtaking and similar to other accounts, but occurring over Sjælland slightly later. The magazine's investigation concluded that these were likely small hot air balloons. This was later confirmed, with the balloons being launched for a private party near Islands Brygge. The article notes that many observations by Copenhagen residents had not reached the media, even those made by radio hosts. The Skagen observation was resolved when the observer contacted SUFOI, admitting it was a man-made but beautiful experience involving balloons with lights flying above the clouds. The harbor master explained the event, and a balloon was found in a tree. The magazine expresses gratitude for such feedback, which helps identify observed phenomena.

Science og science fiction

Folkeuniversitetet in Copenhagen is offering a lecture series on science and science fiction in the autumn. The series, organized in collaboration with The Royal Library and curated by senior researcher Dr. Bertil F. Dorch, explores how science fiction, as a part of modern popular culture, can be used to ask "What if?", motivate interest in scientific topics, inspire engineers and scientists, and address questions of humanism. The lectures will examine what science can learn from science fiction, how society is influenced by science fiction concepts, and how science is depicted in science fiction. The speakers include vice director Michael Cotta-Schønberg, Dr. Bertil F. Dorch, lecturer Dr. Cynthia M. Grund, cand.polyt. Christian B. Knudsen, and cand.mag. Carsten Fogh Nielsen.

Blev amerikanske fly skudt ned af ufoer?

Curtis Peebles discusses recent claims made by Stanton T. Friedman regarding the Roswell incident and alleged UFO attacks on aircraft. Friedman reportedly presented drastic changes to the Roswell myth, asserting that numerous American aircraft were lost in aerial combat with flying saucers. At the "4th Annual UFO Crash Retrieval Conference" in November 2006, Friedman stated he was investigating "at least seven cases where UFOs had attacked earthly aircraft" and also mentioned a pilot's claim that UFOs shot down up to 20 American planes in Europe in the early 1950s. Friedman did not provide details such as aircraft types, serial numbers, or crew names, stating he lacked signed affidavits and complete accident reports. He also significantly increased the number of alleged recovered saucers, suggesting "a dozen crashed saucers" were likely recovered, beyond the one or two from Roswell. The article criticizes Friedman's claims for lacking details and evidence, comparing them to other reports of crashed saucers that also lack specifics. It references a debate from 2005 on the UFO Updates forum where Friedman questioned why information about Roswell would be shared, suggesting internal changes differ from external ones and that revealing information to friends also reveals it to enemies. The article notes Friedman's comment in the documentary "Hangar 18: The UFO Warehouse" that it's irrelevant whether one talks about aircraft or saucers when discussing "unknown flying objects." Peebles finds it ironic that Friedman draws an analogy between captured aircraft and crashed saucers without considering the implications for the Roswell crash, noting that Friedman is correct about the number of crashed American aircraft and recovered "unknown flying vehicles." The author states that this analogy and its consequences became clear to him nearly a decade ago after reading a report about "YF-110B."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the analysis of evidence, often distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications. There is a clear emphasis on debunking unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving computer-generated imagery and online misinformation. The publication also explores the intersection of science and speculative topics like science fiction, encouraging critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation combined with a rigorous approach to evidence and a commitment to providing rational explanations where possible, while acknowledging the enduring mysteries of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through submitted accounts and feedback, which are used to further research and understanding.

This issue of UFO-Nyt (Issue 95, May 2007) features a detailed article titled "Have Doughnut," which delves into secret US military projects focused on Soviet MiG-21 fighter jets. The magazine explores the historical context, technical analysis, and tactical implications of these operations, contrasting them with UFO mythology.

Have Doughnut: The MiG-21 Acquisition and Analysis Project

The article begins by highlighting the MiG-21 as a significant threat to American pilots in the late 1960s, noting that 21 American aircraft were shot down by MiGs between October 1966 and January 1968. To counter this threat, the US military initiated "Have Doughnut," a project to acquire and study the MiG-21. This involved a 13-man team deployed in January 1968 to retrieve a MiG-21F-13. The aircraft was disassembled, transported, and reassembled with test instruments at a secure location.

The project was a collaboration between the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright Patterson AFB, responsible for intelligence on Soviet equipment, and the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards AFB, responsible for testing. Pilots from the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB and the Navy's VX-4 squadron at Point Mugu were also involved.

The disassembly and reassembly process took several days, with the aircraft being fully operational by February 7, 1968. The "subsystem investigation" involved a detailed examination of the MiG-21's systems, including its hydraulic, pneumatic, and fire protection systems. The fire protection system notably used methylen bromide, a highly toxic substance requiring an extensive piping system.

The MiG-21's radar and weapon aiming systems were found to be comparable to early 1950s Western systems, with advancements in radar range due to an unconventional antenna design and a missile launch computer. However, the SRD2MK radar lacked circuits to exclude jamming. The optical sight was a conventional gyroscopic system linked to the main computer.

Construction analysis revealed no unique techniques. The aluminum alloy used was comparable to Western alloys. The use of large aluminum panels for the nose and numerous steel components were noted as unusual. The aircraft's aerodynamics and surface finish were described as marginal, with visible rivets and waviness between panels, reflecting a Soviet design philosophy focused on function, reliability, and maintenance.

Detailed examination of part markings revealed the MiG-21's RIIF-300 jet engine was produced in 1963 by Factory 26 in Ufa. Most other components were also manufactured around the same period. To disguise the aircraft's identity in reports, the designation "YF-110B" was used, with a serial number "68-0965" which was actually assigned to a Falcon AGM-4D missile.

Flight Testing and Tactical Evaluation

The first flight of the captured MiG-21 occurred on February 8, 1968, piloted by Lt. Col. Joe B. Jordan. The 30-minute flight, accompanied by an F-4D, tested acceleration, afterburner performance, maneuverability, and handling at low speeds. Over the next two months, 29 more flights were conducted to assess the aircraft's strength and stability.

The primary goal of "Have Doughnut" was to test American aircraft capabilities in close combat with the MiG-21. The project involved simulated dogfights where pilots aimed to gain a position to "shoot down" the opponent. Between February 8 and March 30, 1968, 102 flights were completed, including 58 simulated dogfights, 29 test flights, and tests of the infrared equipment, a 30mm cannon, and the radar against jamming equipment.

Project Conclusion and Dissemination

By April 3, 1968, the disassembly of the MiG-21 began. The aircraft was shipped back to the US via a C-133B transport aircraft, arriving on April 10. Reassembly was complicated by technical issues and poor weather, with the aircraft ready for flight again on April 24.

By the end of 1968, three comprehensive reports on "Have Doughnut" were completed, totaling 1,436 pages. These reports covered vulnerability assessments, performance and stability evaluations, radar and propulsion system analysis, and details of the disassembly and reassembly. To disseminate this information to pilots, a training film titled "Throw a Nickel on the Grass" was produced. This film showed video and stills of the MiG-21 with American markings, emphasizing the importance of flying against enemy aircraft.

Constant Peg: The Secret MiG Squadron

The article then introduces "Constant Peg," a secret squadron formed in 1977, comprising about 25 Soviet aircraft, including MiG-17s, MiG-21s, and MiG-23s. This unit operated from Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, near Area 51. The MiG-21s continued to use the "YF-110B" designation, while MiG-23s were designated "YF-113B" and "YF-113E." The squadron was led by Colonel Gaillard R. Peck.

Pilots from the Air Force and Navy trained for two weeks against these "Constant Peg" MiGs, initially observing them to become familiar with their characteristics. The project involved simulated dogfights and two-on-two missions, with a total of 6,800 pilots engaging MiGs between 1977 and 1988.

"Constant Peg" faced significant challenges due to a lack of technical data and difficulty in obtaining spare parts, leading to a higher accident rate (100 accidents per 100,000 flight hours compared to the Air Force average of 4). The unit stopped flying MiG-17s after an accident in 1981. Two pilots from the 4477th TES were killed during the project, including Captain Mark F. Postai.

Pilots generally rated the MiG-21 as highly maneuverable and a capable fighter, while the MiG-23 was considered a poorly designed, unstable, and dangerous aircraft.

"Constant Peg" was a "black" project, meaning it was highly classified and operated outside normal congressional oversight. Personnel wore civilian clothes, and families were not informed about the pilots' work or deaths. The MiGs were kept hidden from Soviet surveillance satellites.

Despite efforts to maintain secrecy, "Constant Peg" became an "open secret" with a major leak in September 1977, when The Armed Forces Journal International published an article about the "secret MiG squadron." The project's scale made complete secrecy impossible, and by 1988, it was shut down due to costs and the end of the Cold War. In the early 1990s, more information and images of the "Have Doughnut" and "Constant Peg" aircraft became public.

MiG History vs. Roswell Mythology

The article draws an analogy between the US military's approach to analyzing captured Soviet aircraft and the hypothetical analysis of a crashed alien spacecraft, as in the Roswell incident. Stanton Friedman's assertion that there's no difference between captured aircraft and crashed saucers is explored. The author argues that if the US military had recovered a UFO, they would have followed a similar rigorous analysis and declassification process as they did with the MiGs. The detailed reports, training films, and public declassification of "Have Doughnut" and "Constant Peg" serve as historical proof of these activities.

In contrast, the Roswell incident is presented as lacking any comparable historical evidence. There are no technical reports on alien craft wreckage or "dozens" of recovered saucers. The author dismisses claims about a nurse named Naomi Self and suggests that evidence points to metal foil, balsa wood, and rubber fragments from a Project Mogul balloon, not alien technology.

Conclusion

The "Have Doughnut" and "Constant Peg" operations demonstrated the seriousness with which the US authorities viewed the threat from Soviet aircraft. The article implies that the lack of similar stringent measures for alleged UFO threats highlights a difference in perceived seriousness. The article concludes by stating that the historical evidence for the MiG operations is overwhelming, while the Roswell case lacks such substantiation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the covert operations undertaken by the US military to gain intelligence on Soviet aviation technology during the Cold War, specifically focusing on the MiG-21. The article emphasizes the thoroughness of these projects, the impact on military strategy and pilot training, and the eventual declassification of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of favoring documented historical evidence over unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the comparison between the MiG projects and the Roswell incident, where the former is presented as factual and the latter as mythological due to a lack of evidence.