UFO Mail - No 268 - 2018

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: nr. 268
Date: August 13, 2018
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail, titled 'Nye spor i Pentagon-sagen' (New Clues in the Pentagon Case), delves into the complexities and controversies surrounding the US government's UFO investigations, particularly the Pentagon's involvement and the role of private organizations.

Nye spor i Pentagon-sagen - bogstavforvirring, hemmelige droner og mystiske metalstumper

The lead article by Henning Dethlefsen explores the ongoing confusion surrounding the Pentagon's UFO investigations, which began over half a year prior. The true name of the investigation program has been a source of debate, with initial references to the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) being questioned. UFO investigators Paul Dean and Roger Glassel suggest that AATIP was part of a larger program called the Advanced Aerospace Weapons Systems Application Program (AAWSAP). This distinction is crucial for accessing official documents.

Tom DeLonge and his company, To The Stars Academy of Art and Sciences (TSAAS), are highlighted as key figures in the disclosure process, but their involvement has not clarified the situation. The article notes the release of three short infrared videos: GIMBAL, GO FAST, and the earlier 'Tic-Tac' film. The 'Tic-Tac' film, from 2004, involved fighter pilot David Fravor, who described the object as resembling a Tic-Tac candy. The GIMBAL and GO FAST videos, reportedly from 2015, were initially thought to be separate but analysis suggests they may originate from the same pilot and footage, captured within a short time frame.

Mick West's analysis of the GO FAST video suggests that the apparent extreme speed was an optical illusion due to the object's relative movement to the jet. The object's size was estimated to be a few meters, and when adjusted for speed, it resembled a balloon or a bird. The comparison of video codes and audio from the GIMBAL and GO FAST films indicates they were likely recorded by the same pilot, raising questions about who is releasing these clips and why.

Var pastillen en hemmelig u-båds-drone?

Skeptics Joe Nickell and James McGaha examined the 'Tic-Tac' incident. They point out discrepancies in David Fravor's reported altitude of the object (15 meters above water) compared to a TSAAS-released document citing a 'source' who placed it between 300 and 900 meters. Fravor later denied being the 'source'. Nickell and McGaha theorize that Fravor and his co-pilot may have been involved in an exercise with secret drones launched from a submarine. Fravor's mention of spray from a submerged submarine and the pilot's initial check for non-lethal weapons support this idea. The lack of serious attention given to Fravor's experience on the aircraft carrier, and his being subjected to 'X-Files' jokes, suggests he might have had a reputation as a UFO enthusiast.

Nickell and McGaha conclude that the 'Tic-Tac' incident likely involved pilots encountering an advanced, secret drone during an exercise, compounded by misinterpretations of altitude, speed, and infrared video. They also suggest memory recall might play a role given the time elapsed.

The article introduces the Lockheed Martin Cormorant drone, a fast drone that could be deployed from a submarine and recovered at sea. This program was active in 2004, and the drone was white with short wings, matching Fravor's description of the 'Tic-Tac' object.

Udrykningshold til indsamling af metal fra ufo

This section discusses the Pentagon's UFO investigation, initiated by Senator Harry Reid, with significant funding directed to Robert Bigelow's company. Questions arose about the allocation of funds, as Bigelow was a friend of Reid's and a developer of space technology. An interview with Reid by George Knapp in December 2017 attempted to clarify that Bigelow was the cheapest bidder for the contract. Bigelow reportedly had a long-standing interest in UFOs and the supernatural, even offering to fund some expenses himself, including the construction of buildings in Nevada to store exotic metal fragments.

During the five-year program, 46 scientists were employed by Bigelow to study material and write reports. Special teams were tasked with quickly investigating UFO events and collecting new material. Reid claimed the information gathered was 'impressive'. However, the article notes a lack of transparency from Reid, DeLonge, and Bigelow regarding the specifics of this information. Reid also stated the program was stopped due to a lack of results, which seems contradictory to his earlier claims.

Hal Puthoff taler om meta-metaller

Jason Colavito, known for his criticism of pseudodocumentaries, examined claims about UFO materials. He discusses a conference talk by Hal Puthoff, an electrical engineer and researcher of the paranormal, who is now vice-chairman of TSAAS. Puthoff claimed that the US government has been aware of non-terrestrial visitors for a long time and has been secretly studying their technology to gain an advantage over other nations like Russia and China. Puthoff referred to 'meta-materials' allegedly recovered from 'advanced aerial vehicles' but provided no concrete evidence, deferring to future information.

Colavito points out that Puthoff's claims about 'meta-materials' being secret, while the main investigation was not, is suspicious. He also discusses a metal fragment allegedly found decades ago and sent to radio host Art Bell. This fragment, described as burnt metal with fine layers of bismuth and aluminum, was reportedly from the Roswell crash. Colavito notes that Linda Moulton Howe investigated this material in 1996, and expert Nicholas A. Reiter concluded it had a terrestrial origin. Reiter later updated his conclusion in 2001, noting a patented method from 1938 for extracting bismuth from lead using liquid magnesium, which could create thin layers of bismuth in magnesium, explaining the material as industrial slag rather than alien technology.

Metalstumper fra Roswell-styrtet

Colavito further questions the nature of other mysterious metals held by Bigelow and TSAAS. He compares descriptions from Puthoff, Tom DeLonge, and ufologist Jacques Vallee, who is employed by Bigelow. They all describe materials containing bismuth and magnesium. Colavito suggests these are likely the same or similar materials, which have been circulating among ufologists for decades and have terrestrial explanations. TSAAS announced in July that it would use funds to investigate these metal fragments through a company called Earth Tech International.

Colavito samler trådene

Colavito's analysis suggests that the 'meta-materials' discussed by Puthoff, DeLonge, and Vallee are likely industrial slag, not alien technology. He notes that Tom DeLonge describes the material as 'different layers of different materials' consisting of bismuth and magnesium, while Jacques Vallee refers to them as 'magnesium'. Colavito argues that these materials have been known and explained for a long time.

Skjulte motiver

Colavito also investigated the structure of Tom DeLonge's company, TSAAS, which he describes as a highly profitable business. DeLonge is guaranteed a minimum of $100,000 annually in royalties, plus loan repayments. Employees are paid before research funds are allocated. Money is also spent on book publications, films, and merchandise to promote UFOs and their technology, with the actual research receiving a smaller portion. The company aims to raise funds by selling shares, valuing itself at $50 million and planning to sell 10,000 shares over seven years. This staggered release of information could be a strategy to maintain public interest.

TSAAS presents itself as an educational and informational organization, but Colavito believes it is a 'money-making machine' built on entertainment. The company's website describes it as an 'entertainment business'. While DeLonge is not on the board, Hal Puthoff and Luis Elizondo hold prominent positions, indicating financial interests.

Bigelow himself does not appear to be directly involved in the business operations. However, questions have been raised about how he spent the $22 million from the government. A Newsweek article reported an anonymous source from Bigelow's company stating the funds were used for studies on poltergeists, invisible beings, and bizarre creatures, all under the umbrella of the same phenomenon. This might explain Bigelow's reluctance to detail how the taxpayer money was spent.

Colavito presented his findings on the nature of the mysterious metals, the connections between Bigelow's company and TSAAS, and the financial interests behind the Pentagon investigation to journalists Ralph Blumenthal, Leslie Kean, and Helene Cooper, who wrote the New York Times articles that broke the story. Colavito felt it was journalistically irresponsible not to present this side of the story. However, he was rejected and indirectly threatened with legal action. The article suggests that Blumenthal and Kean, like DeLonge, are UFO enthusiasts who may prioritize a compelling narrative over strict facts.

Endnu en runde i mediekarrusellen

The article concludes that the ongoing media cycle surrounding the Pentagon UFO investigation creates a sense of progress but ultimately leads nowhere. The primary beneficiaries appear to be those selling access and information, turning ufology into a modern money-making enterprise. The author criticizes TSAAS for not releasing all available material transparently, instead prolonging the process for financial gain and providing information in small doses to UFO enthusiasts.

Kilder

A list of URLs is provided, referencing various news articles, blogs, and websites related to the Pentagon UFO program, To The Stars Academy, David Fravor, Robert Bigelow, and related topics.

UFO-Nyt komplet 1958-2003

This section announces that the former editor of UFO-Nyt has compiled a collection of complete annual volumes from 1958 to 2003, totaling 45 years or 255 issues. These are being sold as a complete set for 3,800 DKK plus postage. Interested buyers are directed to contact Kim Møller Hansen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing Pentagon UFO investigation, the role of To The Stars Academy (TSAAS) and its key figures like Tom DeLonge and Luis Elizondo, the analysis of UAP videos (GIMBAL, GO FAST, Tic-Tac), and the skeptical examination of claims regarding 'meta-materials' and alleged alien technology. The editorial stance is critical and skeptical, questioning the transparency and motives of organizations involved in UFO disclosure, particularly highlighting financial interests and the potential for a 'media circus' and 'money-making machine' surrounding ufology. The article emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and the need for verifiable evidence, contrasting sensational claims with more grounded, skeptical perspectives.