[BLANK] radar-visual unidentified-object report — February 1949

Many sightings by qualified and apparently reliable witnesses have been reported. Type of object observed 2. Vicinity in which particular type of object was observed 3. Direction of flight (b) Locations of guided missiles, research and related centers (c) Locations of airlines, airfields, both military and commercial. (d) Locations of radio beacon stations (e) Known or projected radar stations from which reports and assistance may be derived (f) Meteorological stations from which balloon release data, radiosonde or theodolite readings may be obtained (g) Past, current, and projected celestial phenomena (h) Flight path of migratory birds - 1 - UNCLASSIFIED S-11750 --- --- UNCLASSIFIED Psychological Analysis A psychological analysis of the reported data is being pre- pared by Aero-medical Laboratory, A.M.C., for the purpose of de- termining those incidents that are probably based upon errors of the human mind and senses. The condition of "vertigo", well known to airplane pilots, as well as others, is considered to be an important factor in some of the reported incidents. "Vertigo" is defined from a medical viewpoint by Webster's Dictionary as "Dizziness or swim- ming of the head; a disturbance in which objects, though stationary, appear to move in various directions, and the person affected finds it difficult to maintain an erect posture. It may result from change in the blood supply of the brain or from disease of the blood, eyes, ears, stomach, or other organs." Accelerations, resulting from airplane maneuvers, together with spaoe-orientation difficulties at night and in heavy clouds, due to the lack of or strangeness of visual references, makes a condition of "vertigo" more likely to appear in personnel in night-flying aircraft than under more normal conditions. While this work has not yet been completed, Professor Hynek has reported verbally that he is satisfied that a number of the re- ported observations represent astro-physical phenomena. Langmuir in an effort to supplement present technical efforts toward iden- tifying the reported objects. Inasmuch as various surmises have been advanced that some of the reported observations may have represented "space ships" or satellites vehicles, a special study has been initiated with the Rand Corporation, under the Rand Project, to provide an analysis from this standpoint and also to provide fundamental information, pertaining to the basic design and performance characteristics that might distinguish a possible "space ship." As a preliminary undertaking, the Rand Project has submitted a study by Dr. Here is the output of all the text found in the document as if processed by OCR: UNCLASSIFIED Considerations Affecting Analysis and Evaluation OPERATIONAL Inasmuch as there is a distinct possibility that a number of the reported incidents represent domestic projects of a secur- ity-classified nature, the list of incidents has been submitted to higher echelons for review. Since weather balloons, blimps, airplanes of unusual size or configuration, and guided missiles test vehicles may represent some of the observed objects, all branchles[s] have to submit information to one of the vehicles and flights of such craft from the appropriate agencies. Ordnance Items While this analysis considers the reported objects largely from the standpoint of aircraft with requirements for speed and substantial duration of flight and range; it is entirely possible that the configurations reported in small sizes could serve as very useful ordnance items to take the place of (or supplement) such short-range weapons of ground (infantry) warfare as the trench mortar, hand grenades, etc. Supporting case details: Reported craft or object: Light Formation Reported special objects or artifacts: Radar system; Binoculars or telescope Physical traces or material: Radar data or reported radar return associated with [BLANK] radar-visual unidentified-object report — February 1949 Electromagnetic or instrument effects: Radar or sensor detection Institutional response / aftermath: Government or official action