Department of Air File 159.2.304: Parliamentary Question re Flying Saucers

This document file (159.2.304) from the Australian Department of Air concerns a parliamentary question raised by Mr. Downer, MP, regarding 'flying saucers' in 1953. The file contains correspondence between the Air Member for Technical Services and the Minister of State for Air, W. McMahon, as well as an extract from Hansard dated November 20, 1953. The Air Member for Technical Services provides a technical assessment, distinguishing between the popular concept of mysterious missiles from outer space—which he notes have not been confirmed—and the technical concept of a 'flying saucer' shape. He suggests that such shapes might offer advantages in controlling aircraft at supersonic speeds because the centre of pressure does not shift as significantly as it does on conventional aircraft. He mentions that Wing Commander Wood, an expert in aerodynamics, assisted in this assessment. The document also references the Avro Canada Omega as a potential, though not fully realized, design. In the parliamentary record, Minister McMahon acknowledges that while the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Canadian Air Force have received numerous reports, the phenomena remain unidentified. He suggests that some sightings may be optical illusions following meteorites. He concludes that while it is theoretically possible to build a circular aircraft using ram jet engines, there is no immediate need for such development.