Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Comments on 00-B-90229, Sighting of Unconventional Aircraft
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AI-Generated Summary
This memorandum assesses a sighting report (00-B-90229), concluding the object was likely not a 'flying saucer' but possibly a missile or zero-length rail launch. It also references the 1954 Scientific Advisory Board's evaluation of 'Project Y'.
This memorandum, addressed to the Director of Central Intelligence from the Assistant Director of Scientific Intelligence, Herbert Scoville, Jr., provides an assessment of a sighting report referenced as 00-B-90229. The document notes that the lighting and distance conditions during the sighting made identification of the object extremely difficult. Based on the description provided, the object's behavior—specifically its spiraling motion upon leaving the launcher—is inconsistent with a vertical take-off aircraft. Instead, the characteristics suggest a missile or aircraft launched from a zero-length rail, an action that would typically be accompanied by visible flame and smoke. The memorandum further references a 1954 evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Board to the Chief of Staff, USAF, which established an ad hoc committee to investigate 'Project Y'. This committee concluded that several factors, such as payload and drag, had been overlooked in previous developments, and recommended against further support for the project, noting that current Air Force research was focused on vertical thrust rather than the 'flying saucer' concept.
The very small amount of details given in the referenced report does not permit an identification of the object sighted. It does, however, tend to indicate that it was not a "flying saucer".
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Official Assessment
The report does not permit an identification of the object sighted. It does, however, tend to indicate that it was not a 'flying saucer'.
The object's behavior, specifically the spiraling motion upon leaving the launcher, does not fit well with a vertical take-off aircraft. The description is more consistent with a missile or aircraft launched from a zero-length rail, which would typically produce significant flame and smoke.
Key Persons
- Herbert Scoville, Jr.Assistant Director, Scientific Intelligence