PROJECT BLUE BOOK

K243.6012-301 7-3745-415
5 May 1966 +
1003855
RETURN TO USAF Historical Archives
ASI(ASHAF-A) Maxwell AFB, Ala 36112
•

• •
1500
1 Total UFO Sightings
A Number of UFO's Explained
1000
9-987
N JO IQCN
500
1947 1950 1955 1960 1965
FIGURE 1 UFO Sightings by Year

. UFO sightings; Jacques Vallee, author of Anatomy of a Phenomenon, has
10/
After l800, sightings became more
umented, both in the public and professional press. The explanations
increasingly
a relation, between natural phenomena, cannot be
adequately understood on the basis of introspection,
speculation or superstition, but speculation rstitionbut reauires investigetio require vestigation.
The methods and techniques of investigatior re what
• we mean by science. l1/
Identification of Flying Objects (versus UFOs)
To evaluate UFO sightings, the Air Force has established categories
12/
of identification,
conversion of an unider
Aircraft -- evaluations are made on the basis of des-
cription and flight characteristics. Essential
performance elements are delineated for conventional,
jet, photo, and advertising aircraft; helicopters,
and refueling missions.

LRS-8
YEARLY NUMBER OF I ORTS -- 1815-1915
141
12
10
∞
6
4 4 7
2 2 MW WM
AMM
1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910
•
Figure 2
Chart reproduced with permission of Henry Regnery Company, from
Anatory of a Ph menon by Jacques Vallee (Chicago, 1965), following
p. 116.
1

object
13/
or its motion cannot correlated objec r phenomenon."
• especially demanding because:
The attempted identification of the phenomena observed
is generally derived from human impressions and inter-
pretations and not from scientific devices or measure-
ments. 14/
The French
analyze the evidence already gathered in way that we neither pre-
15/
suppose nor preexclude any possible conclusion."
U.S. GOVERNMENT MONITORING OF UFO ACTIVITY
As the result of the flurry of sightings throughout the United States
following 's observation of several disc-shaped letter

•
reports studied, "no .
existence of unidenti objects as new and unknown types of
18
aircraft."
the conclusions reach
was that the +hmoot security of the United
objects.
instrument for "inves-
20/
In March, 1952, the Air Force project name became "Project Blue
Project Blue Book are twofold: first,
to determine whether UFOs pose a threat to the security
of the United States; and second, to determine whether

visit the scene of
the incident, and submit a further report.
Since 1955, Project Blue Book continues to investigate only those
some within the continental 22/
Consultants Provide Expertise in Many Areas
In the day-to-day treatment of UFO sightings, the Air Force team
utilizes the
23/
Figure 3 ).
also, the staffs of scientific magazines (Sky and Telescope, etc.) are

LRS-12
Figure 3: REPOM ING, ING, AND ANALYZIN UFO SIGHTINGS
UFO
SIGHT ING
J
FIRST
REPORT
PRIVATE UFO 12 STATE & LOCAL MILITARY
NEWS MEDIA LAW OFFICERS SERVICE OR
ORGANIZAT IONS
AND PUBLIC FEDERAL
OFFICIALS GOVERNMENT
x
AERIAL PHENOMENA AERIAL PHENOMENA
BRANCH, WRIGHT-
PATTERSON AIR PATTERSON AIR
PUBLIC PUBLIC FORCE BASE, OHIO FORCE BASE, OHIO
T
WITNESSES
1
RADAR AIR TRAFFIC
SPECIALISTS CONTROLLERS
3
FAA, NASA, INVESTIGATION LOCAL AIR
OTHER GOVT. COMPILATION FORCE E BASE
AGENCIES ANALYSIS INVESTIGATOR
PHOTO ARMY,
SPECIALISTS NAVY
CONSULTANTS
4

.
-
Point Magu (Calif.), Wallops Island involved
in special exercises.
Kodak Co., handle the
photographic reports. Physical specimens suspected of connection with
•
-
and certain academic groups (e.g., Northwestern S University Department
of Geology).

the late Robertson (Califor-
Technology). This five-man panel me during the week of .
The
the United States. It further recommended that
attached to the subject. News r attached to the subject. N releases and all matters dealing with the
public would be handled by the handled by the Office of Office of Information at Information at the Secretary
24/
level.
Air Force Regulation 200-2
•
information to the gen-
eral public.
This regulation established the UFo Program to
investigate end analyze UFO's over the United
States. Such investigation and analysis are
directly related to Air Force responsibility for
A questionnaire (see Appendix B) was prepared for use in documenting
sightings of unidentified i aerial phenomenon, entitled mU. S Air Force

Special Report No. 14
4 by the
. in a standardized, carefully structured form. A procedure then was devel-
oped for reducing the data use in four
major steps:
1) a systematic listing of the factors necessary to
evaluate the observer and his report, and to identify
the unknown object observed
2) a standard scheme for tl
mechanized computation system
3) an orderly means
subsequent forms
4)
data. Key terminology then was agree -
referring to the actual sighting, and referring to the
28/
assumed n number of phenomena.
tistical treatment has been cons critical. The standardized
procedure in Special Report No. 14 featured:

TI
• Director S
UG 633 Maxwell AFB, Alaba ATTN: Archives Branc Aerospace Studies Ins K243.6012-30
May 1966
THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE SERVICE
FACTS ABOUT UNIDENTIFIED FLYING CBJECTS
.
SMC S
MC
0
0
•
Robert L. Chartrand
Specialist in Science and Technology
Scienc licy Research Division
Assisted By:
William F. Brown
Analyst in Science and Technology
Science Policy Research Division
May 5, 1966
Washington, D.C.
1003855 7-3745-415

persons (two from the A .
in order to maximize objectivity and
data.
Menzel and Boyd:
ivestigator tries always to
distinguish sharply between an observed fact, which is •
evidence, and an interpretation of that fact, which is
31/
further
S the informa-
should be very clearly separated, and
22/
separate codes should be used."
To best analyze sighting data on unidentified aerial objects, Special
Report No. 14 declares that the Air Force should engage in a "systematic

• .
ious classes of UF0s. Of the 434 object sightings identified as "Un-
knowns", only 12 were described in enough that they could serve that t they could serve
34
S Other
the reported UFOs in the reported UFOs in these four categories.
35/
These 12 sightings could be placed in four categories on the
basis of basis of their shapes: their shapes:
•

• •
LRS-13
.
Figure 4- Propeller Shape
Figure 5 Figure 6
Aircraft Shapes

. 1
LRS-19
Windshield-
.
Figure 7
Lighted Windows
•
=
Figure 8
Cigar Shapes

.
LR3-2C
Flashing light
Figure 9
•
-
Portholes
Figure 10
Elliptical Disc Shapes

•
Figure 11
.
•
(Side View)
Figure 12
Elliptical or Disc Shapes

lack of any valid evidence of physical matter in any
case of a reported unidentified aerial object. 36/ •
Ad Hoc Committee of USAF Scientific Advisory Board
Advisory
Project Blue Book, at the request of N Maj. Gen. E. B. LeBailly, Secretary
37/
Information. After reviewing the findings
briefings by Air Force Project
selected case histories
38/
Finally,
was sighted
that unidentified flying objects are a threat
29/
recommendations for strengthening the project staff, contracting with a

civilian requests
I
Force Intelligence (DcS/Operations). I
tember 16, 1957, the Science Board was briefed on the status
ducted during January, 1958, for the Senate Committee on Government
43/
Operations (Hon. John L. MeClellan, chairman).
of the House Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration (Hon.
44/
John W. McCormack, chairman).
Congress-
45/
status report on rogram.

47/
of the cases reported to the Air
Force have
C
48/
have no radar cases .
-
related to UFO sightings. The great majority of UFOs have been identified
as known objects or natural conditions. I In no instance has the Air
the existence of life in outer space. Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker, author L
It is important to state once again that the United
States Air Force does not deny the possibility that
life could exist on other planets or in other solar
systems, or that conditions for life as we know it on

purport have made ontact with those whom they
call the space people ither by physical means or
utilization of mysteriou i mystical techniques
which are never subject t objective scientific analy-
Dr. Carl Jung, the psych that despite the mass
of observational data which has been accrued, reality of
UFOs remained a problematical matter."
The longer the uncertainty lasted, the greater became
the probability that this obviously complicated phenomenon
- m
lect UFO publish 'the truth' allegedly suppressed by
53/
ment s sources." Some of these groups s maintain extensive edata files,

• .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION 4
THLE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING CBJECT 4
Description of Various Types 5
Trends in UFO Activity 5
Historical Sightings of Aerial Phenomena 7
Identification of Flying Objects (versus UFO's) 7
• U. S. GOVERNMENT MONITORING OF UFO ACTIVITY 9
Air Force Establishes a Special Project 10
Special Studies of UFO's 14
Special Briefings on UFO Activity Special Briefings on Activity 23
PUBLIC REACTION TO UFO's 25
FOCTNOTES 27
APPENDICES
A - Air Force Regulation 200-2 A- Air Force. Regulation 2o0-
• B - U. S. Air Force Technical Information
C - Biographical Information
D- Unidentified Flying Objects: Selected
Bibliography

or censor any
55/
information pertaining to this unclassified program." -- Recommenda-
56/
inten-
sive, comprehensive ted facets of UFO activity. facets
•
V
.

2 Ibid,p.
3. Jacques Val lee, Anatomy of a Phenomenon (Chicago, Henry Regnery
Co., 1765), pp. 3948.
14 'roject Blue Book, Special Report No. 14 (Analysis of Reports of
Unidentified Aerial Objects), (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Chio: Air Technical Intelligence Center, May 5, 1955), p. 1.
5. roject_BLUE BOOK (February 1, 1966), p. 1.
• 6. Carl Sagan, "Unidentified reprint from The Ency-
clopedia Americana
7 Donald H. Menzel and Lyle G. Boyd, The World of Flying Saucers
(New York: Doubleday & Company, 1963), p. 6.
8. Ibid., pp. 7, 9.
Sagan, op. cit., p. 1.
9. Sagan, op. cit., P. 3.
10. Vallee, op. cit., p. 5.
11. 11. Lee Loevinger, "Jurimetrics--The Next Lee Loevinger, "Jurimetrics--The Next Step Forward," Minnesota Law
Review, 194 Review, 1949, 33:455.
• 12. Project BLUE BOOK, op. cit., pp. l-3.
Special Report No. 14, op. cit
13. Project BLUE BOOK, op. cit., p. 2.
1/40 Lt. Colonel Lawrence J. Tacker, Flying Saucers and the U.S. Air Force
Company, 1960), p. 154.
15. Vallee, op. cit., p. 81.
16. "The Unidentified Flying Object rogram," U.S. Air Force summary out-
line prepared by Project
17. Ibid., p. 2.
18. I Ibid., p.2.

22 Ibid., p.40
23" "The Unidentified Flying Object Program," op. cit., Pp. 4-6.
240 Flying Objec
250 Department of
(Washington, D.C. ,p.1.
26. Department of the Air Force, U.S. Air Force Technical Information
(FTD Form 164), Octob (FTD Form 164), October 196 62,pp. 1-5. 2,pp.1-5.
27. 27 Special Report No. 14, op. Special Report No. 14, op. cit
28.I Ibid., pp. 6, 9.
29. 29. 9 Special Report No. 14, op. cit., p. 10.
30. Ibid., p. 10. Ibid., p. 10.
31. Menzel and Boyd, op. cit., p. 4.
32. Vallee, op. cit., p. 103.
33. Special Report No. 14, op. cit., P. 14. •
34. I Ibid., pp. 76-78.
35. I Ibid., pp. 78-91.
36.
37. Report of the USAF Scientific
Advisory Board Ad Hoc Committee Projec Book,'"
. March 1966, p. 1.
38. Ibid., p. 2.
39. Ibid., p. 2.
40. I Ibid., pp. 2-4.

LRS-29
41. "UrO Sightings Study Ordered" (headline), The Washington Post,
April 22, 1966, p. A4.
1.2. "The Unidentified Program," op. cit., p. 3.
4.3. Ibid., P. 3.
44..I Ibid., p. 3.
145. Ibid., p. 4.
46. U.S. Congress. House Committee on Armed Services, Unidentified
47. Ibid., p. 6072. .
48. Ibid., pp. 6072-6073.
• 49. Tacker, op. cit., p. 47.
50. Hon. Edgar W. Hiestand, The Congressional Record, July 15, 1959
eit., p. A6833.
51. C. J. Jung, Flying C.J. Jung, Flying Saucers, A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Saucers, A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the
Skies (London: Routledge & (London: Routle Kegan Paul, 1959) p. xiii. p. xiii.
52. Sagan, op. cit., p. 8. Sagan, op. cit., p. 8.
53. Menzel and Boyd, op. 275.
54. Ibid., p. 278.
55. Project BLUE BOOK, op. cit., p. 4. Project BLUE BOOK, op. cit.. p.
• 56. Ibid., pp. 2-4.

AFR 260-2
AIR FORCE REGU ION EPARTMENT OF TIE AIR FORCE
NO.200-2 Washington, 20 July 1962
Intelligence Activities
UFO)
This regulation este 's over the United
States. Such in ectly related to responsibility jor the
defense of the Unitcd tes. The U provides for the prompt re ing and rapid
identification ncede successful "id lentification," which is the second of the jour phuses
of air defensedoiection, identification, interception, and destruction. Al commanders will
comply strictly with this regulation.
SECTION A-GENERAL Paragraph
Explanation of T 1
Objectives. 2
Responsibilitics
Guidance.. ∞+0
Reporting UFO I
SECTION B--PUBI ASES
Mnintaining Public Relat
• Releasing Information.
Exceptions
Release by Non-Air Force Sources.
Contacts..
SECTION C-PREP -PREI REPORTS EPORTS
Gencral Information Gencral Information. 11
Methods for Transmitting Reports 12
Where To Submit Reports. Where To Submit Reports 13
Basic Reporting Data and Format. 14
Negative or Inapplicable Data 15
Comments of Preparing Officer 16
Classification Classification. 17
Reporting Physical Evidence. 18
SECTION A-GENERAL SECTION A--GENERAL for reports of "unknown" aircraft, which should
1. Explanation of Terms. To insure proper and 1. Explanation of Terms. To insure proper and not be reported as UFO's under this regulation. not be reported as UF
uniform usage in UF uniform usage in UFC screenings, investigations, ereenings, investigations, (3) Aircraft flares, jet exhausts, condensa- (3) Aircraft fares, jet exhausts, condcnsa-
and reportings, an explanation of the objects and reportings, an explanation of he objects tion trails, blinking or steady lights observed at tion trails, blinking or steady lights observed at
follows: night, lights circling or near airports and air-
a. Familiar or known objects: ways, and other phenomcna or objects known
. to be emanating from, or to be indications of,
(1) Aircraft, balloons, kites, birds, search- aircraft. These should not be reported under
lights, astronomical bodies (meteors, planets, this regulation, as they do not fall within the
stars, comets), pilotless aircraft, missiles, satel- definition of a UFO.
lites in orbit, and others identified by the ob- b. Unidentified Flying Objects. Any aerial
server as normal appearing objects. phenomena, airborne object or objects which are
(2) Flying objects determined to be air- unknown or appear out of the ordinary to the
craft. These generally appear esult of ADIZ observer because of performance, aerodynamic
violations and often prompt the UFO reports characteristics, or unusual features.
submitted by the general public. They are read-
ily identifiable as, or known to be, aircraft, but 2. Objectives. Air Force interest in UFO's is
their type, purpose, origin, and destination are three-fold. First, as a possible threat to the se-
unknown. Air Defense Command is responsible curity of the United States and its forces; sec-
This regulation supersedes AFR 200-2, 14 September 1959, as amended.
OPI: AFCIN
DISTRIBUTION: S

Force must have the latest experimental and de- evaluate:
velopmental information on new or unique air
vehicles or weapons. (1) Infornation and evidence reportei
The possibility exists that forcign within the United States after the investigators
countries may develop air vehicles of revolu- of the responsible Air Force base nearest the
sighting have exhausted their efforts to identify
tionary configuration or propulsion. the UFO.
3There is need for further scientific (2) Information and evidence collected in
knowledge in such fields as geophysics, astron- oversea areas.
omy, and physics of the upper atmosphere which
the study and analysis of UFO's and similar EXCEPTION: The AFSC (FTD), independ-
aerial phenomena may provide. ently or in participation with pcrtinent Air
(4) The reporting of all pertinent factors Force activitics, may conduct any additional
will have a dircet bearing on scientific analyses investigations neccssary to further or conclude
and conclusions of UFO sightings. its analyses or findings.
c. Reduction of Percentage of UFO "Uniden- d. Findings. AFSC (FTD) will prepare a final
tifieds." Air Force activities must reduce the per- report on each sighting after collection and anal-
centage of unidentifieds to the minimum. Analy- ysis of data, and will forward a copy of the re- ysis of data, and will forward a copy of the re-
port to HQ USAF (AFCIN). LOHOIISALEXA
sis thus far has explained all ut a few of the
sightings reported. These unexplained sightings e. Public Relations and Injormation Services.
are carried statistically as unidentifieds. If more The Office of Information, Office of the Secretary
immediate, detailed, objective data on the un- of the Air Force, will be responsible for re-
knowns had been available, probably these, too, leasing information on sightings, and, in coordi-
could have been explained. However, because of nation with AFSC (FTD), answering corre-
the human factors involved, and the fact that spondence from the public regarding UFO's. (See
analyses of UFO sightings depend primarily on paragraphs 7 and 8.)
the personal impressions and interpretations of f. Congressional Inq ice of Leg-
the observers rather than on accurate scientific islative Liaison will:
data or facts obtained under controlled condi-
tions, the elimination of all unidentifieds is im- (1) In coordination with the AFSC (FTD)
probable. and/or the Office of Information, when n neces-
sary, answer all congressional mail regarding
3. Responsibilities: UFO's addressed to the Secretary of the Air
a. Reporting. Base commanders will report all Force and Headquarters USAF.
information and evidence of sightings, in- 2) Forward those inquiries which are sci-
cluding information and evidence rece ve from entific and technical to the FTD for informa-
other services, Government agencies, and tion on which to base a reply The FTD will re-
2

10. Contacts. Private individuals initially reported clectrically, if so requcsted by
or organiza- AFSC(FTD).
tions desiring Air Force interviews, bricfings,
lectures, or private discussions on UFOs will 13a(④). Change "AFCIN" to "AFNIN."
be instructed to direct thcir requests to the
(Office of Information, Office of the Seerctary of 13b. Written Reports. Submit all lctter reports
the Air Force. Air Force personnel, other than (basic letters and followup or complete reports) (basic letters followup or olete reports)
designated investigators (see paragraph 3b) and direct to AFSC (FTD), Wright-Patterson AFB, direct to FTD), Wright-Patterson AFB,
those of the Office of Information, will not con- Ohio, 45433. AFSC (FTD) will distribute the Ohio, 45433. AFSC (IFTD) will distribute the
tact private individuals on UFO cases, nor will reports to interested intelligence activitics in the reports to interested intelligence activities in the
thcy discuss their operations and functions with they discuss their operations and functions with United States and to the Office of Information, United States and to the Office of Information,
unauthorized persons, unless so directed, and then if necessary.
only on a need-to-know basis. 13b(1). Delete. 13b(1). Delete.
lla. Change references to paragra 13b(2). Delete.
to "1 and 4."
llc. Change references to paragraphs 1lc. Change references parag "7, 8,9, 16. Change reference to paragraph 1"5" to "4." "5" to "4."
and b(2)" to 18. Change 18. Chan TDEW." DEW."
By ORDeR oF the SEcReTaRY of the AIR FoRce
.
OFFICIAL CURTIS E. LeMAY
Chief of Staff
R. J. PUGH
Colonel, USAF
Director of Administrative Services
DISTRIBUTION: S
U. B. GOVERNNENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1964
Reproduced by Library of
Reference Service May 1966

USAF, and the Air Defense Command have a
attention are the observer's age, occupation, and direct and immediate interest in the facts per-
education, and whether his occupation involves taining _to UFO's reported within the United
observation reporting or technical knowledge. States. All Air Force activities will conduct UFO
A report stating that a witness is completely fa- investigations to the extent nccessary for their
miliar with certain aspects of a sighting should required reporting action (see paragraphs 14, 15,
indicate his or her specific qualifications. and 16). No activity should carry an investiga-
b. Theodolite measurements of changes or tion beyond this point, unless the preparing offi-
azimuth, and clevation and angular size. azimuth, and clevation and angular size. cer believes the magnitude (intelligence signifi-
cance or public cance or public relations aspects) of the case relations aspects of the case
c. Interception, identification, or air search, if warrant full scale investigation. The officcr may
approprinte and within the scope of air defense approprinte and wi thin the scope of air defense contact the FTD of AFSC (CLearwater 3-7111,
regulations. ext 69216/66378) at Wright-Patterson Air Force
d. When feasible, contact with local aircraft Base, Ohio, to obtain verbal authority for con-
control and warning (ACW) units, and with tinued investigation.
pilots and crews of aircrait aloft at the time
and place of sighting. Aiso, contact with any SECTION B-PUBLIC RELATIONS,
other persons or organizations that may have INFORMATION, CONT CTS, AND
factual data on the UFO or can offer corrobo- RELEASES
rating evidence--visual, electronic, or other.
e. Consultation with military or civilian 6. Muintaining Public Relations. The Office of
weather forecasters for data on tracks of weather Information is responsible for:
balloons released in the area and any unusual a. In coordination with the AFSC (FTD)
metcorological activity which may have a bear- when necessary, maintaining contact with the
ing on the UFO. public and the press on all aspects of the UFO
i. Consultation with navigators and astrono- program and its related activities.
mers in the arca to determine whether any as-
tronomical body or phenomenon would account b. Releasing information on UFO sightings
for the sighting. and results of investigations.
g. Contact with inilitary and civilian tower c. Periodically releasing information on this
operators, air operations units, and airlines to subject to the general public.
3

follows of the general sou ocs of re-
8. Exceptions. In response to local inquiries re- ports:
garding any UFO reported in the vicinity of an (1) Gencrally, initial UFO reports originate
Air Force base, the commander of the base con- from two sources:
cerned may relcase information to the press or a) Civilian irline, private, and pro-
the general public only after positive identifica- fessional pilots, tower operators, technical per-
tion of the sighting as a familiar or known ob-
ject. The commander must exercise care not to eral), by correspondence, telephone or personal
reveal any classified aspects of the sighting or interview;
names of persons making reports. (Sce paragraph (b) Military units and personnel (pilots,
17.) If the sighcing is unexplainable or difficult observers, radar operators, aircraft control and
to identify, because of insufficient information or warning units, etc.), by telephone, clectrical mes-
inconsistencies, the only statement to be released sage, or personal interview;
is the fact that the sighting is under investiga-
tion and information regarding it will be avail- () Generally, UFO reports received from
able at a later date. After completion of inves- civilian sources are of two types:
tigative action, the commander may release the (a) Those referring strictly to an ob-
fact that the AFSC (FTD) will review and an- served UFO, containing either detailed or meager
alyze the results of the investigation. He will information;
then refer any further inquiries to the local Office (b) Those referring only in part to an
of Information. observed UFO, but primarily requesting infor-
men, writers, publishers, or private individuals public relations or information service category
desire to release unofficial information concern- (sce paragraphs 7, 8, 9, and b(2) above) are of
ing a UFO sighting, Air Force activities will primary interest to the Office of Information.
inake every effort to assure that the statements, UFO data sufficient for investigation and/or
theories, opinions, and allegations of these indi- analysis may be extracted before referral to that
viduals or groups are not associated with or office.
represented as official information.
10. Contacts. Private individuals or organiza- 12. Methods for Transmitting Reports:
tions desiring Air Force interviews, briefings, a. Together with any necessary screenings and
lectures, or private discussions on UFO's will di- investigations preparator reporting, report
rect their requests to the Office of Information, all information on promptly. Electrical
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Air Force transmission with a precedence is au-
personnel, other than those of the Office of In- thorized for reports under 3 days from date of
formation, will not contact private individuals sighting. Electrically transmitted reports over
on UFO cases, nor wili they discuss their oper- 3 days old should carry a "Routine" precedence.
ations and functions with unauthorised persons
unless so directed, and then only on a "need-to- b. Submit written reports of sightings over 3
know" basis. days old on AF Form 112, "Intelligence Report,"
4

rado server(s) to the object(s)?
(2) Nearest Air Division (Defense) (For (2) Angle or elevation and azimuth of ob-
• United States only) ject (s) when first observed.
3 Air Force Systems Comnmand, Foreign (3) Angle or elevation and azimuth of ob-
Technology ject (s) upon disappearance.
Ohio (4) Description of flight path and manen-
vers of object (s).
25 DC (5 How did the object(s) disappear? (In-
(5) Secretary of t the Air Force (SAFOI), stantancousiy to the North, etc.)
Wash 25 DC low long (were)the object(s) visible?
b.Written Reports (Basic (Basic letters and AF letters and AF (Be specific, 5 minutes, 1 hour, etc.)
Form 112):
(1) Basic Letters. Submit all letter reports (1) Basic Letters. Submit all letter r reports c. Manner of Observation:
direet to the AFSC (FTD). The AFSC (FTD) direet to the AFSC (FTD). The AFSC (FTD) (1) Use one or any combination of tic fol- (1) Use one or any combination of tie fol-
O will distribute the reports to interested Intelli- will distribute the reports to interestcd Intelli- lowing items: Ground-visual, air-visual, ground-
gence activities in the United States and to the electronic, air-electronic. (If clectronic, specify electronic, air-electronic. (If electronic, specify
Office of Iniormation, if nccessary. type of radar.)
(2) AF Form 112. Submit original report, (2) Statement as to optical aids (telescopes. (0)
as preseribed in "Intelligence Collection Instruc- binoculars, ete.) used and description thercof.
0 tion (ICI)," June 1954, dircct to HQ USAF
(AFCIN) Wash 25 DC, and a copy to AFSC (3) If the sighting occurred while air-borne,
(FTD). give type of aireraft, identification number, alti-
tude, heading, speed, and home station.
c. Reports from Civilians. Where possible, ad-
contemplating reporting d. Time and Date of Sighting:
UFO's to submit the report, for processing and (1) Zulu time-date group of sighting.
transmission, to the ncarest Air Force base.
(2) Light conditions. (Use onc of the follow-
14. Basic Reporting Data and Format. Show ing terms: Night, day, dawn, dusk.)
the abbreviation "UFO" at the beginning of the e. Location of Observer(s). Give exact lati-
text of all clectrieal reports and in the subject observer, and/or
of written reports. Include the required data in tude and longitude of
all reports, in the order shown below: geographical position. In electrical reports, give
a position with reference to a known landmark
a. Description of the Object(s): also, such as "2mi N of Deeville"; "3mi SW of
(1) Shape. Blue Lake." Typographical errors or "garbling"
often occur in electrically transmitted messages,
(2) Size compared to a known object (use making location plots difficult or impossible.
5

3
of Representatives. The essential 1 S elements of his report are included
for handling UFO sighting information.
Public awareness of unusual 2 objects commenced in 1947,
•
established to analyze such reports, 9,501 objects have been identi-
satellites, balloons, aircraft, and other known causes. T This study
is concerned with those sightings in which the flying object remained
unidentified; i.e., in which the information available to the investi-
ES
tion suggests

() Report from nearest AWS or U. S. and who may arrive too late to obtain vital data
Weather Bureau Office of wind direction and or the missing iniormation necessary tor firm
velocity in degrees and knots at surface, 6,o00', conclusions.
10,000, 16,000', 20,000', 30,000', 50,000', and
80,000',if available. 17. Classification. Do not classify reports un-
Ceiling. less data requested in paragraph 14 require classi-
fication. Classily reports primarly to protect:
(4) Visibility.
a. Names of sources reporting UFO's and
(5) Amount of cloud cover. other principals involved,  so requested by these
(6) Thunderstorms in area and quadrant in persons or considered necessary:
which located. b. Intelligence, investigative, intercept, or ana-
(7)Vertical temperature gradient. lytical methods or procedures;
h. Any other unusual activity or condition, c. Location of radar and other classified sites,
mcteorological, astronomical, or otherwise, which units, and equipment;
might account for the sighting. might account for the sighting. d. Information on certain types, characteris-
i..Interception or identification action taken i..Interception or identification action taken tics, and capabilities of classified aircrait, mis- tics, and capabilities of classified aircrait, mis-
(such action is authorized whenever feasible, and (such action is authorized wh whenever feasible, and siles, or devices that may be involved in the
in compliance with existing air defense direc- in compliance with existing air defense direc- sighting.
tives). 18. Reporting Physical Evidence. Report
j. Location, approximate altitude, and general promptly the existence of physical promptly the existence of physical evidence
direction of flight of any air traic or balloon direction of flight of any air trafic or balloon (photographic or material) Mark all physical (photographic or material). Mark all physical
releases in the area which might possibly account releases in the area which might possibly account evidence forwarded to the AFSC (FTD) for the
for the sighting. for the sighting attention of TD-E, Aerial Phenomcna Branch.
k. Position title and comments of the prepar- a. Photographic.
ing officer, including his preliminary analysis of
the possible cause of the sighting(s). (See para- () Still Photographs. Forward the negative
graph 16.) and two prints. Title the prints and the negatives.
or indicate the place, tine, and date of the inci-
1. Existence of physical evidence, such as ma- dent.
terials and photographs. (2) Motion Pictures. Obtain the original
15. Negative or Inapplicable Data. Even though film. Examine the film strip for apparent cuts,
the source does not provide, or an interviewer alterations, obliterations, or dcfects. In the re-
has not asked for specific information, do not use port comment on any irregularities, particularly
the words "ncgative" or "unidentified" before those received from other than official sources.
exhausting all logical leads to obtain the informa- 3Supplemental Photographic Injorma-
tion outlined under paragraph 14. For example, tion. Negatives and prints often are insufficient
inforination on wcather conditions in the area, to provide certain valid data or to permit firm
as requcsted in paragraph I4g, is obtainable from conclusions. (See AFM 200-9--a classified docu-
the local military or civilian weather facility. ment receiving limited distribution.) Information
Use thc phrase "not applicable (N/A)" only that will aid in plotting or in estimating dis-
when the question does not apply to the particu- tances, apparent size and nature of objcct, prob-
lar sighting under investigation. able velocity, and movements includes:
6

AFR 200-2
(a) Type and make of camnera, 95-7. Classify radarscope photographs in accord-
(b) Type, focal length, and make of lens, ance with Scction XII, AFR 205-1, 10 June 1960.
(c) Brand and type of film, NOTE: If possible, develop photographic film
(d) Shutter spced used, before forwarding. Mark any undeveloped film
(e) Lens opening uscd; that is, "f" stop, conspicuously to indicate this fact, to avoid de-
(f) Filters used, struction by exposure during examinations en
gWas tripod or solid stand used, route through mail channels to final addressees.
Was "panning" used,
(i) Exact direction camera was pointing b. Material. Ench Air Force echclon recciving
with relation to true north, and its angle with suspected or act ual UFO material will safcguard
respect to the ground. it in a manner to prevent any defacing or altera-
tions which might reduce its value for intelli-
(4) Othcr Camera Data. If supplemental gence exanination and analysis.
information is unobtainable, the minimum cam-
cra data required are the type of camera, and c. Photographs, Motion Pictures, and Nega-
the smallest and largest "f" stop and shutter- tives Submnitted by Individuals. Individuals often
speed readings of the camera. submit photographic and motion picture ma-
terial as part of their UFO reports. All original
(5) Radar. Forward two copics of each still- material submitted will be returned to the indi-
camera photographic print. Title radarscope vidual after completion of necessary studies,
photographic prints in accordance with AFR analyses, and duplication by thc Air Force.
By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force:
OFFICIAL: OFFIcIaL: CURTIS E. LeMAY CURTIS E. LeMAY
Chief of Staff
R.J. PUGH
Coloncl, USAF
Director of Administrative Services
•
7
U. . GOVERNMENT PRINTING OPPICE: 106S

APPEDIXB
U.S. AIR FORCE TECHNICAL1 INFORMATION
This questionnaire has been prepared so that you can give the U.S. Air Force as much
information as possible concerning the unidentified aerial phenomenon that you have obsorved.
Please try to answer as any questions as you possibly can. The information that you give will
be used for research purposes. Your name will not be used in connection with any statements,
conclusions, or publications without your permission. We request this personal information so
that if it is deemed necessary, we may contact you for further dotails.
1. When did you see the object? 2. Time of day:
Hour Minutes
(Circle One): A.M. or P.M.
Day Month Year
3. Time Zone:
(Circle One): a. Eastern (Circle One): a. Daylight Saving Daylight Saving
b. Central b. Standard
c. c. Mountain
d. d. Pacific
e. Other Other
4. Where were you when you saw the object? 4. Whore were you when you saw the object?
Nearest Postal Address Nearest Postal Address City or Town City or Town State or County
How long was object in sight? (Total Duration)
Hours Minutes Seconds
a. Certain c. Not very sure
b. Fairly certain d. Just a guess
5.1 How was time in sight determined?
5.2 Was object in sight continuously? Yes No_-
6. What was the condition of the sky?
X
DAY NIGHT
a. Bright a. Bright
b. Cloudy Cloudy
7. IF you sow the object during DAYLIGh where was the SUN located as you looked at the object?
(Circle One): In front of you . d. To your loft
b. In back of you e. Overhead
c. To your right f. Don't remember
FORM Reproduced by Library of Congress, Legislative Reference Service
FTD OCT 62 164 Thie form supersedes FTD 164, Jui 61, which is obsolete. May 1966

Poge 2
8. IF you saw the object at NlGh 4T, what did you notice corcerning the STARS and MOON?
8.1 STARS (Circle One): 8.2 MOON (Circle One ): 1 !
None a. Bright moonlight
b. A few b. Dull moonlight
c. Many c. No moonlight - pitch dark
Don't remember d. Don't remember
9. What were the weather conditions at the time you saw object?
CLOUDS (Circle On): WEATHER (Circle One):
a. Clear sky a. Dry
b. Hazy Fog, mist, or light rain
c. Scattered clouds Moderate or heavy rain
d. Thick or heavy clouds Snow
e. Don': remember
10. The object appeared: (Cirele One):
a. Solid d. As a light
b. Transparent . Don't remember
c. Vapor
(Circle One):
a. a. Brighter c. About the same
b. Dimmer b. Dimmer d. Don't know
11.1 Compare brightnass to some common object:
The edges of the obiect were:
(Circle Orie): a. Fuzzy or blurred c. Other
Like. bright star
c. Sharply outlined
d. Dor' remember
Did the object: (Circle One for each question)
a. Appear to stand still at any time? Yes No Don't know
b. Suddenly speed up and rush awoy at any time? Y'ms No Don't know
c. Break up into parts or exolode? Yrs No Dan't know
d. Give off smokn? Yas No Don't know
e. Change brightness? Yes No Don't know
f. Change shope? Yes No Don't know
9. Flash or flicker? Yes No Don't know
h. Disappear ond reappecr? Yes No Don't know

Poge 6
location.
Yes No
Circle One) Yes No
31.2 Please list their names and addresses:
32. Please give the following information about yourself: Please give the foliowing information about yourselt:
NAME
Last Name First Name Middle Name
ADDRESS
Street City Zone Stato State
TELEPHONE NUMBER TELEPHONE NUMBER AGE SEX
indicate any additional information about yourself, including any special experience, which might be pertinent.
33.When and to whom did you report that you had seen the object?
Day Month Year

Page 5
2. In the following sketch, imagine that you are at the point shown. Place an "A" on the curved line to show how
show how high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when
whon you first saw it. Place a "B'
90° 75°
60
30
15° 3W
SC
S C
Draw a picture that will show the motion that the object or objects made. Place an "A" at the beginning of th
path, a "B" at the end of the path, and sliun uny changes in direction during the course. path, a "B"" at the end ot the path, and sliun uny changes in direction during the course.
29. IF there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how many were there?
Draw a picture of how were arranged, and put an arrow to show the direction that they were traveling.
)

(Circle One) Yes No
21. Do you think you can estimate how far away from you the object was?
(Circle One) Yes No
it was?
22. Where were you located when you saw the object? 23. Were you (Circle One)
(Circle One):
a. In the business section of a city?
a. Inside a building b. In the residential section of a city?
b. In a car c. in open countryside?
C. Outdoors Near an airfield?
d. In an airplane (type) e. Flying over a city?
e. Ar sea At seo f. t. Flying over open country? Flyingover o
f. g. g. Other
24. IF you were MOViNG IN AN AUTOMOBILE or other vehicle of the time, then complete the following questions: 24. IF you were MOVING IN AN AUTOMOBILE or other vehicle of the time, then complete the following questions:
24.1 What direction were you moving? (Cirele One) 24.1 What direction were you moving? (Circle One)
a. North c. East c. East e. South g. g. West
b, Northeast Northeast d. d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest Northwest
24.2 24.2 How fast were you moving? How fast were you moving? - miles per hour. miles per hour.
24.3 Did you stop or any sime while you were looking at the object?
(Circle One) Yes No
25. Did you observe the abjeet through any of the following?
a. Eyeglasses Yes o. Binoculars No
b. Sun glasses Yes No f. Telescope Yes No
c. Windshield Yes No g. Theodolite Yes No
d. Window glass Yes No h. Other I
26. In order thar you can give as clear a picture as possible of what you saw, describe in your own words a common
object or objects which, when placed up in the sky, would give the same appearance as the object which you sow.

0 •
,Pngo 3
If so, how?
something at any time, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One): Yes No Don't Know. IF you answered YES, then tell what
it moved behind:
16. Did the object move in front of somethir at any time, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One): Yes No Don't Know. IF you answered YES, then tell wha
in front of:
Tell in a few words the following things about the object: .Tell in a few words the following things about the object:
a. Sound a. Sound
b. Color b. Color
We wish to know the angular size. Hold a match stick at arm's length in line with a known object and note how . We wish to know the angular size. Hold a match stick at arm's length in line with a known object and note how
much of the object is covered by the head of the match. If you had performed this experiment at the time of the
sighting, how much of the object would have been covered by the match head? sighting, how much of e object would have been covered by the match head? -
. Draw a picture that will show the shape of the object or objects. Label and include in your sketch any details
--- of the object that you saw such as wings, protrusions, etc., and especially exhaust trails or vapor trails.
Place an arrow beside the drawing to show the direction the object was moving.

0 •
Pege 7
. Date you comp stionnaire:
Day Month Yoer
:
II

of Unidentified Flying Object phenomena.
Dr. Donald Howard MENZEL Ph.D. in astrophysics from Princeton
University. Director of the Harvard Observatory and Professor
of Astronomy, and Paine Professor of Practical Astronomy.
Consultant to the Air Force on UFO cases involving Sun Dogs and
Parhelia.
#
Dr. Charles Pollard OLIVIER. Ph.D. in astronomy from Vanderbilt
University Formerly Director of r Observatory and Pro-
. fessor, University ennsylvania. President, American Meteor
Society.
Edward J. RUPPELT. (Deceased) Formerly head of Project Blue Book,
Aerial Phenomena Branch, Foreign Branch, Foreign Technology Technology Division, Air Force
Systems Command, W Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.
Research engineer Northro Northrc mpany. pany.
#
Dr. Carl SAGAN. Dr. Carl SAGAN. Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the
University of Chicago. Department tronomy, cronomy, Harvard Univer- Harvard Univer-
sity, and Smithsonian Astrophysical rvatory, vatory, Cambridge,
Massachusetts Massachusetts. Member of the panel traterrestrial life,
U.S. Air Force and National Research Council. U.S. Air Force and National Research Council.
Lawrence J. TACKER. Formerly Lt. Formerly Lt. Col. USAF. Col. USAF. Chief of Magazine and Chief of Magazine and
Book Branch, Books ecretary of tho the
Air Force.
•
Jacques VALLEE. Born and educated in France. University degree in
mathematics and astronomy. Consultant on NASA "Mars Map" project.
# Biographical data from American Men of Science, edited by Jacques
Cattell. Tempe, Arizona: Jacques Cattell Press, l0th edition,
1960. pp. 1939, 2742, 3030, 3516.

reported UFO's to the Armed Services Cormittee of the U. S. House
regarding the development of reporting and evaluation procedures
for handling UF ting information.
Public c awareness of unusual flying objects commenced in l947,
established to analyze such reports, 9,50l objects have been identi-
fied officially as bright stars and planets, comets and meteors,
I
is concerned with those sightings in which the flying object remained
unidentified; i.e., in which the information available to the investi-
tion suggests a - T

Menzel, Donald. Flying Cambridge, versity ress,
1953. 319 po
Menzel, Donald i and Lyle G. Boyd. The world of flying saucers; a sci-
entific examination of a major myth of the space age Garden
City, N. Y., I Doubleday & Co., 1963. 302 p.
Michel, Aime. The truth about flying saucers Translated from the
French by Paul Selver. New Yo Iterion Books, 19 56. 255 p.
Flying saucers and the straight-line mystery. New York,
Criterion Books. 1958
and technical observers. Books,
1957. 128 p
Project Blue Book. Special r report no. 1/ (analysis of reports of uniden-
tified aerial objects). Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, Air
Technical Intelligence Center,
Ruppelt, E. J. The report on unidentified flying New York
Doubleday &
Sagan, Carl. Unidentified Reprint
Americana, copyri
Tacker, Lawrence lying saucers and the U. S. Air Force. Princeton,
N. 164 p.

U. S. Congress. House.. Committee on Armed Services. Unidentified fly-
ing objects. Hearing by the Committee on Armed Services. 89th Cong,
2nd sess., Apr oril 5, 1966. pp. 5991-6075.
U. S. Department of Defense. Office of Public Information. Air Force's
lO-year study of unidentified flying objects. Washington, D ,1957.
4 p. (Fact sheet no. 1083-57).
U. S. Department of the Air Force. Office of Public Information. U. S.
Air Force summary of events and information concerning the uniden-
tified flying objec
Vallee, Jacques. Anatomy of a Phenomenon. Chicago, Illinois, Henry
Regnery 1965. 210 p.
•
.
•
0

-
U. S. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services. Unidentified 1y-
ing objects. Hearing by the Committee on Armed Services. 89th Cong.,
2nd sess., April 5, 1966. pp. 5991-6075.
U. S. Department of Defense. Office of Public Information. Air Force's
lO-year study of unidentified flying objects. Washington, D 1957.
4 p. (Fact sheet no. 1083-57).
U. S. Department of the Air Force. Office of Public Information. U S.
Air Force summary of events and information concerning the unidn-
tified flying object program. Washington, D. C., 1954. Unpage.
Vallee, Jacques. Anatomy of a Phenomenon. Chicago, Illinois, Henry
Regnery Co., 1965. 210 p.
.
•

•
J
sultant panels periodically have been formed to review investigatory
-
industrial consultant firm was t directed to conduct an exhaustive
examination of the procedures adopted for reducing g sighting data to sighting data to
a form useable in later statistical manipulation and graphic depiction. a form useable in later statistical manipulation and graphic depiction.
The published findings of the study efforts, both by the Air •
Force and independent consultants, contain five major points:
1. U UFO's do not pose a threat to the nation;
2. UFO's do not represent developments principles
3. There is no evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles
undert the control an intelligent being;
4. There is no evidence of behind
by a reported UFO;
5. Some small fraction of total sigh tings remain
"unidentified."

LRS-3
i
duct an independent, comprehensive study of data pertaining to sightings
that so far have been denoted as "Unidentified."
•
•

Kenneth Arnold, flying his private plane on June 24, 1947, reporting
near
and the use of
interest quickly developed and was sustained by numerous other alleged
sightings of unidentified flying objects.
*Unidentified flying objects," the terms used in all official and
most popular references to the e subject ed by the United
phenomena, detected visually by radar, of a nature not immediately
6/
understood."
THE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
It is not possible to st
discussed later, such aerial
categories. The numerous reports on sigh

translating the
elements of the sight ting intc meaningful terms. B Basic descriptive
data usually are xpressed in these categories (with examples):
Shape (cigar, propeller, aircraft, disc)
Size (varies widely)
Color (red, green, white, etc)
Motion (hovering, supersonic, vertical, zigzag)
Means of propulsion (unknown - flaming exhaust or
nane lont)
Purpose (unknown) 8/
Trends in UFO Activity
Experience derived from nearly twenty years (post-1947) of UFO
.
in Europe
In the aftermath of t the Sputnik I launching in October 1957, official