Air Intelligence Requirements Memorandum Number 4 - Unconventional Aircraft
Department of the Air Force memorandum establishing continuing requirements and reporting procedures for sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects ('Flying Discs').
In February 1949, the U.S. government built its first unified UFO reporting system. Major General C. P. Cabell issued Air Intelligence Requirements Memorandum Number 4, which told every intelligence agency in the country -- FBI, CIA, State Department, Army, Navy, Coast Guard -- exactly how to document a flying disc sighting. The memo codified 20+ observational requirements (shape, speed, sound, exhaust, manner of disappearance), demanded immediate cable/teletype transmission, routed everything to Wright-Patterson AFB, and told field offices to verify observer reliability through neighbors, police, and employers. The FBI's copy confirms the Bureau had a formal seat in the UFO reporting chain. This serial is mostly duplicate copies of the same memo, a testament to how widely it was distributed.
- The memorandum establishes the first formal inter-agency UFO reporting protocol, requiring immediate electrical transmission (cable/teletype) of sighting reports
- Reports were to be channeled through Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson AFB (ATTN: MCIAXO-3), which housed the primary analytical capability
- The document codifies 20+ specific observational requirements including object shape, speed, sound, maneuvers, exhaust characteristics, and manner of disappearance
- Observer reliability was to be verified through neighbors, police departments, FBI records, and employers
- The memorandum explicitly references "Flying Discs" alongside the broader category of "unconventional aircraft"
- Distribution to the FBI Director confirms the Bureau's formal role in the UFO reporting chain
- The document supersedes earlier collection guidance (Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948)
- Radar sighting data was specifically requested, including tracking data on range, speed, altitude, and target separation behavior
Page 1
View PDF ↗Page 2
View PDF ↗- 1949-02-15 | memorandum issue date
- 1948-01-21 | Department of Army Collection Memorandum Number 7
- 1948-03-26 | letter date (CSGID 425.1)
- Department of the Air Force | U.S. Air Force
- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. Air Force
- Directorate of Intelligence | U.S. Air Force
- Air Materiel Command | U.S. Air Force
- Department of Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 | dated 21 January 1948 | superseded by this memorandum
- Letter CSGID 425.1 | dated 26 March 1948 | superseded by this memorandum
Page 3
View PDF ↗- Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Major Air Commands (Overseas)
- Air Materiel Command | Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command
- Non-Air Force Agencies
- Reports will be forwarded via specified channels to Air Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio with attention to MCIAXO-3
- Supplementary written reports prepared on AF Form 112 will be forwarded to the Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command is authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control in connection with the development of information on this subject
- AF Form 112 | reporting form for supplementary written reports
- PART II - REQUIREMENTS | following section detailing information gathering standards
Page 4
View PDF ↗- Requirements include date of sighting, time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock), observer's position (ground, air, or sea)
- Physical characteristics required: type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight; distance and direction from city, town or known landmark
- Observable details: color, shape, apparent construction, size (estimated and as appeared from observer's view)
- Appearance details: direction of flight, tactics or maneuvers (vertical ascent/descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic)
- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width
- Effect on clouds: opened path, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed thru cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinking on and off in relation to speed
- Support mechanisms: wings, aerodynamic list of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect), visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, and location details
Page 5
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed: M.P.H.
- Sound: continuous whine or buzz, roar, whistle, whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explode (with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer reliability assessment: name, address, occupation, place of business, pertinent hobbies (amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer)
- Observer ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Reliability sources: neighbors, police dept., FBI records, employer
- Notes on sighting circumstances: sightings in general, how attention was drawn to object(s) via sound, motion, or glint of light; degree of fatigue and duration of flight at time of sighting (for airborne observers)
- Witness information: addresses, occupation, reliability
Page 6
View PDF ↗- Radar Sightings - Airborne: inquire about radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits; obtain size, speed, maneuvers estimates
- General: teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft report
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time (check Canadian activity if close to border)
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other
- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for purpose of making comparison of soils
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity; make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
- Photography: obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of object, surrounding terrain where observed, place where it contacted earth (if this happened), maneuvers, and formation if objects were more than two
- Signed statement from observers
- Fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Radio antenna: observe any projections or extentions that might presumably be construed as such
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas
- All United States Air Attachés
- Director of Central Intelligence
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA
- Chief of Naval Intelligence
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Page 7
View PDF ↗Page 8
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force
- Headquarters United States Air Force
- Directorate of Intelligence
- Department of Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 | dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1 | dated 26 March 1948
- Document reference: 62-83894-164 | shown at bottom
Page 9
View PDF ↗Page 10
View PDF ↗- Major Air Commands (Overseas) and Air Attachés
- Air Materiel Command
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
- Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command
- Repeated content covering reporting channels through Major Air Commands, Air Materiel Command, and other designated agencies
- AF Form 112 specified as reporting form
- PART II requirements include date of sighting, time of sighting, observer position, ground/air/sea locations with specific geographic details
- AF Form 112 | reporting form
- MCIAXO-3 | attention line for Wright-Patterson AFB
- Part II - Requirements | information gathering standards section follows
Page 11
View PDF ↗- Air observations required: type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight; distance and direction from city/town/landmark
- Clock position of object from observer's aircraft
- Sea observations: latitude and longitude, proximity to land (name city, country)
- Number of objects and formation type (if any)
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting
- Distance of object from observer: laterally or horizontally, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude
- Time in sight
- Appearance details: color, shape (sketch if possible), apparent construction (material or substance), size (estimated and as appeared from observer's view)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic
- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width
- Effect on clouds: opened path thru clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed thru cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinking on and off in relation to speed
- Support: wings, aerodynamic list of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect), visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, location
Page 12
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed: M.P.H.
- Sound characteristics: continuous whine or buzz, roar, whistle, whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explode (with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer information required: name, address, occupation, place of business, employer or employee status
- Pertinent hobbies: amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, length of time engaged in hobby (experience)
- Ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Reliability of observer sources: neighbors, police dept., FBI records, employer
- Notes on observer: sightings in general, how attention was drawn to object(s) via sound, motion, or glint of light; degree of fatigue and duration of flight at time of sighting (for airborne observers)
- Witnesses: addresses, occupation, reliability
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated
- Radar Sightings - Ground operations: range, speed, altitude, size of target observations; target turns (angle, radius); target stay time in turn; separation of distant target into several targets upon approach; track if possible
- Airborne radar: radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits, size, speed, maneuvers estimates
Page 13
View PDF ↗- Teletype sequences of local weather conditions required
- Winds aloft report required
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time (check Canadian activity if close to border)
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other
- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for purpose of making comparison of soils
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity; make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
Page 14
View PDF ↗- Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of:
- a. Object
- b. Surrounding terrain where observed
- c. Place where it contacted earth (if this happened)
- d. Maneuvers
- e. Formation if objects were more than two
- Secure signed statement from observers
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Radio antenna observation: observe any projections or extentions that might presumably be construed as such
- Documentation must be comprehensive with preference for photographs/negatives; sketches required as alternative
- Signed statements mandatory from all observers
- Physical evidence collection emphasized with particular attention to radio-related structural features
Page 15
View PDF ↗- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas
- All United States Air Attachés
- Director of Central Intelligence
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA
- Chief of Naval Intelligence
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- DISTRIBUTION list showing all recipients of the memorandum
- Document reference: 62-83894-164 | shown at bottom
Page 16
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | government agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military command
- Major Air Commands | military units
- United States Air Attaches | military positions
- Director of Central Intelligence | government agency
- Department of State | government agency
- GSUSA (Army) | military agency
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | military agency
- United States Coast Guard | military service
- Federal Bureau of Investigation | law enforcement agency
Page 17
View PDF ↗Page 18
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | government agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military command
- Directorate of Intelligence | military intelligence unit
- Air Materiel Command | military command
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | military installation
- Washington 25, D.C. | document origin location
- Wright-Patterson AFB | military installation location
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 | dated 21 January 1948 | being superseded
- Letter CSGID 425.1 | dated 25 March 1948 | being superseded
- AF Form 112 | form to be used for reporting
- "unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including the so-called 'Flying Discs.'" | subject matter
- "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3" | transmission instruction
Page 19
View PDF ↗- Major Air Commands (Overseas) | military commands
- Air Attaches | diplomatic military positions
- Director of Intelligence | headquarters position
- Air Materiel Command | military command at Wright-Patterson AFB
- Major Air Commands (ZI - Zone of Interior) | domestic military commands
- Non-Air Force Agencies | external organizations receiving reports
- AF Form 112 | form for written reports
- Part II | requirements section of memorandum
- "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3" | cable instruction
- "As complete an answer to the requirements enunciated in Part II, as may be procurable, should be dispatched by means of electrical transmission immediately after sightings" | reporting requirement
- "Supplementary reports should be forwarded as available by the most expeditious means consistent with the importance of the information reported" | reporting procedure
Page 20
View PDF ↗- "Date of sighting" | requirement 1
- "Time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock)" | requirement 2
- "Where sighted (observer's position)" | requirement 3
- "Number of objects" | requirement 4
- "Formation type (if any), sketch if possible" | requirement for multiple objects
- "Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting" | requirement 5
- "Distance of object from observer" | requirement 6
- "Laterally or horizontally" | distance measure
- "Angle of elevation from horizon" | distance measure
- "Altitude" | distance measure
- "Time in sight" | requirement 7
- "Appearance of object" | requirement 8
- "Color" | appearance element
- "Shape (Sketch if possible)" | appearance element
- "Apparent construction (Of what material or substance)" | appearance element
- "Size" | appearance element
- "Estimated size" | size specification
- "Size as it appeared from observer's view (Compared to known object)" | size specification
- "Direction of flight" | requirement 9
- "Tactics or maneuvers" | requirement 10
- "Vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic, etc." | maneuver types
- "Evidence of exhaust" | requirement 11
- "Color of smoke" | exhaust element
- "Length and width" | exhaust element
Page 21
View PDF ↗- Part II - Requirements | continuation of specifications
- Katz Mayer effect | aerodynamic phenomenon referenced in propulsion section
- "Odor (if any)" | exhaust requirement
- "Rate of evaporation" | exhaust requirement
- "Does trail vary with sound? (spurts)" | exhaust requirement
- "Effect on clouds" | requirement 12
- "Opened path thru clouds" | cloud effect
- "Forced cloud or mists" | cloud effect
- "Reflected on cloud" | cloud effect
- "Showed thru cloud" | cloud effect
- "Lights" | requirement 13
- "Reflected or attached" | light type
- "Luminous" | light type
- "Blinked on and off in relation to speed" | light behavior
- "Support" | requirement 14
- "Wings" | support type
- "Aerodynamic list of fuselage" | support type
- "Vertical jet" | support type
- "Rotating cylinder or cone" | support type
- "Aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)" | support type
- "Propulsion" | requirement 15
- "Propeller or jet" | propulsion type
- "Rotor" | propulsion type
- "Aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect)" | propulsion type
- "Visible exhaust or jet openings" | propulsion type
- "Control and stability" | requirement 16
- "Fins" | control element
- "Stabilizers (horizontal or vertical)" | control element
- "Size" | stabilizer specification
- "Shape" | stabilizer specification
- "Location" | stabilizer specification
Page 22
View PDF ↗- "Air ducts" | requirement 17
- "Slots" | air duct type
- "Duct openings" | air duct type
- "Speed - M.P.H." | requirement 18
- "Sound" | requirement 19
- "Continuous whine or buzz" | sound type
- "Roar, whistle, whoosh" | sound type
- "Intermittent" | sound type
- "Manner of disappearance" | requirement 20
- "Explode" | disappearance type
- "Possibility of fragments" | explosion detail
- "Other physical evidence" | explosion detail
- "Faded from view" | disappearance type
- "Disappeared behind obstacle" | disappearance type
- "Relative to the Observer" | section heading
- "Name of observer" | requirement 1
- "Address" | requirement 2
- "Occupation" | requirement 3
- "Place of business" | requirement 4
- "Employer or employee" | business detail
- "Pertinent hobbies" | requirement 5
- "Is observer amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc." | hobby detail
- "Length of time engaged in hobby (experience)" | hobby detail
- "Ability to determine" | requirement 6
- "Color" | ability element
- "Speed of moving objects" | ability element
- "Size at distance" | ability element
- "Reliability of observer" | requirement 7
- "Sources" | reliability verification
Page 23
View PDF ↗- "Neighbors" | reliability source
- "Police Dept." | reliability source
- "FBI records" | reliability source
- "Employer" | reliability source
- "Notes relative to observer on" | requirement 8
- "Sightings in general" | observer note category
- "How attention was drawn to object(s)" | observer note category
- "Sound" | attention trigger
- "Motion" | attention trigger
- "Glint of light" | attention trigger
- "Degree of fatigue and duration of flight at time of sighting in cases where observer is airborne" | observer note category
- "Witnesses" | requirement 9
- "Addressees" | witness element
- "Occupation" | witness element
- "Reliability" | witness element
- "Comments of interrogator regarding the intelligence and character of person interrogated" | requirement 10
- "Relative to Radar Sightings" | section heading
- "Re radars operating on ground" | requirement 1
- "Observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target" | radar observation element
- "Did target executive any turns? If so, what angle (180 degrees), etc. and what radius of turn" | radar observation element
- "If radius of turn is not observable, how long did the target stay in the turn and what was its speed?" | radar observation element
- "Note particularly any separation of distant target into several targets upon approach. Track all if possible." | radar observation element
- "If airborne when object sighted" | requirement 2
- "Were there any radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits?" | airborne radar element
- "Give estimates of size, speed, maneuvers, etc." | airborne radar element
Page 24
View PDF ↗- Canadian activity | geographic area to check for flight schedules
- Ordnance | organization that may release testing devices
- Navy | organization that may release testing devices
- Air Force | organization that may release testing devices
- Army | organization that may release testing devices
- Weather Units | organization that may release testing devices
- Research Organizations | organization that may release testing devices
- Geiger counters | equipment for radioactivity measurement
- AF Form 112 | form for reporting
- "Teletype sequences of local weather conditions" | requirement 1
- "Winds aloft report" | requirement 2
- "Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time. (Check Canadian activity if close to that border.)" | requirement 3
- "Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other." | requirement 4
- "If object contacted earth, obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for purpose of making comparison of soils." | requirement 5
- "If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity. Make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects, etc." | requirement 6
- "Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of:" | requirement 7
- "Object" | sketch element
- "Surrounding terrain where observed" | sketch element
- "Place where it contacted earth (if this happened)" | sketch element
- "Maneuvers" | sketch element
- "Formation if objects were more than two" | sketch element
- "Secure signed statement" | requirement 8
- "Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible" | requirement 9
- "Was any radio antenna to be observed, i.e., (any projections or extensions that might presumably be construed as such)." | requirement 10
Page 25
View PDF ↗Page 26
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | government agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military command
- Directorate of Intelligence | military intelligence unit
- Air Materiel Command | military command
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | military installation
- Washington 25, D.C. | document origin location
- Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio | military installation
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 | dated 21 January 1948 | being superseded
- Letter CSGID 425.1 | dated 25 March 1948 | being superseded
- AF Form 112 | form to be used for reporting
- "unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including the so-called 'Flying Discs.'" | subject matter
- "To establish procedures for reporting such information" | purpose statement
- "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3" | transmission instruction
Page 27
View PDF ↗- Major Air Commands (Overseas) | military commands
- Air Attaches | diplomatic military positions
- Director of Intelligence | headquarters position
- Air Materiel Command | military command
- Major Air Commands (ZI - Zone of Interior) | domestic military commands
- Non-Air Force Agencies | external organizations
- AF Form 112 | form for written reports
- Part II | requirements section of memorandum
- "Supplementary written reports, prepared on AF Form 112, will be forwarded to the Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force." | reporting requirement
- "Commanding General, Air Materiel Command is authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control in connection with the development of information on this subject." | authorization
- "Reports will be forwarded direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3 by installations receiving information pertaining to the requirements enunciated in Part II." | reporting procedure
- "As complete an answer to the requirements enunciated in Part II, as may be procurable, should be dispatched by means of electrical transmission immediately after sightings." | core reporting requirement
Page 28
View PDF ↗- "Date of sighting" | requirement 1
- "Time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock)" | requirement 2
- "Where sighted (observer's position)" | requirement 3
- "Ground" | observer position type
- "City, town" | ground location element
- "Distance and direction from city or town, road, intersection, etc." | ground location element
- "From building (story), yard, etc." | ground location element
- "Map coordinates (if feasible) showing latitude and longitude" | ground location element
- "Air" | observer position type
- "Type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight" | air observer element
- "Distance and direction from city, town or known landmark" | air observer element
- "Clock position of object from observer's aircraft" | air observer element
- "Latitude and longitude" | air observer element
- "Sea" | observer position type
- "Latitude and longitude" | sea observer element
- "Proximity to land. (Name city, country, etc.)" | sea observer element
- "Number of objects" | requirement 4
- "Formation type (if any), sketch if possible" | multiple objects element
- "Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting. (Local facilities or organizations which follow such celestial phenomena should be consulted for such information.)" | requirement 5
- "Distance of object from observer" | requirement 6
Page 29
View PDF ↗- "Laterally or horizontally" | distance measurement type
- "Angle of elevation from horizon" | distance measurement type
- "Altitude" | distance measurement type
- "Time in sight" | requirement 7
- "Appearance of object" | requirement 8
- "Color" | appearance element
- "Shape. (Sketch if possible)" | appearance element
- "Apparent construction. (Of what material or substance)" | appearance element
- "Size" | appearance element
- "Estimated size" | size type
- "Size as it appeared from observer's view. (Compared to known object)" | size type
- "Direction of flight" | requirement 9
- "Tactics or maneuvers" | requirement 10
- "Vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic, etc." | maneuver types
- "Evidence of exhaust" | requirement 11
- "Color of smoke" | exhaust element
- "Length and width" | exhaust element
- "Odor (if any)" | exhaust element
- "Rate of evaporation" | exhaust element
- "Does trail vary with sound? (spurts)" | exhaust element
- "Effect on clouds" | requirement 12
- "Opened path thru clouds" | cloud effect
- "Forced cloud or mists" | cloud effect
- "Reflected on cloud" | cloud effect
- "Showed thru cloud" | cloud effect
- "Lights" | requirement 13
- "Reflected or attached" | light type
- "Luminous" | light type
- "Blinked on and off in relation to speed" | light behavior
- "Support" | requirement 14
- "Wings" | support type
- "Aerodynamic list of fuselage" | support type
- "Vertical jet" | support type
- "Rotating cylinder or cone" | support type
- "Aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)" | support type
- "Propulsion" | requirement 15
- "Propeller or jet" | propulsion type
- "Rotor" | propulsion type
- "Aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect)" | propulsion type
- "Visible exhaust or jet openings" | propulsion type
- "Control and stability" | requirement 16
- "Fins" | control element
- "Stabilizers (horizontal or vertical)" | control element
- "Size" | stabilizer specification
- "Shape" | stabilizer specification
- "Location" | stabilizer specification
Page 30
View PDF ↗- "Air ducts" | requirement 17
- "Slots" | air duct type
- "Duct openings" | air duct type
- "Speed - M.P.H." | requirement 18
- "Sound" | requirement 19
- "Continuous whine or buzz" | sound type
- "Roar, whistle, whoosh" | sound type
- "Intermittent" | sound type
- "Manner of disappearance" | requirement 20
- "Explode" | disappearance type
- "Possibility of fragments" | explosion detail
- "Other physical evidence" | explosion detail
- "Faded from view" | disappearance type
- "Disappeared behind obstacle" | disappearance type
- "Relative to the Observer" | section heading
- "Name of observer" | requirement 1
- "Address" | requirement 2
- "Occupation" | requirement 3
- "Place of business" | requirement 4
- "Employer or employee" | business detail
- "Pertinent hobbies" | requirement 5
- "Is observer amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc." | hobby detail
- "Length of time engaged in hobby (experience)" | hobby detail
- "Ability to determine" | requirement 6
- "Color" | ability element
- "Speed of moving objects" | ability element
- "Size at distance" | ability element
- "Reliability of observer" | requirement 7
- "Sources" | reliability verification method
Page 31
View PDF ↗- witness_reliability_sources:
- - Neighbors
- - Police Department
- - FBI records
- - Employer
- observer_notes_categories:
- - General sightings
- - How attention was drawn to object(s): Sound, Motion, Glint of light
- - Degree of fatigue and duration of flight (for airborne observers)
- witness_information_required:
- - Addresses
- - Occupation
- - Reliability assessment
- interrogator_assessment:
- - Intelligence and character of person interrogated
- radar_sighting_requirements_ground:
- - Observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target
- - Target turns: angle (180 degrees) and radius of turn
- - Duration in turn and speed if radius not observable
- - Separation of distant target into several targets upon approach
- radar_sighting_requirements_airborne:
- - Radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits
- - Estimates of size, speed, maneuvers
- general_information_required:
- - Teletype sequences of local weather conditions
- - Winds aloft report
Page 32
View PDF ↗- Local flight schedules: commercial, private, and military aircraft in vicinity (including Canadian activity if near border)
- Possible releases of testing devices: Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations
- Soil samples: if object contacted earth, obtain samples within and without depression/landing spot for comparison
- Radioactivity check: if object came near other aircraft or known objects, use Geiger counters and compare with unaffected aircraft
- Photographs or sketches: object, surrounding terrain, contact point (if landed), maneuvers, formation (if multiple objects)
- Signed statement from witness(es)
- Physical evidence: fragments or other evidence where possible
- Radio antenna observation: any projections or extensions that might be construed as such
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas
- All United States Air Attaches
- Director of Central Intelligence
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA
- Chief of Naval Intelligence
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Page 33
View PDF ↗Page 34
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | U.S. military
- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. military
- Directorate of Intelligence | U.S. military
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | U.S. military
- "The purpose of this memorandum is twofold:"
- "a. To enunciate continuing Air Force requirements for information pertaining to sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including the so-called 'Flying Discs.'"
- "b. To establish procedures for reporting such information."
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
- Both documents transferred to Air Force agencies and superseded
- Initial and supplementary cabled reports transmitted to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Cables must contain phrase: "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3"
Page 35
View PDF ↗- supplementary_written_reports:
- - Prepared on AF Form 112
- - Forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- air_materiel_command_authorization:
- - Direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control for information development
- major_air_commands_zi:
- - Reports forwarded directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- - Copies may be supplied to Command Headquarters of installation concerned
- - All reports also forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- - Written reports submitted on AF Form 112
- - Commanding General, Air Materiel Command authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (ZI)
- non_air_force_agencies:
- - Requested to forward reports directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- - Subordinate elements authorized to communicate reports directly to Air Materiel Command where communications facilities permit
- 1. Date of sighting
- 2. Time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock)
- 3. Where sighted (observer's position):
- a. Ground:
- - City, town
- - Distance and direction from city/town, road, intersection, etc.
- - From building (story), yard, etc.
- - Map coordinates (if feasible) showing latitude and longitude
Page 36
View PDF ↗- air_observer:
- - Type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight
- - Distance and direction from city, town or known landmark
- - Clock position of object from observer's aircraft
- - Latitude and longitude
- sea_observer:
- - Latitude and longitude
- - Proximity to land (Name city, country, etc.)
- Number of objects
- Formation type (if any), sketch if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting
- Distance of object from observer:
- - Laterally or horizontally
- - Angle of elevation from horizon
- - Altitude
- Time in sight
- Appearance of object:
- - Color
- - Shape (Sketch if possible)
- - Apparent construction (Of what material or substance)
- - Size:
- - Estimated size
- - Size as it appeared from observer's view (Compared to known object)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: Vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic, etc.
- Evidence of exhaust:
- - Color of smoke
- - Length and width
Page 37
View PDF ↗- Odor (if any)
- Rate of evaporation
- Does trail vary with sound? (spurts)
- Opened path thru clouds
- Forced cloud or mists
- Reflected on cloud
- Showed thru cloud
- Reflected or attached
- Luminous
- Blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Wings
- Aerodynamic list of fuselage
- Vertical jet
- Rotating cylinder or cone
- Aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propeller or jet
- Rotor
- Aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect)
- Visible exhaust or jet openings
- Fins
- Stabilizers (horizontal or vertical):
- - Size
- - Shape
- - Location
Page 38
View PDF ↗- Slots
- Duct openings
- Continuous whine or buzz
- Roar, whistle, whoosh
- Intermittent
- Explode:
- - Possibility of fragments
- - Other physical evidence
- Faded from view
- Disappeared behind obstacle
- Name of observer
- Address
- Occupation
- Place of business:
- - Employer or employee
- Pertinent hobbies:
- - Is observer amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc.
- - Length of time engaged in hobby (experience)
- Ability to determine:
- - Color
- - Speed of moving objects
- - Size at distance
- Reliability of observer:
- - Sources
Page 39
View PDF ↗- Neighbors
- Police Department
- FBI records
- Employer
- General sightings
- How attention was drawn to object(s):
- - Sound
- - Motion
- - Glint of light
- Degree of fatigue and duration of flight (for airborne observers)
- Addresses
- Occupation
- Reliability
- Observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target
- Target turns: angle (180 degrees) and radius of turn
- - If radius not observable, duration in turn and speed
- Separation of distant target into several targets upon approach
- Track all if possible
- Radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits
- Estimates of size, speed, maneuvers, etc.
- Teletype sequences of local weather conditions
- Winds aloft report
Page 40
View PDF ↗- Local flight schedules: commercial, private, and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time (Check Canadian activity if close to that border)
- Possible releases of testing devices: sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other
- Soil sampling: if object contacted earth, obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for purpose of making comparison of soils
- Radioactivity check: if object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects, check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity; make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
- Photographs or sketches:
- - Object
- - Surrounding terrain where observed
- - Place where it contacted earth (if this happened)
- - Maneuvers
- - Formation if objects were more than two
- Secure signed statement
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Radio antenna observation: any projections or extensions that might presumably be construed as such
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas
- All United States Air Attaches
- Director of Central Intelligence
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA
- Chief of Naval Intelligence
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Page 41
View PDF ↗Page 42
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | U.S. military
- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. military
- Directorate of Intelligence | U.S. military
- Title: Air Intelligence Requirements Memorandum Number 4
- Subject: Unconventional Aircraft
- Part: Part I - General
- "The purpose of this memorandum is twofold:"
- "a. To enunciate continuing Air Force requirements for information pertaining to sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including the so-called 'Flying Discs.'"
- "b. To establish procedures for reporting such information."
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
- Both transferred to Air Force agencies and superseded
- Complete answers to Part II requirements dispatched by electrical transmission immediately after sightings
- Supplementary reports forwarded as available by most expeditious means consistent with information importance
- Initial and supplementary cabled reports transmitted to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Cables contain phrase: "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3"
Page 43
View PDF ↗- Prepared on AF Form 112
- Forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Reports forwarded directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Copies may be supplied to Command Headquarters of installation concerned
- Copy of all reports sent to Air Materiel Command also forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Written reports submitted on AF Form 112
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (ZI) and organizations under their control for information development
- Addressed addressees other than United States Air Force requested to forward reports directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- To reduce transmission time, subordinate elements authorized to communicate reports directly to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command where communications facilities permit
- Date of sighting
- Time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock)
- Where sighted (observer's position):
- - Ground:
- - City, town
- - Distance and direction from city or town, road, intersection, etc.
- - From building (story), yard, etc.
- - Map coordinates (if feasible) showing latitude and longitude
Page 44
View PDF ↗- Type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight
- Distance and direction from city, town or known landmark
- Clock position of object from observer's aircraft
- Latitude and longitude
- Latitude and longitude
- Proximity to land (Name city, country, etc.)
- Number of objects
- Formation type (if any), sketch if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting (Local facilities or organizations which follow such celestial phenomena should be consulted)
- Distance of object from observer:
- - Laterally or horizontally
- - Angle of elevation from horizon
- - Altitude
- Time in sight
- Appearance of object:
- - Color
- - Shape (Sketch if possible)
- - Apparent construction (Of what material or substance)
- - Size:
- - Estimated size
- - Size as it appeared from observer's view (Compared to known object)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: Vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic, etc.
- Evidence of exhaust:
- - Color of smoke
- - Length and width
Page 45
View PDF ↗- Odor (if any)
- Rate of evaporation
- Does trail vary with sound? (spurts)
- Opened path thru clouds
- Forced cloud or mists
- Reflected on cloud
- Showed thru cloud
- Reflected or attached
- Luminous
- Blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Wings
- Aerodynamic list of fuselage
- Vertical jet
- Rotating cylinder or cone
- Aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propeller or jet
- Rotor
- Aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect)
- Visible exhaust or jet openings
- Fins
- Stabilizers (horizontal or vertical):
- - Size
- - Shape
- - Location
Page 46
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots and duct openings
- Speed measurement in M.P.H.
- Sound characteristics: continuous whine or buzz, roar/whistle/whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explode (with possibility of fragments or physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
Page 47
View PDF ↗- Witness information to be obtained: addresses, occupation, reliability
- Radar operating on ground: observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target; target turn angles and radius; target separation and tracking
- Airborne observations: radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits; estimates of size, speed, maneuvers
- General information: teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft reports
- "Did target executive any turns? If so, what angle (180°), etc. and what radius of turn. If radius of turn is not observable, how long did the target stay in the turn and what was its speed?" | reporting requirement
- "Note particularly any separation of distant target into several targets upon approach. Track all if possible." | reporting requirement
Page 48
View PDF ↗- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas | USAF
- All United States Air Attaches | State Department
- Director of Central Intelligence | intelligence community
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | State Department
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | military intelligence
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | Navy
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | Coast Guard
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI
- Local flight schedules to be checked for commercial, private and military aircraft operating in vicinity, including Canadian activity if near border
- Possible releases of testing devices by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or other entities
- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or landing spot for comparison
- If object came near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for radioactivity
- Obtain photographs or original negatives; if not available, secure sketches of object, surrounding terrain, earth contact point, maneuvers, formation
- Secure signed statement from observers
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Observe for radio antenna or projections/extensions
Page 49
View PDF ↗Page 50
View PDF ↗- 1949-02-15 | date of memorandum
- 1948-01-21 | Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7
- 1948-03-25 | letter CSGID 425.1
- Department of the Air Force | issuing agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | issuing organization
- Directorate of Intelligence | issuing directorate
- Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force | report destination
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | report destination
- MCIAXO-3 | attention designation
- Washington 25, D.C. | office location
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | reporting destination
- Zone time | time reference standard
- Purpose is to establish continuing Air Force requirements for information on sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including so-called "Flying Discs"
- Rescission of previous memoranda: Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 dated 21 January 1948 and letter CSGID 425.1 dated 25 March 1948
- Reports should be dispatched immediately by electrical transmission after sightings
- Supplementary reports forwarded by most expeditious means
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
- "Flying Discs" | quoted terminology
- "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3." | cable phrase
Page 51
View PDF ↗- Supplementary written reports destination: Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | authorized for direct contact with major Air Commands
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | reporting command level
- Command Headquarters of installation | report recipients
- Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force | report recipient
- Non-Air Force Agencies | reporting group
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | destination
- Dayton, Ohio | location
- MCIAXO-3 | attention code
- AF Form 112 used for supplementary written reports
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control
- Reports forwarded direct to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command by ZI installations
- Copies may be supplied to Command Headquarters of installation concerned
- All reports to Air Materiel Command also forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Non-Air Force agencies requested to forward reports to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command
- Communications facilities authorization for subordinate elements to report directly to Air Materiel Command
Page 52
View PDF ↗- Date of sighting required
- Time of sighting on 24-hour zonal clock
- Observer's position location information required for ground observations: city/town, distance and direction from city/town/road/intersection, building story/yard reference, map coordinates with latitude and longitude
- Observer's position for air observations: type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight; distance and direction from city/town or known landmark; clock position of object from observer's aircraft; latitude and longitude
- Observer's position for sea observations: latitude and longitude; proximity to land with city/country name
- Number of objects with formation type and sketches if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sighting; consult local facilities for information
- Distance of object from observer: lateral/horizontal distance, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude
- Time in sight required
- Appearance of object: color, shape (sketch if possible), apparent construction material/substance, size (estimated and compared to known objects)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: vertical ascent/descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic
Page 53
View PDF ↗- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width, odor if any, rate of evaporation, variation of trail with sound (spurts)
- Effect on clouds: opened path through clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Support mechanisms: wings, aerodynamic list of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) with Katz Mayer effect reference, visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, and location specifications
Page 54
View PDF ↗- Control and stability continued: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) noting size, shape, location
- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed measurement in M.P.H.
- Sound characteristics: continuous whine or buzz, roar/whistle/whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explode (with fragments and other physical evidence possibilities), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer identification: name, address, occupation, place of business, employer or employee status
- Pertinent hobbies: amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc., with length of experience
- Observer ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Observer reliability: sources (neighbors, Police Department, FBI records, employer)
- Notes on observer regarding sightings in general
- Observer attention drawn by: sound, motion, glint of light
- Degree of fatigue and flight duration at time of sighting for airborne observers
- FBI records | reliability source
- Police Department | reliability source
Page 55
View PDF ↗- Witnesses: addresses, occupation, reliability information
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated
- Radar sightings on ground: observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target, target turns with angles and radius, target separation into multiple targets upon approach, tracking all if possible
- Airborne radar observations: radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits, estimates of size, speed, maneuvers
- General information required: teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft reports, local flight schedules of commercial/private/military aircraft in vicinity (including Canadian activity if near border)
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or other entities
- If object contacted earth: soil samples within and without depression or landing spot for comparison purposes
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity, make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
Page 56
View PDF ↗- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas | USAF command structure
- All United States Air Attaches | diplomatic-military liaison
- Director of Central Intelligence | intelligence community
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | State Department intelligence
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | Army intelligence
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | Navy intelligence
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | Coast Guard intelligence
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI
- Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not available, secure sketches of: object, surrounding terrain where observed, place where it contacted earth if applicable, maneuvers, formation if objects more than two
- Secure signed statement from observers
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Observe for radio antenna: any projections or extensions that might be construed as antenna
- Signed by C. P. Cabell, Major General, USAF, Director of Intelligence, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations
- Distribution to nine major addresses
Page 57
View PDF ↗Page 58
View PDF ↗- 1949-02-15 | date of memorandum
- 1948-01-21 | prior memorandum dated
- 1948-03-25 | prior letter dated
- Department of the Air Force | issuing agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | issuing organization
- Directorate of Intelligence | issuing directorate
- Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force | reporting destination
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | reporting destination
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | location
- Washington 25, D.C. | office address
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | reporting destination
- Purpose is twofold: to establish continuing Air Force requirements for information on sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including "Flying Discs," and to establish procedures for reporting such information
- Rescission of Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 (dated 21 January 1948) and letter CSGID 425.1 (dated 25 March 1948)
- Both prior memoranda transferred to Air Force agencies and superseded
- Initial reports should be complete answers to Part II requirements, dispatched by electrical transmission immediately after sightings
- Supplementary reports forwarded as available by most expeditious means
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
- "Flying Discs" | quoted term for unidentified flying objects
- "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3." | cable routing instruction
Page 59
View PDF ↗- Supplementary written reports destination: Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command | authorized for direct contact with air commands
- Major Air Commands (Overseas) | command level
- Air Attaches | diplomatic-military personnel
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | Zone of Interior command level
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | primary destination
- Command Headquarters | local reporting destination
- Non-Air Force Agencies | reporting group
- Federal Bureau of Investigation | potential reporting agency
- Supplementary written reports prepared on AF Form 112 forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control
- Major Air Commands (ZI) submit reports direct to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Copies of reports may be supplied to Command Headquarters of installation concerned
- All reports to Air Materiel Command also forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Written reports submitted on AF Form 112
- Non-Air Force agencies requested to forward reports direct to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command
- Communications facility authorization for subordinate elements to communicate reports directly to Air Materiel Command to reduce transmission time
Page 60
View PDF ↗- Date of sighting required
- Time of sighting on 24-hour zonal clock
- Observer's position for ground observations: city/town, distance and direction from city/town/road/intersection, building story/yard information, map coordinates showing latitude and longitude
- Observer's position for air observations: aircraft type, speed, altitude, direction of flight, distance and direction from city/town or known landmark, clock position of object from observer's aircraft, latitude and longitude
- Observer's position for sea observations: latitude and longitude, proximity to land with city/country names
- Number of objects with formation type and sketches if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sighting; consultation with local facilities or organizations
- Distance of object from observer: lateral or horizontal distance, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude
- Time in sight required
- Appearance of object: color, shape (sketch if possible), apparent construction (material or substance), estimated size, size compared to known object
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: vertical ascent/descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic
- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width
Page 61
View PDF ↗- Trail appearance: color, odor, rate of evaporation, variation with sound (spurts)
- Cloud effects: opened path through clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Support systems: wings, aerodynamic lift of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect), visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, and location details
Page 62
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed measurement in M.P.H.
- Sound: continuous whine or buzz, roar, whistle, whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explode (with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer information: name, address, occupation, place of business (employer or employee)
- Pertinent hobbies: amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer status and length of time engaged
- Observer ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Observer reliability: sources including neighbors, police dept, FBI records, employer
- Witness information: addresses, occupation, reliability
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated
Page 63
View PDF ↗- Notes relative to observer: prior sightings in general, how attention was drawn to object(s) (sound, motion, glint of light), degree of fatigue and flight duration at time of sighting for airborne observers
- Radar sightings requirements: observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target; target turns and turning radius; separation of distant target into several targets upon approach
- Airborne radar requirements: radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits; estimates of size, speed, maneuvers
- General requirements: teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft report
Page 64
View PDF ↗- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at time; check Canadian activity if close to border
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other
- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for comparison of soils
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity; make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
- Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of: object, surrounding terrain where observed, place where it contacted earth (if this happened), maneuvers, formation if objects were more than two
- Secure signed statement
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Was any radio antenna to be observed, i.e., any projections or extensions that might presumably be construed as such
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas | USAF
- All United States Air Attaches | USAF
- Director of Central Intelligence | US intelligence
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | US State Dept
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | GSUSA
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | US Navy
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | USCG
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI
Page 65
View PDF ↗Page 66
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | US military
- Headquarters United States Air Force | USAF
- Directorate of Intelligence | USAF
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | USAF command
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948 | superseded
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948 | superseded
Page 67
View PDF ↗- As complete an answer to the requirements as may be procurable should be dispatched by means of electrical transmission immediately after sightings
- Supplementary reports should be forwarded as available by the most expeditious means consistent with importance of information reported
- Initial and supplementary cabled reports will be transmitted to the Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Cables will contain the phrase "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3"
- Supplementary written reports prepared on AF Form 112 will be forwarded to the Director of Intelligence
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command is authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control
- Reports from Major Air Commands (ZI) will be forwarded direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Non-Air Force Agencies are requested to forward reports direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command
- Major Air Commands (Overseas) | USAF
- Air Attaches | USAF
- Air Materiel Command | USAF
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | USAF
- Non-Air Force Agencies | other agencies
Page 68
View PDF ↗- Date of sighting required
- Time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock) required
- Location of sighting (observer's position) required:
- - Ground: city, town; distance and direction from city or town, road, intersection; from building (story), yard; map coordinates (if feasible) showing latitude and longitude
- - Air: type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight; distance and direction from city, town or known landmark; clock position of object from observer's aircraft; latitude and longitude
- - Sea: latitude and longitude; proximity to land (name city, country)
- Number of objects and formation type (if any) with sketch if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sighting
- Distance of object from observer: laterally or horizontally, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude
- Time in sight
- Appearance of object: color, shape (sketch if possible), apparent construction (material or substance), size (estimated size, size as it appeared from observer's view compared to known object)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic
- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width
Page 69
View PDF ↗- Evidence of exhaust: odor (if any), rate of evaporation, does trail vary with sound (spurts)
- Effect on clouds: opened path through clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Support systems: wings, aerodynamic lift of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect), visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, and location details
Page 70
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed in M.P.H. required
- Sound: continuous whine or buzz, roar, whistle, whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explode (with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer information required: name, address, occupation, place of business (employer or employee)
- Pertinent hobbies: amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer status; length of time engaged in hobby (experience)
- Observer ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Reliability of observer: sources (neighbors, police dept, FBI records, employer)
- Witness information: addresses, occupation, reliability
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated
Page 71
View PDF ↗- Notes relative to observer: sightings in general, how attention was drawn to object(s) (sound, motion, glint of light), degree of fatigue and duration of flight at time of sighting in cases where observer is airborne
- Witnesses: addresses, occupation, reliability
- Interrogator comments regarding the intelligence and character of person interrogated
- Radar sightings requirements on ground: observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target; did target executive any turns (if so, what angle [180°], etc. and what radius of turn; if radius of turn is not observable, how long did the target stay in the turn and what was its speed); note particularly any separation of distant target into several targets upon approach, track all if possible
- If airborne when object sighted: were there any radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits; give estimates of size, speed, maneuvers
- General requirements: teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft report
Page 72
View PDF ↗- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time; check Canadian activity if close to that border
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other
- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for purpose of making comparison of soils
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity; make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
- Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of: object, surrounding terrain where observed, place where it contacted earth (if this happened), maneuvers, formation if objects were more than two
- Secure signed statement
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Was any radio antenna to be observed, i.e., (any projections or extensions that might presumably be construed as such)
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas | USAF
- All United States Air Attaches | USAF diplomatic/military
- Director of Central Intelligence | US intelligence
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | US State Dept
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | GSUSA
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | US Navy
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | USCG
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI
Page 73
View PDF ↗Page 74
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | issuing authority
- Headquarters United States Air Force | USAF
- Directorate of Intelligence | USAF intelligence branch
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | USAF command
- Purpose of memorandum is twofold: (a) To enunciate continuing Air Force requirements for information pertaining to sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects, including the so-called "Flying Discs"; (b) To establish procedures for reporting such information
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948, and letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948, both subject as above, which have been transferred to Air Force agencies for action, are herewith superseded
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 | dated 1948-01-21 | superseded
- Letter CSGID 425.1 | dated 1948-03-25 | superseded
Page 75
View PDF ↗- As complete an answer to the requirements enunciated in Part II as may be procurable should be dispatched by means of electrical transmission immediately after sightings
- Supplementary reports should be forwarded as available by the most expeditious means consistent with the importance of the information reported
- Initial and supplementary cabled reports will be transmitted to the Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Cables will contain the phrase "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3"
- Supplementary written reports prepared on AF Form 112 will be forwarded to the Director of Intelligence
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command is authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control
- Reports from Major Air Commands (ZI) will be forwarded direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Written reports will be submitted on AF Form 112
- Non-Air Force Agencies are requested to forward reports direct to the Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Part II Requirements General: date of sighting, time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock), where sighted (observer's position) including ground locations (city/town, distance and direction, building story/yard, map coordinates with latitude and longitude)
Page 76
View PDF ↗- Type aircraft specifications: speed, altitude, direction of flight
- Distance and direction from city, town or known landmark
- Clock position of object from observer's aircraft
- Latitude and longitude of observation
- Air and sea location parameters
- Number of objects observed with formation type and sketch if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sighting
Page 77
View PDF ↗- Distance of object from observer: lateral/horizontal distance, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude
- Time in sight duration
- Appearance of object: color, shape (sketch if possible), apparent construction material or substance, size (estimated and compared to known object)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic
- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width
- Effect on clouds: opened path through clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Support systems: wings, aerodynamic list of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect), visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, and location details
Page 78
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed in M.P.H.
- Sound characteristics: continuous whine or buzz, roar, whistle, whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explosion (with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer name, address, occupation, place of business
- Pertinent hobbies: amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer experience
- Ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Reliability of observer sources: neighbors, police department, FBI records, employer
Page 79
View PDF ↗- Notes relative to observer on: sightings in general, how attention was drawn to object(s) (sound, motion, glint of light)
- Degree of fatigue and duration of flight at time of sighting in cases where observer is airborne
- Witnesses: addressees, occupation, reliability
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated
- Radar sightings: observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target
- Target maneuvers: turns with angle (180 degrees), radius of turn data
- Separation of distant target into several targets upon approach to be tracked
- Airborne radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft in vicinity
- Possible releases of testing devices sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other entity
Page 80
View PDF ↗- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed for comparison purposes
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity
- Make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
- Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of: object, surrounding terrain where observed, place where it contacted earth (if this happened), maneuvers, formation if objects were more than two
- Secure signed statement from observers
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Inquire about any radio antenna observed (any projections or extensions that might presumably be construed as such)
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands, ZI and Overseas | USAF
- All United States Air Attaches | USAF
- Director of Central Intelligence | U.S. Government
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | U.S. Government
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | USAF
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | U.S. Navy
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | USCG
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | FBI
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
Page 81
View PDF ↗Page 82
View PDF ↗- 1949-02-15 | Date of memorandum
- 1948-01-21 | Date of Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 (rescinded)
- 1948-03-25 | Date of letter CSGID 425.1 (rescinded)
- Department of the Air Force | USAF
- Headquarters United States Air Force | USAF
- Directorate of Intelligence | USAF
- Air Materiel Command | USAF
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | USAF
- Major Air Commands (overseas) | USAF
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | USAF
- Purpose is twofold: enunciate continuing Air Force requirements for information on unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects including "Flying Discs"; establish procedures for reporting such information
- As complete an answer to requirements in Part II should be dispatched by electrical transmission immediately after sightings
- Supplementary reports should be forwarded as available by most expeditious means
- Major Air Commands (overseas) and Air Attaches shall transmit initial and supplementary cabled reports to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Cables will contain phase "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3"
- Air Intelligence Requirements Memorandum Number 4
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
- "Unconventional Aircraft" | document title/subject
- "Flying Discs" | referenced terminology
Page 83
View PDF ↗- Supplementary written reports prepared on AF Form 112 to be forwarded to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Commanding General, Air Materiel Command authorized direct contact with major Air Commands (overseas) and organizations under their control in connection with information development on unconventional aircraft
- Reports from Major Air Commands (ZI) shall be forwarded direct to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Copies of reports may be supplied the Command Headquarters of the installation concerned
- Copy of all reports sent to Air Materiel Command shall be forwarded simultaneously to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Written reports submitted on AF Form 112
- Non-Air Force Agencies requested to forward reports direct to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, Attn: MCIAXO-3
- Where communications facilities permit, subordinate elements authorized to communicate reports direct to Commanding General, Air Materiel Command
- Part II Requirements section begins with general requirements: date of sighting, time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock), where sighted (observer's position)
- Ground observation includes: city/town, distance and direction from city or town/road/intersection, from building (story)/yard, map coordinates showing latitude and longitude
Page 84
View PDF ↗- Air sightings: type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight; distance and direction from city, town or known landmark; clock position of object from observer's aircraft; latitude and longitude
- Sea sightings: latitude and longitude; proximity to land (name city, country, etc.)
- Number of objects observed
- Formation type (if any) with sketch if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting
- Distance of object from observer: laterally or horizontally, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude
- Time in sight duration
- Appearance of object: color, shape (sketch if possible), apparent construction (material or substance), size (estimated and compared to known object)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers: vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic
- Evidence of exhaust: color of smoke, length and width
Page 85
View PDF ↗- Odor if any
- Rate of evaporation of exhaust/trail
- Does trail vary with sound (spurts)
- Effect on clouds: opened path thru clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed thru cloud
- Lights: reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on and off in relation to speed
- Support systems: wings, aerodynamic list of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)
- Propulsion: propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect), visible exhaust or jet openings
- Control and stability: fins, stabilizers (horizontal or vertical) with size, shape, and location details
Page 86
View PDF ↗- Air ducts: slots, duct openings
- Speed in M.P.H.
- Sound: continuous whine or buzz, roar, whistle, whoosh, intermittent
- Manner of disappearance: explosion (with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence), faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle
- Observer identification: name, address, occupation, place of business (employer or employee)
- Pertinent hobbies: amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc.; length of time engaged in hobby (experience)
- Ability to determine: color, speed of moving objects, size at distance
- Reliability of observer: sources include neighbors, police department, FBI records, employer
Page 87
View PDF ↗- Notes relative to observer on: sightings in general, how attention was drawn to object(s) (sound, motion, glint of light)
- Degree of fatigue and duration of flight at time of sighting in cases where observer is airborne
- Witnesses: addressees, occupation, reliability
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated
- Radar sightings on ground: observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target
- Target maneuver details: turns with angle (such as 180 degrees), radius of turn; if radius not observable, duration of target stay in turn and speed during turn
- Separation of distant target into several targets upon approach to be tracked if possible
- Airborne radar sightings: radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits
- Estimates of size, speed, maneuvers for airborne sightings
Page 88
View PDF ↗- Teletype sequences of local weather conditions required
- Winds aloft report required
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time (check Canadian activity if close to border)
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other entity
- If object contacted earth: obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed for purpose of making comparison of soils
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects: check surfaces with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity; make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects
- Obtain photographs (or original negatives) where available; if not, secure sketches of: object, surrounding terrain where observed, place where it contacted earth (if this happened), maneuvers, formation if objects were more than two
- Secure signed statement from observers
- Obtain fragments or physical evidence where possible
- Inquire whether any radio antenna to be observed (any projections or extensions that might presumably be construed as such)
Page 89
View PDF ↗Page 90
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | USAF
- Headquarters United States Air Force | USAF
- Directorate of Intelligence | USAF
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | USAF
- Major Air Commands (Overseas) | USAF
- Purpose is twofold: enunciate continuing Air Force requirements for information on sightings of unconventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects including "Flying Discs"; establish procedures for reporting such information
- As complete an answer to requirements in Part II as may be procurable should be dispatched by means of electrical transmission immediately after sightings
- Supplementary reports should be forwarded as available by most expeditious means consistent with importance of information reported
- Initial and supplementary cabled reports from Major Air Commands (Overseas) and Air Attaches transmitted to Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force
- Cables contain phrase "Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3"
- Air Intelligence Requirements Memorandum Number 4
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948
- "Unconventional Aircraft" | document subject
- "Flying Discs" | referenced terminology
Page 91
View PDF ↗- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. government
- Director of Intelligence | U.S. government
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | U.S. military
- Major Air Commands (overseas and ZI) | U.S. military
- All United States Air Attaches | U.S. government
- Non-Air Force Agencies | various U.S. government agencies
- AF Form 112 | form for written reports
- Part II | requirements section
Page 92
View PDF ↗- This page lists observational requirements for sightings, including:
- Number of objects and formation type
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sightings
- Distance of object from observer (lateral/horizontal, angle of elevation, altitude)
- Time in sight
- Appearance details (color, shape, apparent construction, size)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics or maneuvers (vertical ascent/descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic)
- Evidence of exhaust (color of smoke, length and width)
Page 93
View PDF ↗- Requirements covering:
- Exhaust characteristics (odor, rate of evaporation, trail variation with sound)
- Effect on clouds (opened path, forced cloud/mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud)
- Lights (reflected or attached, luminous, blinking in relation to speed)
- Support systems (wings, aerodynamic lift of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder/cone, aerostatic lift)
- Propulsion (propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes with Katz Mayer effect, visible exhaust/jet openings)
- Control and stability (fins, stabilizers with size, shape, and location details)
Page 94
View PDF ↗- Requirements including:
- Air ducts (slots, duct openings)
- Speed in M.P.H.
- Sound characteristics (continuous whine/buzz, roar/whistle/whoosh, intermittent)
- Manner of disappearance (explode with fragment possibility, faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle)
- Observer information (name, address, occupation, place of business, pertinent hobbies including amateur astronomer/pilot/engineer status)
- Observer abilities (color determination, speed of moving objects, size at distance)
- Observer reliability (checking sources: neighbors, police dept, FBI records, employer)
- Observer notes (sightings in general, how attention was drawn - sound/motion/glint of light, degree of fatigue)
- Witness information (addresses, occupation, reliability)
- Interrogator comments on intelligence and character of person interviewed
Page 95
View PDF ↗- Requirements for:
- Radar sightings (ground-based observations of range, speed, altitude, size; target maneuvers and turn radius; separation of distant targets into multiple targets upon approach)
- Airborne radar observations (radar inductions or radio circuit noise, size/speed/maneuver estimates)
- General information (teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft report)
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private, and military aircraft in vicinity (including Canadian activity if near border)
- Possible releases of testing devices by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations
- Soil sampling if object contacted earth (within and without depression for comparison)
- Geiger counter checks if object came near other aircraft or known objects
- Photography or sketches (object, surrounding terrain, contact point if landed, maneuvers, formation)
- Signed statements
- Physical evidence/fragments
- Radio antenna observations
Page 96
View PDF ↗- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands (ZI and Overseas) | U.S. military
- All United States Air Attaches | U.S. government
- Director of Central Intelligence | U.S. government
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | U.S. government
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | U.S. military
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | U.S. military
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | U.S. military
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | U.S. government
Page 97
View PDF ↗Page 98
View PDF ↗- 1949-02-16 | date of memorandum
- 1948-01-21 | Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7 rescission date
- 1948-03-25 | letter CSGID 425.1 rescission date
- Department of the Air Force | U.S. military
- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. military
- Directorate of Intelligence, Washington 25, D.C. | U.S. military
- Department of the Army | U.S. military
- Air Force agencies | U.S. military
- Air Intelligence Requirements Memorandum Number 4 | this document
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 21 January 1948 | superseded document
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 25 March 1948 | superseded document
Page 99
View PDF ↗- Major Air Commands (Overseas) | U.S. military
- Air Attaches | U.S. government
- Director of Intelligence, Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. military
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | U.S. military
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | U.S. military
- Non-Air Force Agencies | various U.S. government organizations
- Command Headquarters | local installations
Page 100
View PDF ↗- Location requirements for observer position:
- Ground observations: city/town, distance and direction from city/town/road/intersection, building/story/yard location, map coordinates with latitude and longitude if feasible
- Air observations: type aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight; distance and direction from city/town/landmark; clock position of object from observer's aircraft; latitude and longitude
- Sea observations: latitude and longitude; proximity to land (name city, country, etc.)
- General requirements: date of sighting, time of sighting (zonal by 24 hr. clock)
Page 101
View PDF ↗- Detailed requirements for:
- Number of objects and formation type with sketches if possible
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sighting (with instruction to consult local facilities/organizations)
- Distance from observer (lateral/horizontal, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude)
- Time in sight
- Appearance (color, shape with sketch if possible, apparent construction/material or substance, estimated size, size as appeared from observer's view compared to known object)
- Direction of flight
- Tactics/maneuvers (vertical ascent/descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic)
- Evidence of exhaust (color of smoke, length and width)
Page 102
View PDF ↗- Requirements for:
- Exhaust characteristics (odor if any, rate of evaporation, whether trail varies with sound/spurts)
- Effect on clouds (opened path through clouds, forced cloud or mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud)
- Lights (reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on and off in relation to speed)
- Support systems (wings, aerodynamic lift of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift/balloon/dirigible)
- Propulsion (propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes with flapping/oscillating motion/Katz Mayer effect, visible exhaust/jet openings)
- Control and stability (fins, stabilizers with size/shape/location details)
Page 103
View PDF ↗- Requirements covering:
- Air ducts (slots, duct openings)
- Speed in M.P.H.
- Sound (continuous whine or buzz, roar/whistle/whoosh, intermittent)
- Manner of disappearance (explosion with possibility of fragments and other physical evidence, faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle)
- Observer background (name, address, occupation, place of business, employer or employee status)
- Observer hobbies (amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc., with length of time engaged)
- Observer abilities (color determination, speed of moving objects, size at distance)
- Observer reliability sources (neighbors, police dept, FBI records, employer)
- Observer notes (sightings in general, how attention was drawn - sound/motion/glint of light, degree of fatigue and flight duration for airborne observers)
- Witnesses (addresses, occupation, reliability)
- Interrogator comments on intelligence and character of person interrogated
Page 104
View PDF ↗- Requirements for:
- Radar sightings from ground stations (observations of range, speed, altitude, size of target; target maneuvers with angles and turn radius; separation of distant target into multiple targets upon approach)
- Airborne radar observations (radar inductions or extra noise on radio circuits, estimates of size/speed/maneuvers)
- General information (teletype sequences of local weather conditions, winds aloft report)
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private, military aircraft in vicinity (check Canadian activity if near border)
- Possible releases of testing devices sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations
- Soil sampling if object contacted earth (samples within and without depression for comparison)
- Geiger counter checks if object came near other aircraft/known objects (compare with unaffected aircraft)
- Photography or sketches (object, surrounding terrain, contact point if landed, maneuvers, formation if multiple objects)
- Signed statements
- Physical evidence/fragments
- Radio antenna observations (any projections or extensions)
Page 105
View PDF ↗Page 106
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | U.S. government
- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. military
- Directorate of Intelligence | USAF branch
- Washington | location
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 1948-01-21 | superseded by this memo
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 1948-03-25 | superseded by this memo
Page 107
View PDF ↗- Director of Intelligence | USAF
- Headquarters United States Air Force | USAF
- Air Materiel Command | USAF
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | USAF location
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | USAF
- Non-Air Force Agencies | general category
- AF Form 112 | form for supplementary written reports
- MCIAXC-3 | cable transmission designation for Wright-Patterson AFB
Page 108
View PDF ↗- Date of sighting | required information
- Time of sighting (using 24-hour clock) | required information
- Observer's position on ground (city/town, distance and direction, building/yard specifics, map coordinates with latitude/longitude) | required information
- Observer's position if airborne (type of aircraft, speed, altitude, direction of flight, distance and direction from city/town/landmark, clock position of object, latitude and longitude) | required information
- Observer's position at sea (latitude and longitude, proximity to land with location names) | required information
Page 109
View PDF ↗- Number of objects and formation type (with sketches if possible) | required information
- Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for sighting | required information
- Distance of object from observer (lateral/horizontal, angle of elevation from horizon, altitude) | required information
- Time in sight | required information
- Color of object | required information
- Shape of object (with sketch if possible) | required information
- Apparent construction material or substance | required information
- Estimated size and size as it appeared compared to known objects | required information
- Direction of flight | required information
- Tactics or maneuvers (vertical ascent/descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic) | required information
- Evidence of exhaust (color of smoke, length and width) | required information
Page 110
View PDF ↗- Odor (if any) | required information
- Rate of evaporation | required information
- Whether trail varies with sound (spurts) | required information
- Effect on clouds (opened path through, forced cloud/mists, reflected on cloud, showed through cloud) | required information
- Lights on object (reflected or attached, luminous, blinked on/off in relation to speed) | required information
- Support characteristics (wings, aerodynamic list of fuselage, vertical jet, rotating cylinder or cone, aerostatic lift from balloon or dirigible) | required information
Page 111
View PDF ↗- Propulsion type (propeller or jet, rotor, aerodynamic vanes with flapping or oscillating Katz Mayer effect, visible exhaust or jet openings) | required information
- Control and stability features (fins, stabilizers with size/shape/location details) | required information
- Air ducts (slots, duct openings) | required information
- Speed in miles per hour | required information
- Sound characteristics (continuous whine or buzz, roar/whistle/whoosh, intermittent) | required information
Page 112
View PDF ↗- Manner of disappearance (exploded with fragment/physical evidence possibility, faded from view, disappeared behind obstacle) | required information
- Observer name | required information
- Observer address | required information
- Observer occupation | required information
- Observer place of business (employer or employee details) | required information
- Pertinent hobbies (amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer experience) | required information
- Length of time engaged in hobby | required information
- Observer ability to determine color, speed of moving objects, size at distance | required information
Page 113
View PDF ↗- Observer reliability sources (neighbors, police department, FBI records, employer) | required information
- Notes on sightings in general | required information
- How attention was drawn to object(s) (sound, motion, glint of light) | required information
- Degree of fatigue and duration of flight for airborne observers | required information
- Witness addresses, occupations, and reliability | required information
- Interrogator comments regarding intelligence and character of person interrogated | required information
Page 114
View PDF ↗- Radar sightings from ground operations (range, speed, altitude, size of target) | required information
- Target maneuvers (turns with angle measurements, turn radius, duration in turn, speed during turn) | required information
- Separation of distant target into several targets upon approach with tracking details | required information
- Airborne radar sightings (inductions or extra noise on radio circuits, size/speed/maneuver estimates) | required information
- Teletype sequences of local weather conditions | required information
- Winds aloft report | required information
Page 115
View PDF ↗- Local flight schedules of commercial, private, and military aircraft in vicinity (checking Canadian activity if near border) | required information
- Possible releases of testing devices sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations | required information
- Soil samples from where object contacted earth (with and without depression or spot) | required information
- Surface checks with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity on affected aircraft | required information
- Photographs (or original negatives) of object, surrounding terrain, earth contact point, maneuvers, formation | required information
- Signed statements from observers | required information
- Fragments or physical evidence where possible | required information
- Observation of any radio antenna (projections or extensions) | required information
Page 116
View PDF ↗- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands | recipient category
- ZI (Zone of Interior) and Overseas | recipient category
- All United States Air Attachés | recipient category
- Director of Central Intelligence | recipient
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | recipient
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | recipient
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | recipient
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | recipient
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | recipient
Page 117
View PDF ↗Page 118
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | U.S. government
- Headquarters United States Air Force | U.S. military
- Directorate of Intelligence | USAF branch
- Washington | location
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, dated 1948-01-21 | superseded by this memo
- Letter CSGID 425.1, dated 1948-03-25 | superseded by this memo
Page 119
View PDF ↗- Director of Intelligence | USAF
- Headquarters United States Air Force | USAF
- Air Materiel Command | USAF
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio | USAF location
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | USAF
- Non-Air Force Agencies | general category
- AF Form 112 | form for supplementary written reports
- MCIAXC-3 | cable transmission designation for Wright-Patterson AFB
Page 120
View PDF ↗- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands | recipient category
- ZI (Zone of Interior) and Overseas | recipient category
- All United States Air Attachés | recipient category
- Director of Central Intelligence | recipient
- Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence, Department of State | recipient
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | recipient
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | recipient
- Commandant (INT), United States Coast Guard | recipient
- Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation | recipient
Page 121
View PDF ↗Page 122
View PDF ↗- C.P. Cabell | Major General, USAF | Department of the Air Force | author
- Unknown | Department of the Army | author of superseded memorandum
- Department of the Air Force | military_agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military_agency
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_agency
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio | military_agency
- Department of the Army | military_agency
- Director of Central Intelligence | military_agency
- Department of State | military_agency
- Director of Intelligence, GSUSA | military_agency
- Chief of Naval Intelligence | military_agency
- United States Coast Guard | military_agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation | military_agency
- Department of the Army Collection Memorandum Number 7, 21 January 1948 | superseded
- CSGID 425.1, 25 March 1948 | superseded
Page 123
View PDF ↗- Air Materiel Command | military_agency
- Major Air Commands (ZI - Zone of Interior) | military_agency
- Air Attaches | military_agency
- Non-Air Force Agencies | various
- "As complete an answer to the requirements enunciated in Part II, as may be procurable, should be dispatched by means of electrical transmission immediately after sightings." | memorandum procedures
- "Cables will contain the phase, 'Pass to COMGENAMC WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, DAYTON, OHIO, ATTN: MCIAXO-3.'" | transmission protocol
Page 124
View PDF ↗- "Written reports will be submitted on AF Form 112." | reporting requirement
- "Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting. (Local facilities or organizations which follow such celestial phenomena should be consulted for such information.)" | requirement 5
Page 125
View PDF ↗- "Appearance of object. a. Color. b. Shape. (Sketch if possible) c. Apparent construction. (Of what material or substance) d. Size." | requirement 8
- "Tactics or maneuvers. Vertical ascent or descent, horizontal, oscillating, fluttering, evasive, aggressive, erratic, etc." | requirement 10
- "Evidence of exhaust. a. Color of smoke. b. Length and width." | requirement 11
Page 126
View PDF ↗- "Effect on clouds. a. Opened path thru clouds. b. Forced cloud or mists. c. Reflected on cloud. d. Showed thru cloud." | requirement 12
- "Support a. Wings. b. Aerodynamic list of fuselage. c. Vertical jet. d. Rotating cylinder or cone. e. Aerostatic lift (balloon or dirigible)." | requirement 14
- "Propulsion. a. Propeller or jet. b. Rotor. c. Aerodynamic vanes (flapping or oscillating) (Katz Mayer effect). d. Visible exhaust or jet openings." | requirement 15
Page 127
View PDF ↗- "Control and stability. a. Fins b. Stabilizers (horizontal or vertical). (1) Size. (2) Shape. (3) Location." | requirement 16
- "Sound. a. Continuous whine or buzz. b. Roar, whistle, whoosh. c. Intermittent." | requirement 19
- "Manner of disappearance. a. Explode. (1) Possibility of fragments. (2) Other physical evidence. b. Faded from view. c. Disappeared behind obstacle." | requirement 20
- "Name of observer. Address. Occupation. Place of business." | observer section requirements
Page 128
View PDF ↗- "Pertinent hobbies. a. Is observer amateur astronomer, pilot, engineer, etc. b. Length of time engaged in hobby (experience)." | observer requirement 5
- "Reliability of observer. a. Sources. (1) Neighbors. (2) Police Dept. (3) FBI records. (4) Employer." | observer requirement 7
- "Witnesses. a. Addressees. b. Occupation. c. Reliability." | observer requirement 9
- "Relative to Radar Sightings. 1. Re radars operating on ground. a. Observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target." | radar requirements
- "GENERAL. 1. Teletype sequences of local weather conditions. 2. Winds aloft report." | general requirements
Page 129
View PDF ↗Page 130
View PDF ↗- Department of the Air Force | military_agency
- Headquarters United States Air Force | military_agency
- Directorate of Intelligence | military_agency
- Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB | military_agency
- Department of the Army | military_agency
Page 131
View PDF ↗- Air Materiel Command | military_agency
- Major Air Commands (ZI) | military_agency
- Air Attaches | military_agency
- Non-Air Force Agencies | various
Page 132
View PDF ↗Page 133
View PDF ↗- "Observable celestial phenomena or planets that may account for the sighting. (Local facilities or organizations which follow such celestial phenomena should be consulted for such information.)" | requirement 5
- "Distance of object from observer. a. Laterally or horizontally. b. Angle of elevation from horizon. c. Altitude." | requirement 6
- "Time in sight." | requirement 7
Page 134
View PDF ↗- "Lights. a. Reflected or attached. b. Luminous c. Blinked on and off in relation to speed." | requirement 13
- "Control and stability. a. Fins b. Stabilizers (horizontal or vertical). (1) Size. (2) Shape. (3) Location." | requirement 16
Page 135
View PDF ↗- "Reliability of observer. a. Sources. (1) Neighbors. (2) Police Dept. (3) FBI records. (4) Employer." | observer requirement 7
- "Notes relative to observer on: a. Sightings in general. b. How attention was drawn to object(s). (1) Sound. (2) Motion. (3) Glint of light." | observer requirement 8
- "Relative to Radar Sightings. 1. Re radars operating on ground. a. Observations of range, speed, altitude and size of target. b. Did target executive any turns?" | radar requirement
- "GENERAL. 1. Teletype sequences of local weather conditions. 2. Winds aloft report." | general requirements
Page 136
View PDF ↗- United States Air Force (USAF) | military
- Commanding Generals, Major Air Commands | military
- United States Air Attaches | military/diplomatic
- Director of Central Intelligence | intelligence agency
- Department of State | government
- GSUSA | government
- United States Navy | military
- United States Coast Guard | military
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | law enforcement
- Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time should be obtained (with note to check Canadian activity if close to border)
- Possible releases of testing devices in vicinity sent aloft by Ordnance, Navy, Air Force, Army, Weather Units, Research Organizations or any other should be investigated
- If object contacted earth, soil samples should be obtained within and without depression or spot where object landed for comparison purposes
- If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects, surfaces should be checked with Geiger counters for possible radioactivity
- Photographs (or original negatives) should be obtained where available; if not, sketches should be secured of: the object, surrounding terrain, place where it contacted earth, maneuvers, and formation if objects were more than two
- Signed statements should be secured
- Fragments or physical evidence should be obtained where possible
- Radio antennas should be observed, including any projections or extensions that might be construed as such
- "Local flight schedules of commercial, private and military aircraft flying in vicinity at the time. (Check Canadian activity if close to that border.)" | instruction item 3
- "If object contacted earth, obtain soil samples within and without depression or spot where object landed (and then presumably departed) for purpose of making comparison of soils." | instruction item 5
- "If object came sufficiently near other aircraft or known objects check surfaces with Gelger counters for possible radioactivity. Make comparisons with other unaffected aircraft objects, etc." | instruction item 6
- "Was any radio antenna to be observed, i.e., (any projections or extentions that might presumably be construed as such)," | instruction item 10