UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO)

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP81R00560R000100040072-9
Release Decision: 
RIFPUB
Original Classification: 
K
Document Page Count: 
7
Document Creation Date: 
December 15, 2016
Document Release Date: 
April 30, 2001
Sequence Number: 
72
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
February 5, 1968
Content Type: 
REGULATION
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PDF icon CIA-RDP81R00560R000100040072-9.pdf611.42 KB
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Approved FSelease 2004/03/26: CIA-RD AIR FORCE REGULATION NO. 200-2 (2) Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) (3) Background Information ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Definitions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Responsibilities ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Zone of Interior Collection ----------------------------------------------------------- 6 SECTION B-PUBLIC RELATIONS, INFORMATION, CONTACTS, AND RELEASES Maintaining Public Relations -------------------------------------------------------- 7 Releasing Information -------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Exceptions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Release by Non-Air Force Sources ---------------------------------------------------- 10 Contacts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 SECTION C-PREPARING AND SUBMITTING REPORTS General Information ----------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Methods for Transmitting Reports --------------------------------------------------- 13 Where to Submit Reports ------------------------------------------------------------ 14 Basic Reporting Data and Format ---------------------------------------------------- 15 Negative or Inapplicable Data ------------------------------------------------------- 16 Comments of Preparing Officer ------------------------------------------------------- 17 Classification ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18 Reporting Physical Evidence --------------------------------------------------------- 19 This regulation establishes the responsibility and procedure for reporting information and evidence on unidentified flying objects (UFO) and for releasing pertinent information to the general public. SECTION A-GENERAL 1. Background Information. The Air Force investigation and analysis of UFO's over the United States are directly related to its responsi- bility for the defense of the United States. Prompt reporting and rapid identification are necessary to carry out the second of the four phases of air defense-detection, identification, interception, and destruction; therefore, the Air Force maintains the Unidentified Flying Object Program. To implement this program success- fully requires strict compliance with this regula- tion by all commanders. 2. Definitions. To insure proper and uni- form usage in 'UFO screenings, investigations, and reportings, the objects are defined as fol- lows: a. Familiar or Known Objects-Aircraft, birds, balloons, kites, searchlights, and astro- nomical bodies (meteors, planets, stars). b. Unknown Aircraft: (1) Flying objects determined to be air- borne object which, by performance, aerody- * regulation supersedes AFR 200-2, 12 August 1954. *USAFDeclass/Release Instructions On le* DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE WASHINGTON, 5 FEBRUARY 1958 craft. These generally appear as a result of ADIZ violations and often prompt the UFO reports submitted by the general public. They are readily identifiable as, or known to be, air- craft, but their type, purpose, origin, and destination are unknown. Air Defense Command is responsible for reports of "unknown" aircraft and they should not be reported as UFO's under this regulation. Aircraft flares, jet exhausts, con- densation trails, blinking or steady lights observed at night, lights cir- cling or near airports and airways, and other similar phenomena result- ing from, or indications of aircraft. These should not be reported under this regulation as they do not fall within the definition of a UFO. Pilotless aircraft and missiles. c. Unidentified Flying Objects-Any air- 1000400?t2-9 *AFR 200-2 Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9 Approved For ~ase 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560 0100040072-9 AFR 200-2 2-4 namic characteristics, or unusual features, does not conform to known aircraft or missiles, or which does not correspond to definitions in a and b above. 3. Objectives. Air Force interest in UFO's is three-fold: First, as a possible threat to the security of the United States and its forces; sec- ond, to determine the technical or scientific characteristics of any such UFO's; third, to ex- plain or identify all UFO sightings as defined in paragraph 2c. a. Air Defense. The great majority of fly- ing objects reported have been found to be con- ventional, familiar things of no great threat to the security of the United States and its pos- sessions. However, since the possibility cannot be ignored that UFO's reported may be hostile or new foreign air vehicles of unconventional design, it is imperative that sightings be reported rapidly, factually, and as completely as possible. b. Technical and Scientific. The Air Force will continue to collect and analyze reports of UFO sightings until all can be scientifically or technically explained, bearing in mind that: (1) To measure scientific advances, the Air Force must have the latest experi- mental and developmental informa- tion on new or unique air vehicles or weapons. (2) The possibility exists that foreign air vehicles of revolutionary configura- tion or propulsion may be developed. (3) There is a need for further scientific knowledge in such fields as geo- physics, astronomy, and the upper atmosphere which the study and analysis of UFO's and similar aerial phenomena may provide. (4) The reporting of all pertinent factors will have a direct bearing on scientific analyses and conclusions of UFO sightings. c. Reduction of Percentage of UFO "Un- knowns." Air Force activities must reduce the percentage of unknowns to the minimum. Anal- ysis thus far has provided explanation for all but a few of the sightings reported. These unex- plained sightings are carried statistically as unknowns. If more immediate, detailed objec- tive data on the unknowns had been available, probably these too could have been explained. Due to the human factors involved, and the fact that analyses of UFO sightings are based pri- marily on the personal impressions and inter- pretations of the observers, rather than on accurate scientific data or facts obtained under controlled conditions, it is improbable that all of the unknowns can be eliminated. 4. Responsibilities : a. Reporting. Commanders of Air Force bases will report all information and evidence of UFO sightings, including that received from other Services, Government agencies, and civilian sources. (See section C.) b. Investigation. The commander of the Air Force base nearest to the location of the reported UFO sighting will be responsible for the-conduct of all investigative action necessary to submit a complete initial report of a UFO sighting. Every effort will be made to resolve the sighting in the initial investigation. A UFO sighting reported to an Air Force base other than that closest to the scene of such sighting, imme- diately will be referred to the commander of the nearest Air Force base for appropriate action. (See paragraph 6.) c. Analysis. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), will analyze and evaluate: (1) Information and evidence reported within the zone of interior after the investigators of the responsible Air Force base nearest the sighting have exhausted their efforts to identify the UFO. (2) Information and evidence collected in oversea areas. NOTE. Exceptions: The ATIC, independ- ently or in participation with pertinent Air Force activities, may conduct any additional in- vestigations necessary to further or conclude its analyses or findings. d. Public Relations and Information Serv- ices. The Office of Information Services, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, will be re- sponsible for releasing information on sightings, and, in coordination with ATIC, for answering correspondence from the public regarding UFO's. (See paragraphs 7 and 8.) e. Congressional Inquiries. The Office of Legislative Liaison will: (1) In coordination with the ATIC and/or the Office of Information Services, when necessary, answer all congressional mail regarding UFO's addressed to the Secretary of the Air Force and the United States Air Force. (2) Forward those inquiries which are scientific and technical to the ATIC for information on which to base a reply. The ATIC will return this information to the Office of Legisla- tive Liaison for reply to the inquiry. Process requests from congressional sources in accordance with AFR 11-7. Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9 Approved Fselease 2004/03/26: CIA-RDP81 R00 000100040072-9 AFR 200-2 4-7 ? f. Cooperation. All Air Force activities will ? cooperate with Air Force UFO investigators to insure the economical and prompt success of investigations and analyses. When feasible, this cooperation will include furnishing air or ground transportation and other assistance. 5. Guidance. The thoroughness and quality of a report or investigation of UFO's are limited only by the skill and resourcefulness of the per- son who receives the initial information and/or prepares the report. The usefulness and value of any report or investigation depend upon the accuracy and timeliness of its contents. Follow- ing are aids for screening, evaluating, and report- ing sightings: a. Logic, consistency, and coherence of the observer's report should be given careful study. An interview with the observer by personnel preparing the report is especially valuable in determining the source's reliability and the va- lidity of the information given. Particular atten- tion should be given to the observer's age, occu- pation, and education; whether his occupation involves observation reporting or technical knowledge. b. Theodolite measurements of changes of azimuth, and elevation and angular size. c. Interception, identification, or air search if appropriate and within the scope of air defense regulations. d. When feasible, contact with local aircraft control and warning (ACW) units, ground ob- server corps (GOC) posts and filter centers, pilots and crews of aircraft aloft at the time and place of sighting. Also contact with any other persons or organizations that may have factual data on the UFO or can offer corroborating evi- dence-visual, electronic, or other. e. Consultation with military or civilian weather forecasters for data on tracks of weather balloons released in the area and any unusual meteorological activity which may have a bear- ing on the UFO. f. Consultation with navigators and astron- omers in the area to determine whether any astronomical body or phenomenon would account for the sighting. g. Contact with military and civilian tower operators, air operations units, and airlines to determine whether the sighting could have been an aircraft. Local units of the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) are often of assistance in this regard. h. Contact with persons who may know of experimental aircraft of unusual configuration, rocket and guided missile firings, or aerial tests in the area. i. Contact with photographic units or lab- oratories. Usually, these installations have sev- eral cameras available for specialized intelligence or investigative work. Photography is an in- valuable tool and, where possible, should be used in investigating and analyzing UFO sightings. (See paragraph 19.) 6. Zone of Interior Collection. Both the Assistant Chief of Staff Intelligence, Headquar- ters USAF, and the Air Defense Command have a direct and immediate interest in the facts per- taining to UFO's reported within the zone of interior. a. All Air Force activities will conduct UFO investigations to the extent necessary for their required reporting action (see paragraphs 15, 16, and 17) ; however, investigations should not be carried beyond this point, unless such action is directed by Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelli- gence, Headquarters USAF. b. After initial reports are submitted, the ATIC may require additional data, such as nar- rative statements, sketches, marked maps and charts, and other required data, which can be supplied more quickly and economically by the Air Force activity that made the initial report. Therefore, ATIC is authorized to contact the appropriate Air Force activity. c. Direct communication is authorized be- tween ATIC and other Air Force activities in matters pertaining to UFO investigations. Spe- cifically, the ATIC may call upon the 1006th Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS) to assist the base commander responsible for further field investigation if review of the initial report indi- cates such a requirement. (See paragraph 4b.) SECTION B-PUBLIC RELATIONS, INFORMATION, CONTACTS, AND RELEASES 7. Maintaining Public Relations. The Of- fice of Information Services is responsible for: a. In coordination with the ATIC when necessary, maintaining contact with the public and the press on all aspects of the UFO program and its related activities. b. Releasing information on UFO sightings and results of investigations. c. Periodically releasing information on this subject to the general public. d. Processing, answering, and taking action on correspondence received from the general Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9 AFR 200-2 Approved For P& se 2004/03/26: CIA-RDP81 80056001100040072-9 7-13 _ public, pertaining to the public relations, interest, SECTION C-PREPARING AND and informational aspects of the subject. (See SUBMITTING REPORTS paragraph 9.) This office will forward corre- spondence and queries which are purely technical and scientific to ATIC for information on which to base a reply. 8. Releasing Information. All information or releases concerning UFO's, regardless of origin or nature, will be released to the public or un- official persons or organizations by the Office of Information Services, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. This includes replies to corre- spondence (except congressional inquiries) sub- mitted direct to ATIC, and other Air Force activities by private individuals requesting com- ments or results or analysis and investigations of sightings. 9. Exceptions. In response to local inquiries resulting from any UFO reported in the vicinity of an Air Force base, information regarding a sighting may be released to the press or the gen- eral public by the commander of the Air Force base concerned only if it has been positively identified as a familiar or known object. Care should be exercised not to reveal any classified aspects of the sighting or names of persons mak- ing reports. (See paragraph 18.) If the sighting is unexplainable or difficult to identify, because of insufficient information or inconsistencies, the only statement to be released is the fact that the sighting is being investigated and information regarding it will be released at a later date. If investigative action has been completed, the fact that the results of the investigation will be sub- mitted to the ATIC for review and analysis may be released. Further inquiries should be referred to the local Office of Information Services. 10. Release by Non-Air Force Sources. If newsmen, writers, publishers, or private individ- uals desire to release unofficial information con- cerning a UFO sighting, every effort will be made to assure that the statements, theories, opinions, and allegations of these individuals or groups will not be associated with or represented as being official information. 11. Contacts. Private individuals or organi- zations requesting Air Force interviews, brief- ings, lectures, or private discussions on UFO's will be referred to the Office of Information Serv- ices, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Air Force personnel, other than those of the Office of Information Services, will not contact private individuals on UFO cases nor will they discuss their operations and functions with unauthorized persons unless so directed, and then only on a "need-to-know" basis. 12. General Information: a. Paragraphs 2 and 5 will be used as an aid and guidance to screenings, investigations, and reportings. The format will be as outlined in paragraph 15. Activities initially receiving re- ports of aerial objects and phenomena will screen the information to determine if the report concerns a valid UFO within the definition of paragraph 2c. Those reports not within that definition will not be considered for further ac- tion under the provisions of this regulation. b. To assist activities and personnel respon- sible for handling, screening, and processing initial, incoming UFO information, the general sources and types of reports are given here: (1) Generally, initial UFO reports are re- ceived from three sources: (a) Civilian (airline, private and pro- fessional pilots, tower operators, technical personnel, casual observ- ers, and the public in general), by correspondence, telephone, or per- sonal interview; (b) Military units and personnel (pi- lots, observers, radar operators, aircraft control and warning units, etc.), by telephone, electrical mes- sage, or personal interview; (c) Quasi-military units (Ground Ob- server Corps (GOC) posts, ob- servers, and filter centers), usually by telephone. (2) Generally, UFO reports received from civilian sources are of two types: (a) Those referring strictly to an ob- served UFO, containing either de- tailed or meager information; (b) Those referring only in part to an observed UFO, but primarily re- questing information on some aspect of the UFO program. c. Reports considered to fall primarily in a public relations or information service category (see paragraphs 4d, 7, 8, 9 and b(2) above) should be referred to the Office of Information Services. UFO data sufficient for investigation and/or analysis may be extracted before referral to that office. 13. Methods for Transmitting Reports. Coupled with any necessary screenings and in- vestigations that must be performed preparatory to reporting, all information on UFO's will be reported promptly. Reports under 3 days from ? Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9 Approved Felease 2004/03/26: CIA-RDP81 R00 000100040072-9 AFR 200-2 13-15 date of sighting will be electrically transmitted with a "Priority" precedence. Electrically trans- mitted reports over 3 days old should carry a "Routine" precedence. Written reports of sightings over 3 days old may be submitted on AF Form 112, Air Intelli- gence Information Report (AIIR) and AF Form 112a, supplement to AF Form 112 (see para- graphs 14 and 15) ; however, their use should be kept at a minimum in reporting initial sightings. The delays often involved in processing and transmitting AF Forms 112 through. channels may make followup investigations difficult, pro- ducing only limited usable information. This factor must be considered in cases where an im- mediate investigation or study of a reported sighting is considered necessary. Reporting by electrical means will eliminate delays. A follow- up and/or complete report of all sighting initially reported electrically will be submitted on AF Form 112. 14. Where to Submit Reports: a. Electrical Reports. Submit multiple ad- dressed electrical reports to: (1) Commander, Air Defense Command (2) (3) (5) (4) Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence Ent Air Force Base Colorado Springs, Colorado Nearest Air Division (Defense). (For zone of interior only.) Commander, Air Technical Intel- ligence Center Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Dayton, Ohio Headquarters USAF Washington 25, D.C. Office of Information Services Headquarters USAF Washington 25, D.C. b. Written Reports: (1) Within the zone of interior, submit all reports direct to ATIC. ATIC will reproduce each report and distrib- ute it to interested zone of interior intelligence activities and to Office of Information Services, if such action is deemed necessary. (2) Outside the zone of interior, submit reports as prescribed in "Intelligence Collection Instruction" (ICI) June 1954, direct to: Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence Headquarters USAF Washington 25, D.C. c. Reports from Civilians. Where possible, civilian sources contemplating reporting UFO's should be advised to submit-the report, for proc- essing and transmission, to the nearest Air Force base, other than ATIC. 15. Basic Reporting Data and Format. Show the abbreviation "UFO" at the beginning of the text of all electrical reports and in the sub- ject of written reports. Include in all reports the data required, in the order shown below: a. Description of the Object(s): (1)-Shape. (2) Size compared to a known object (use one of the following terms: Head of a pin, pea,. dime, nickel, quarter, half dollar, silver dollar, baseball, grape- fruit, or basketball) held in the hand at about arm's length. (3) Color.. (4) Number. (5) Formation, if more than one. (6) Any discernible features or details. (7) Tail, trail, or exhaust, including size of same compared to size of object(s). (8) Sound. If heard, describe sound. (9.) Other pertinent or unusual features b. Description of Course of Object(s): (1) What first called the attention of ob- server(s) to the object(s)? (2) Angle or elevation and azimuth of the object(s) when first observed. (3) Angle or elevation and azimuth of object(s)-upon disappearance. (4) Description of flight.path and maneu- vers of object(s). (5) How did the object(s) disappear? (Instantaneously to the North etc.) (6) How long was the object(s) visible. (Be specific, 5 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) c. Manner of Observation: (1) Use one or any combination of the following items: Ground-visual, ground-electronic, air electronic. (If electronic, specify type of radar.) (2) Statement as to optical aids (tele- scopes, binoculars, and so forth) used and description thereof.' (3) If the sighting is made while airborne, give type of aircraft, identification number, altitude, heading, speed, and home station. d. Time and Date of Sighting: (1) Zulu time-date group of sighting. (2) Light conditions. (Use one of the following terms: Night, day, dawn, dusk). Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9 AFR 200-2 Approved For ease 2004/03/26: CIA-RDP81 R005600100040072-9 15-19 e. Location of Observer(s). Exact latitude and longitude of each observer, and/or geograph- ical position. A position with reference to a known landmark also should be given in elec- trical reports, such as "2mi N of Deeville;" "3mi SW of Blue Lake." Typographical errors or "garbling" often result in electrically transmitted messages, making location plots difficult or im- possible. Example: 89 45N, 192 71W for 39 45N, 102 21W. f. Identifying Information on Observer(s): (1) Civilian-Name, age, mailing address, occupation. (2) Military-Name, grade, organization, duty, and estimate of reliability. g. Weather and Winds-Aloft Conditions at Time and Place of Sightings: (1) Observer (s) account of weather con- ditions. (2) Report from nearest AWS or U.S. Weather Bureau Office of wind direc- tion and velocity in degrees and knots at surface, 6,000', 10,000', 16,000', 20,000', 30,000', 50,000', and 80,000' if available. (3) Ceiling. (4) Visibility. (5) Amount of cloud cover. (6) Thunderstorms in area and quadrant in which located. h. Any other unusual activity or condition, meteorological, astronomical, or otherwise, which might account for the sighting. i. Interception or identification action taken (such action may be taken whenever feasible, complying with existing air defense directives). j. Location, approximate altitude, and gen- eral direction of flight of any air traffic in the area at time of sighting. k. Position title and comments of the pre- paring officer, including his preliminary analysis of the possible cause of the sighting(s). 1. Existence of physical evidence, such as materials and, photographs. 16. Negative or Inapplicable Data. Even though the source does not provide or has not been asked for specific information by an inter- viewer, do not use the words "negative" or "un- known" until all logical leads to obtain the in- formation outlined under paragraph 15 have been exhausted. For example, information on weather conditions in the area, as requested in paragraph 15g, may be obtained from the local military or civilian weather facility. Use the phrase "not applicable" (N/A) only when the question does not apply to the particular sight- ing being investigated. 17. Comments of Preparing Officer. The preparing officer will make a preliminary analy- sis, and a comment on the possible cause or identity of the object being reported, together with a statement supporting his comment and analysis. Every effort will be made to obtain pertinent items of information and to test all possible leads, clues, and hypotheses concerning the identity or explanation of the sighting. (See paragraph 5.) The preparing officer receiving the report initially is in a much better position to conduct an "on-the-spot" survey or followup than subsequent investigative personnel and analysts who may be far removed from the area, and who may arrive too late to obtain vital data or the missing information necessary for firm con- clusions. 18. Classification. Do not classify reports unless data requested in paragraph 15 require classification. Classify reports primarily to protect: a. Names of sources reporting UFO's and other principals involved, if so requested by these persons or considered necessary; b. Intelligence, investigative, intercept, or analytical methods or procedures; c. Location of radar and other classified sites, units, and equipment; d. Information on certain types, character- istics, and capabilities of classified aircraft, missiles, or devices that may be involved in the sighting. 19. Reporting Physical Evidence. Report promptly the existence of physical evidence (photographic or material) : a. Photographic: (1) (3) (2) Motion Pictures. Obtain the original Still Photographs. Forward the nega- tive and two prints. Title the prints and the negatives, or indicate the place, time, and date of the incident. film. Examine the film strip for ap- parent cuts, alterations, obliterations, or defects. Include in the report com- ment on any irregularities, partic- ularly if received from other than official sources. Supplemental Photographic Informa- tion. Negatives and prints, in them- selves, often are insufficient to provide certain valid data or to permit firm conclusions. (See AFM 200-9-a Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9 Approved Felease 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00*000100040072-9 AFR 200-2 19 classified document receiving limited distribution.) Information that will aid in plotting or in estimating dis- tances, apparent size and nature of object, probable velocity, and move- ments includes: (a) Type and make of camera, (b) Type, focal length, and make of lens, (c) Brand and type of film, (d) Shutter speed used, (e) Lens opening used, that is, "f" stop, (f) Filters used, (g) Was tripod or solid stand used, (h) Was "panning" used, (i) Exact direction camera was point- ing with relation to true north, and its angle with respect to the ground. (4) Other Camera Data. If supplemental information cannot be obtained, the minimum camera data required are the type of camera, and the smallest and largest "f" stop and shutter- speed readings of the camera. (5) Radar. Forward two copies of each still-camera photographic print. Title radarscope photographic prints in ac- cordance with AFR 95-7. Classify radarscope photographs in accord- ance with section XII, AFR 205-1, 3 January 1956. NOTE: If possible, develop photographic film before forwarding. If undeveloped film is for- warded, mark it conspicuously to indicate this fact. Undeveloped film often has been destroyed by exposure during examinations made while en route through mail channels to final addressees. b. Material. Each Air Force echelon receiv- ing suspected or actual UFO material will safe- guard it in a manner to prevent any defacing or alterations which might reduce its value for in- telligence examination and analysis. c. Photographs, Motion Pictures, and Nega- tives Submitted by Individuals. Photographic and motion picture material is often submitted by individuals as part of their UFO reports. All original material submitted, will be returned to the individual upon completion of necessary studies, analyses, and duplication by the Air Force. THOMAS D. WHITE Chief of Staff J. L. TARR Colonel, USAF Director of Administrative Services DISTRIBUTION: S Approved For Release 2004/03/26 : CIA-RDP81 R00560R000100040072-9