Declassified docs show Air Force flying saucer
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A close-up image shows the cockpit from a 1950s Air Force concept for a flying saucer. (National Archives)
Recently declassified documents reveal a 1950s U.S. Air Force effort to build a flying saucer. (National Archives)
“Six Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbo-jet s -- 1,900 lb. thrust, 22.0” overall diameter, 525 lb weight each -- are mounted radially in the wing, exhausting inwards; and used as gas generators to drive a pair of contra-rotating centrifigual impellers by means of a radial inflow turbine,” the document says. (National Declassification Center)
Much of the 114-page document is devoted to detailed descriptions and schematics of the propulsion system, as tested in a scale model seen in a series of photographs. But the report appears to conclude that the flying saucer was better in concept than actual execution. (National Declassification Center)
A 1/6th scale, cut-away model of the flying saucer was used to test its ability to fly. (National Declassification Center)
A recently declassified document from the mid 1950s reveals a U.S. Air Force plan for a flying saucer. (National Archives)
The forward-upper surface of the saucer, as tested in an M.I.T. wind tunnel. (National Declassification Center)
Recently declassified documents reveal a 1950s U.S. Air Force effort to build a flying saucer. (National Archives)