MCIAX/LHT/nsk

SUBJECT: Request for Study by Rand Project

[Date stamp maybe Oct 12 or Oct 22] OCT 12 1948

THRU: Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: AFOIN

TO: Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
Washington 25, D. C.
ATTN: AFMED

1.  It is requested that the special study, described in the inclosure be approved and the Rand Corporation be authorized to establish a study of 3A priority, consistent in scope and degree of treatment with the described requirements.

2.  It is further requested that Air Material Command be assigned to monitor the project in conformance with Air Corps Letter 80-10, 21 July 1948, Section 3, Paragraph J.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

/s/ W. R. Clingerman
1 Incl W. R. CLINGERMAN
Exhibit "A" Colonel, USAF
Project Sign Actg Chief of Intelligence Department
Study Requirements

cc: Colonel Fillars [Fillars, Pillars,?]

 

EXHIBIT "A"

Project Sign Study Requirements

The possibility that some of the unidentified aerial objects that have been reported both in the United States and in foreign lands may have been experimental spaceships, or test vehicles for the purpose of assisting in the development of spaceships, has been given consideration by this Command.

If such craft actually have been sighted, it is believed more likely that they represent the effort of a foreign nation, rather than a product from beyond the Earth.

Present world knowledge, techniques and resources are probably adequate to meet the requirements for spaceship constructions, or at least to establish the preliminary experimental foundation for such an accomplishment in the near future.

In any case, the design and performance parameters of the craft would necessarily be in conformance and consistent with the established principles of our science.

To assist in the collection of information, relating to unidentified aerial objects that may possibly represent spaceships or spaceship test vehicles, and to assist in the analysis and evaluation of such reported craft, technical information that includes the distinguishing design and performance parameters for spaceships is considered necessary.

While such information is contained outright, or implicitly, in the series of Rand Project reports, it would be much value to this Command to have a list of the [???] design and performance characteristics that are believed to distinguish spaceships, together with any further scientific clues that might assist in their detection and identification, prepared by Rand scientific personnel.

T-65382