We can anticipate the argument that this kind of hybrid heavier-than-air/lighter-than-air vehicle will be used in the same baseless manner as the U-2 and Oxcart were used to explain "more than half" of all UFO sightings.
Interestingly enough, there was a kind of an impromptu experiment testing the validity of this hypothesis, back in the late 1990s (I think it was 1995, but Linda Moulton Howe would know for sure). Some may recall that, in the middle of the crop circle season, a 50 ft diameter double convex, shiny disc flow low over a tavern in Wiltshire, UK. (check out this youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IznML7IEh8). The startled patrons dropped their beers and sandwiches and marvelled at what was happening. Clear photographs of the flying saucer were taken. It turns out that the UFO was a radio controlled hybrid heavier-than-air/lighter-than-air vehicle specially constructed to resemble a classic flying saucer, using technology similar to the Lock-Mart high altitude blimp. Some of the patrons watched as the disc, powered by submerged, electric motor driven fans, made several laps around the tavern and then flew about a quarter mile away and landed. A crew of 2 or 3 men emerged from a covered trailer, deflated the gas bag portion of the flying saucer, stowed it in the trailer and drove away. Some of the patrons approached the radio control pilot and asked him, essentially, what's up with this? He admitted that a wealthy but unnamed party had paid him to design, construct, and fly the disc as he had done, presumably to observe public reaction. Having professionally designed, constructed, and flown RC UAVs myself, I would guesstimate that the fake UFO cost between half a million to a million dollars to field.
The interesting fact is that no one was fooled by the experiment beyond the first few seconds. Why? Because all conventional aircraft are made from materials that you can buy from a known factory somewhere, utilize power and propulsion components that consume resources at known rates, make aerodynamic noise, come from a hangar (or trailer) before they fly, and and go back to a hangar (or trailer) after they fly. Ultimately, not very mysterious.
Rant over.
________________________________________
From: George Knapp [
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 12:16 PM
To:
Subject: Re: That (NOT SO) ridiculous Area 51 Book (Dr. Quantum)
Separate issue...can this aerospace giant try any harder to make this look like a flying saucer? Spooky lighting is a nice touch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKAyJ3zKTus&feature=related