Project Sign

Project Summary

Project Sign was the United States Air Force's first official investigation into unidentified flying objects. Established in 1948 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the project examined hundreds of military and civilian UFO reports to determine whether the phenomenon represented a threat to national security.

Overview

Project Sign was organized by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base following a dramatic increase in UFO reports after the Kenneth Arnold sighting of 1947. Investigators collected military pilot reports, radar incidents, civilian sightings, intelligence reports, and foreign observations. Members of the project reportedly concluded that some cases could not be explained by known aircraft or natural phenomena. The project allegedly produced a classified report known as the 'Estimate of the Situation,' which argued that extraterrestrial craft represented the best explanation for some sightings. Air Force Chief of Staff General Hoyt Vandenberg reportedly rejected the report due to insufficient evidence. Project Sign was dissolved in late 1948 and replaced by the more skeptical Project Grudge.

Project Information

Year:
Organization: United States Air Force
Category:
Status: Completed

Project Timeline

Project Sign officially established.
Military and civilian UFO reports collected from across the United States.
Investigators reportedly complete the 'Estimate of the Situation.'
Air Force leadership rejects the report's conclusions.
Project Sign is replaced by Project Grudge.

Documents

Project Sign Report 1949 Estimate Of The Situation Twining Memo 1947

Related Projects

Project Grudge Project Blue Book

Related Cases

Kenneth Arnold 1947 Mantell 1948 Gorman Dogfight 1948 Chiles Whitted 1948

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