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With so many different designs of UFO’s being reported all around the world, is there any way that they can be categorized in an orderly manner that makes sense?

UFO shapes: An examination of global configurations

With so many different designs of UFO’s being reported all around the world, is there any way that they can be categorized in an orderly manner that makes sense? Why have the shapes of UFO’s changed over the years? Can these different configurations all come from the same extraterrestrial “manufacturing plant”? This article will explore the six main types of UFO’s which have been reported since the beginning of modern day Ufology.

Type I: Classic saucer configuration

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Starting in early June of 1947, these UFO’s were primarily reported in the Southwest. Measuring six feet in diameter, and as large as ½ mile across, the Type I configuration primarily consists of a primary disc with a central dome on top. This dome can be either opaque or transparent. The flight paths for these vehicles consist of multiple “hops”, and acceleration combined with sudden stops and 90 degree turns. A blue or red coronal discharge is sometimes reported with these UFO’s. Multi-colored lights are often seen around the outer circumference of these craft. “Portholes” or square openings are also associated with these vehicles. In many cases, a faint “buzzing” sound can be heard emanating from these UFO’s. The exterior appearance for Type I craft generally consists of a smooth polished aluminum or dull gray finish.

Type II: Oversized disc configuration

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

These craft are generally identified by their overall diameter/height ratio. Being significantly thicker than the Type I craft, these UFO’s are often reported having either stationary, or a revolving band of multi-colored lights around their exterior circumference. Type II craft generally start at 100 feet in diameter, and can measure up to ½ mile across. These configurations have also been reported as departing at a high rate of speed. Although the Type II craft have been reported all around the world, they generally appear to originate from Alaska or the Northern Canada regions. Black panels associated with these larger craft prohibit witnesses from seeing any interior details.

Type III: Triangular/Boomerang configuration

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Modern reports of triangular craft date back to at least June 24, 1947 (just a few hours prior to Kenneth Arnold’s famous sighting). Type III craft can measure from twenty feet to over one mile across. These UFO’s almost always consist of a primary light in the center, and a single red light located on the extreme end of each corner. In some cases, hundreds of multi-colored lights are seen on the lower surface of these craft. Translucent panels are also reported to be located on the bottom of these craft which may facilitate VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing). Many times, “mechanical structure” consisting of pipes, tubes, and cross-beams have been identified in the interior sections of these vehicles. A faint hum or buzzing noise has also been reported.

Type IV: Bell/Acorn configuration

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Type IV craft generally measure approximately twelve feet across, and fifteen feet high. However, some reports indicate that these UFO’s can be as large as forty feet high. In many cases, the upper portion of these craft rotates along the central axis, while the lower portion remains stationary. A defining feature of the Type IV vehicles is a predominant “bumper” section along the lower rim of the craft. This unique feature is sometimes reported to have strange hieroglyphic writing or symbols wrapping around the entire circumference. A dull brown or copper colored exterior finish appears to be the most common color reported for these UFO’s.

Type V: Landing gear configuration

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

The defining feature of the Type V craft are a series of “Lunar Lander” looking legs. There can be as few as two, or up to six legs reported for these vehicles. Each of these legs are almost always associated with a corresponding “pad” at the bottom. Type V craft generally have a cylindrical shape, and measure approximately twelve feet in height. Multi-colored pulsating lights are often reported with these UFO’s. In some cases, “box-like” protrusions can be seen around the circumference of these craft. Strange “hydraulic lines” have also been reported on the upper and lower surfaces. An unusual buzzing noise, complete with an alternating Blue, Orange, and Red colored exhaust has also been reported.

Type VI: Wild-card configuration

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Illustrations by Michael Schratt

Type VI craft do not necessarily conform to any known UFO configuration. These vehicles include modified cigar shapes, faceted pyramids, and counter-rotating craft complete with transparent windows. A common feature of Type VI craft is a lower section of elongated exhaust ports. These specific UFO’s can measure up to 225 feet high, and 325 feet across. They may also serve as “Mother-ships” for smaller craft. Another prominent feature of Type VI craft includes verified reports of “rusted rivets” and “cross-beams”. Reports of humanoid looking beings wearing one piece flight suits are also common with these UFO’s

After examining a broad cross-section of known UFO configurations, it appears that they may be a mix of both man-made and extraterrestrial in origin. The fact that so many different shapes and sizes of UFO’s have been reported all around the world indicates that the phenomenon is much larger than something that both British and American defense contractors could produce. Ancient reports of “flying shields” and metallic wing shaped craft which date before the first flight of the airplane on December 17, 1903 support this assessment.

About Michael Schratt

Michael Schratt (military aerospace historian) has lectured across the country on the subject of "Mystery Aircraft", and classified propulsion systems buried deep within the military industrial complex. A recent guest speaker at the “OSHKOSH” AirVenture 2006/2007 event, (the world’s largest air show), Michael has developed a number of contacts who have had first hand experience dealing with classified “black programs”, including former USAF pilots, retired Naval personnel and aerospace engineers who have maintained a TOP SECRET Q “MAJIC” clearance. A private pilot and military aerospace historian, he currently works as an aerospace draftsman/researcher near Tempe AZ.