Government / Military

Project Y (Avrocar)

1952–1960

USAF- and Avro Canada-funded program to build a saucer-shaped VTOL aircraft, projected to reach up to 100,000 feet and 1,800 mph. A 1955 CIA memo cited it internally as evidence that "unconventional saucer-like aircraft" were within the era's engineering reach, offering a mundane explanation for some reported sightings. The prototype never approached its projected performance; the program stayed classified until 1960.

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Connections (4)

confirmedHerbert Scoville Jr.

cited it internally as evidence unconventional saucer-like aircraft were within engineering reach

Source: Avro Canada Project Y / VZ-9 Avrocar declassified history

confirmedJohn Frost

led the program

Source: Avro Canada Project Y / VZ-9 Avrocar declassified history

confirmedClark Millikan

advised the SAB's review of the program

Source: Declassified UAP release 04 (DOW-UAP-D095)

disputedJimmy Doolittle

his SAB report reviewed and limited support for the program

Source: Declassified UAP release 04 (DOW-UAP-D095)

Part of The Red Thread Files — an independent, evidence-first investigation into the UAP, USO, and consciousness question. Confidence labels (confirmed / reported / disputed) are an automated approximation based on the wording and directness of each source, not a verdict. Corrections: sddgfeedback@gmail.com.