In 1988, the U.S. Air Force Astronautics Laboratory commissioned Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to investigate whether electromagnetic and gravitational fields could be inductively coupled in a way that would permit propulsion without propellant. The resulting 169-page document, Electric Propulsion Study (AL-TR-89-040), stands as one of the most explicit government-funded explorations into exotic propulsion physics outside the classified sphere.
The study does not assert any exotic propulsion as proven. Instead, it analyzes several emerging five-dimensional unified field theories, proposes laboratory experiments to test them, and argues that even small coupling coefficients between EM fields and gravity could yield propulsion breakthroughs ten orders of magnitude beyond nuclear energy.
The report has become historically significant because it demonstrates that the USAF was willing to explore non-Newtonian momentum exchange, modified Maxwell equations, and nonclassical field-interaction models, ideas now frequently invoked in debates about UAP propulsion. (DTIC)
Historical Context and Program Mandate
The program ran from 21 September 1988 to 30 November 1989, overseen by Dr. Franklin B. Mead Jr. of the USAF Astronautics Laboratory. SAIC physicist Dr. Dennis Cravens and consultant Dr. Pharis E. Williams performed most of the technical analysis.
The USAF had a strategic motivation:
- Chemical propulsion had reached theoretical limits,
- nuclear propulsion faced political barriers, and
- the Air Force sought insight into post-Newtonian concepts that might one day enable breakthrough propulsion systems.
The study’s goal was not to build a device but to evaluate whether emerging 5-D theories justified laboratory experiments and future investment.
Theoretical Foundations Explored
The report reviews several variants of five-dimensional unified field theories – descendants of Kaluza–Klein models – focused on one radical idea:
Electromagnetic fields might induce gravitational-like effects, and gravitational mass might vary with changes in electromagnetic energy density; derived from modified Maxwell equations and the 5-D metric.
Modified Maxwell Equations
The 5-D framework introduces new terms into Gauss’s law and Ampere’s law:
- The divergence of E includes a term involving the derivative of a mass-density potential.
- The curl of B contains additional coupling to mass-related terms.
These extensions suggest that changing EM fields could, in principle, affect inertia or gravitational interaction, especially under high energy density or rapid field modulation.
Two equations – the divergence of E and the curl of B – acquire new terms due to 5-D coupling. For example:
Lorentz Force Extensions
The Lorentz force gains new scalar-like and mass-linked components:
- A J₄V₄ term analogous to a gravitational force contribution
- Possible “dispersive forces” countering magnetic pinch effects at high currents
These terms are central to the study’s argument that mass-energy conversion rates (i.e., temporal changes in energy density) could produce transient deviations in inertial mass.
Conservation Laws Under Pressure
The authors examine whether 5-D theories permit:
- nonconservation of charge,
- nonconservation of momentum in certain configurations,
- and symmetry-breaking effects (e.g., chirality, pseudovector dynamics).
These discussions are explicitly theoretical but lead to the provocative suggestion that momentum exchange with an underlying field might be possible.
As the research suggests for the 5-D continuity equation:
This allows non-conservation of electric charge under certain conditions – an idea explicitly acknowledged as radical.
The authors warn that “conservation laws depend on symmetries,” and breaking those symmetries might permit momentum exchange with the vacuum or gravitational field.
Quantum & Relativistic Considerations
The study suggests that inserting curvature terms into quantum commutators:
- could regulate QED divergences,
- imply limits on virtual particle formation,
- and create a natural high-energy cutoff.
This is framed as mathematical motivation, not empirical fact.
Proposed Experiments
Among the many proposals, the study highlights a shortlist of experiments with the highest likelihood of revealing coupling between EM and gravitational effects.
Radiation Pressure vs. Energy Density (Top Recommendation)
Because 5-D waves introduce an additional transverse component, radiation pressure and energy density may differ slightly. A torsion balance and bolometer system is proposed to measure divergence across two frequencies.
This is presented as the cleanest low-noise experiment with classical utility even if the exotic effect is null.
Biefeld–Brown Effect Re-examined
The study revisits T. T. Brown’s asymmetric capacitor claims. Rather than relying on static high voltage, the report emphasizes:
- transient or time-varying electric fields,
- momentum exchange through changing energy density,
- improved dielectric materials (e.g., titanates, polymer composites).
Woodward’s early work—measuring tiny mass fluctuations during capacitor charging cycles—is cited as the most promising approach.
Divergent Current Experiments (“Conductive Submarine”)
Inspired by Graneau’s longitudinal EM forces, this setup measures anomalous forces on a conductive rod moving through a conductive medium while experiencing high current divergence.
The study sees this as a way to explore mass-density flow in circuits, predicted by the 5-D continuity equation.
Gravitational Rotor
Dr. Williams’ proposal uses current divergence inside copper cones to generate torque measurable via optical lever. Calculations suggest tiny but potentially measurable torque if 5-D coupling exists.
Appendix B in the original document provides detailed derivations.
Noninductive Coil Experiments (Hooper)
Hooper’s experiments claim a distinction between “motional electric fields” and static electric fields. The study suggests replicating these claims using modern superconductive coils for increased drift velocity.
Other Proposed Tests
Including:
- speed-of-light variation in mass flow
- thermoelectric potentials in gravitational fields
- charged torque pendulum (Saxl claim)
- binary pulsar acceleration tests for PPN deviation
These are framed as longer-term or less feasible projects.
Why This Study Matters for UAP Research
Although the Air Force did not mention UAPs, the document has become relevant for UAP propulsion discussions for several reasons:
It demonstrates official interest in non-Newtonian propulsion physics.
The USAF openly explored EM–gravity coupling as a path toward reactionless or field-based propulsion, an idea frequently associated with UAP behavior.
The theoretical models echo claims surrounding UAP observables.
Examples:
- Instantaneous acceleration → relates to variable inertial mass in 5-D models
- Silent operation → suggests field propulsion over reaction thrusters
- Transmedium movement → tied to inertia modification and field decoupling
- Lack of thermal signature → consistent with non-chemical propulsion
The study does not confirm any such technology—but it shows theoretical openness inside the defense establishment.
It establishes an experimental roadmap.
Many experiments proposed in 1989 – radiation-pressure asymmetry, transient-mass fluctuations, noninductive coils – 7remain unperformed or unduplicated at high sensitivity.
It provides historical precedent for later speculative programs.
AAWSAP/DIRDs (2008–2010) later examined warp metrics, wormholes, and metric engineering; the 1989 study can be seen as an early precursor to such explorations.
Claims Taxonomy
Verified
- The USAF commissioned and published this propulsion study in 1990.
- The report proposes modified Maxwell equations and unified field models.
- The authors recommended laboratory experiments to test EM–gravity coupling.
- No experimental confirmation of coupling is presented in the document.
Probable
- The USAF’s interest reflected broader Cold War exploration of exotic physics.
- Some experimental avenues (e.g., Woodward-type mass fluctuation measurements) could produce measurable results with modern instrumentation.
Disputed
- Whether 5-D theories offer physically real coupling effects.
- Whether Brown’s asymmetric capacitors produce anything beyond ion wind.
- Whether longitudinal EM forces exceed classical Lorentz predictions.
Legend
- Nonapplicable (the study is a formal government document, not folklore).
Misidentification
- The report has sometimes been misrepresented online as a suppressed anti-gravity program; in reality, it is an open, unclassified theoretical feasibility study.
Speculation Labels
Hypothesis
- 5-D unified field theories may allow EM–gravity coupling leading to non-Newtonian propulsion.
- Mass fluctuations may occur when energy-density changes rapidly (e.g., in pulsed capacitors).
- Divergent electrical currents may induce gravitational-mass-density flow.
Witness Interpretation
- Not applicable (no witness testimony is part of this document).
Researcher Opinion
- The authors propose that if coupling exists, power densities could exceed nuclear energy by ten orders of magnitude.
- They argue that verifying or falsifying coupling would be relatively inexpensive compared to potential payoff.
References
Cravens, D. L. (1990). Electric Propulsion Study (AL-TR-89-040). U.S. Air Force Astronautics Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command. Science Applications International Corporation.
Retrieved from the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC):
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA227121.pdf
Unified Field Theory & Modified Electromagnetism
Einstein, A., & Bergmann, P. (1938). On a generalization of Kaluza’s theory of electricity. Annals of Mathematics, 39(3), 683–701. https://doi.org/10.2307/1968642
Kaluza, T. (1921). On the unity problem of physics. Sitzungsberichte Preussische Akademie der Wissenschaften, 966–972.
Klein, O. (1926). Quantum theory and five-dimensional theory of relativity. Zeitschrift für Physik, 37, 895–906. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01397481
Born, M., & Infeld, L. (1934). Foundations of the new field theory. Proceedings of the Royal Society A, 144(852), 425–451. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.1934.0059
Podolsky, B. (1942). A generalized electrodynamics. Physical Review, 62(1–2), 68–71. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.62.68
Earlier Military or Aerospace Investigations into Exotic Propulsion
Forward, R. L. (1961). General relativity for the experimentalist. Proceedings of the IRE, 49(5), 892–904. https://doi.org/10.1109/JRPROC.1961.287932
(Foundational paper proposing laboratory-accessible GR experiments.)
U.S. Air Force. (1956). Report on Project Winterhaven. Air Research and Development Command.
(Early USAF interest in field propulsion and “electrogravitics.”)
Aviation Studies (International) Ltd. (1956). Electrogravitics Systems: An examination of electrostatic motion, dynamic counterbary, and Biefeld-Brown effect. London.
(Widely circulated in aerospace circles; reflects 1950s concept exploration.)
Modern Defense-Related Exotic Propulsion Studies (AAWSAP / AATIP Era)
Davis, E. W. (2004). Traversable wormholes, stargates, and negative energy (Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL-PR-ED-TR-2003-0034).
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA458172.pdf
Davis, E. W. (2006). Advanced propulsion study: In-depth analysis of space propulsion possibilities (NASA/CR–2006-214677).
NASA Glenn Research Center.
Puthoff, H. E. (1996). Gravity as a zero-point fluctuation force. Physical Review A, 39(5), 2333–2342.
(Shows a later intellectual line connecting vacuum fluctuations and gravity.)
Theoretical Frameworks Related to Inertial Modification
Woodward, J. F. (1990). A new experimental approach to Mach’s principle and relativistic gravitation. Foundations of Physics Letters, 3(5), 497–506. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00665703
(An early period paper relevant to the transient-mass-fluctuation experiments later cited in speculative propulsion research.)
Woodward, J. F. (1992). Measurements of a possible mass fluctuation. Foundations of Physics Letters, 5(6), 507–523.
(Empirical attempts to test Mach-effect inertia modulation.)
Casimir/Quantum Vacuum Concepts Potentially Relevant to Field Propulsion
Lamoreaux, S. K. (1997). Demonstration of the Casimir force in the 0.6 to 6 μm range. Physical Review Letters, 78(1), 5–8. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.78.5
Milton, K. A. (2004). The Casimir effect: Physical manifestations of zero-point energy. World Scientific.
(Frequently referenced in discussions of vacuum energy propulsion speculation.)
U.S. Government UAP-Related Technical or Sensor Context
U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (2021). Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.
https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf
U.S. Department of Defense, AARO. (2024). Historical Record Report: Volume I.
(Provides official contemporary framing of UAP analysis vs. exotic technology speculation.)
NASA. (2023). NASA UAP Independent Study Team Report.
https://science.nasa.gov/science-red/s3fs-public/atoms/files/UAP%20Independent%20Study%20Team%20Report.pdf
Historical Studies of Anomalous Aerodynamics & Field Propulsion Claims
Vallee, J., & Aubeck, C. (2010). Wonders in the Sky: Unexplained Aerial Objects from Antiquity to Modern Times. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin.
(Useful for contextualizing long-standing reports of anomalous flight behavior.)
Coombs, M. (2009). Exotic propulsion: Beyond rockets and reaction drives. Springer.
(Survey of historical and speculative propulsion concepts.)
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