USA: Further Declassification of 1976 Aeroflot Research Memo
The Central Intelligence Agency completed declassification of the 1976 Aeroflot medical research memorandum following a 2019 Mandatory Declassification Review request by The Black Vault. Previously redacted sections revealed specific details about Soviet investigations into cosmic ray effects on pilot vision. The release provided additional context regarding historical explanations for aerial phenomena observed by flight crews.
Background
In November 2021, the CIA finalized the release of previously classified portions from a 1976 memorandum regarding Soviet airline medical studies. The disclosure resulted from a Mandatory Declassification Review submitted by The Black Vault in January 2019. Newly accessible sections identified Dr. Inal Georgiyevich Akoyev by name and detailed technical findings about radiation-induced visual phenomena that had been concealed since the document's initial 1978 release.
The unredacted material clarified how Soviet researchers attributed certain luminous observations to cosmic ray interactions with human physiology rather than external aerial objects. This represents a significant FOIA victory illuminating Cold War era aerospace research. The document enhances understanding of how both superpowers scientifically investigated reports of unusual sightings by flight personnel.
Via TheBlackVault.com (FOIA)