Horace C. Dudley: Electric Field Rocket (US Patent #
3,095,167)

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**Horace C. DUDLEY**

**Electric Field Rocket**

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***Analog Science Fact and Fiction* (November 1960, p.
83-94)**

**"The Electric Field Rocket"**

**by** **Horace C. Dudley**

During a lecture on nuclear theory, the professor explained the
disintegration of uranium. At the end of the lecture, he stated,
This system of mathematical theory shows a definite probability
that an airplane may pass through a rocky cliff and come out the
other side unscathed.

It was here that the writer parted company with modern
nuclear theory. My flying days began when I ran away from home
about 1921 to sneak my first ride in a Jenny. Since then having
experienced one air crash, and witnessed many others, no amount
of calculations can convince me that which is impossible, can be
possible. Out of this came a critical examination of all
mathematical theory, which led to some theorizing on my own (1).

The state of our theorizing has been well summed up (1953) by a
Nobel prize winner, Louis de Broglie: The history of science
shows that the progress of science has constantly been hampered
by principles that we have come to assume without discussion.
Prof. J. C. Bailar, President of the American Chemical Society
pointedly reminded scientists (1959) that the theories of today
have superseded those of yesterday, and that they in turn will
be superseded by those of tomorrow, even if todays seem
perfectly logical.

As a starting point it is suggested that one examine several of
the references which discuss atmospheric electricity (2, 3, 4).
It will be found that the old concept of current flow (+) to (-)
is often renamed in these writings. Here then is the indication
tat our present concepts of charge, field, and current flow are
in a chaotic state. If our electron and x-ray tubes function by
reason of electron passage, then current flow must be electron
flow, (-) to (+). And there is current flow, ionosphere to
earth!

Theoretical studies of charge, fields and gravity led to the
prediction that the earth is a (+) charged particle spinning
in a hue (-) charged field (1). But theorizing is one thing and
experimentation is still another. So a series of privately
financed experiments were begun, utilizing both laboratory
apparatus, and small rocket. The procedures and results are
outlined below.

**Laboratory Experiments**

In October 1957, preliminary experiments were begun with a
small Van de Graff generator producing a maximum electrostatic
(+) charge of about 75,000 volts. This unit was used to study
the action of various one-quarter to one-half inch spheres and
various powders under the influence of a (+) charged field.

These preliminary tests indicated that a large electrostatic
generator would be useful. After several modifications, the
final unit constructed was a van de Graff generator having a
spherical collector head 12 inches in diameter, capable of
producing a (+) charge of 425,000 volts. The capacity of he ES
generator was increased by employing an electronic high-voltage
generator, and applying a (+) potential of 25,000 volts on the
groundside brush of the Van de Graff.

These units were used to study the movement of (+) charged one-
to four-inch diameter hollow spheres in various (+) and (-)
charged electric fields. The spheres were made of glass,
plastic, or aluminum. The inner and/or outer surface of the
non-conductors were rendered conducting by spraying with lacquer
containing aluminum powder. In the case of glass spheres, one of
the best sources of supply was ordinary Christmas tree ornaments
which contain inside a flashing of metallic silver. This can
easily be removed with a few drops of nitric acid. A
non-conducting body does not take a charge and therefore is not
repelled.

A sphere placed on top of the collector of the Van de Graff
generator may take on the same charge, in this case 425 KV (+)
with respect to ground. This charging of the small sphere will
take place only if one surface is conducting. In the case of
nonconductors, if the inner surface only is rendered conducting
and is connected in some way with the collector head, then the
charge is distributed over the inner conducting surface and the
sphere is repulsed. In effect the charge radiates as if a
point source at the center of the hollow sphere.

Since the charges on the collector and the sphere are both (+),
when the electrostatic repulsion of (+) charge for (+) charge is
greater than the attraction of gravity for the sphere, then the
sphere will move vertically t a point where the electrostatic
force equals gravitational force:

Fe = k q1 q2 / d2

Where Fe = electrostatic force,   
D = distance between charges,   
q1 = charge on collector, a constant under the
condition of the experiment,   
q2 = charge on sphere, a variable dependent on
various factors,   
k = a dielectric factor, a constant, but only under a definite
set of conditions, i.e., barometric pressure, temperature and
humidity.

When the sphere rises from the collector, the electrostatic
force of repulsion (Fe) is greater than the attraction of
gravity (g); Fe > Fg. As the sphere
rises, a point is reached where Fe = Fg.
The conditions of this equilibrium are determined by the
following factors (assuming *q* constant):

(a) Surface-area mass ratio of sphere;

(b) Rate of loss of charge (q) of sphere by reason of leakage,
a rate influenced by the value of k, which depends on barometric
pressure, temperature, humidity, and surface imperfections;

(c) Increase (q) by reason of the acceleration of the sphere as
it begins its rise.

The results of many preliminary series of experiments
established the above conditions. In later more extended
experiments it was found that the mass of material above the
generator, the electrical conductivity of this material, the
time of day and season of the year all influenced the height of
rise of the sphere above collector head.

These results show that by careful control of all conditions,
it is possible to titrate the attraction of the (-) zone above
the earth for the (+) charged sphere as it is repelled by the
(+) charged collector head.

These findings resulted from more than two years of
experiments. To those who may wish to check or extend these
findings, it is recommended that the experiments be carried on
in an isolated lightly constructed building in which temperature
and humidity can be rigidly controlled. Only the use of a
high-speed movie camera to record height of rise of the spheres
will provide refined data and permit accurate plots.

For an explanation of the influence of season of the year and
time of day on the (-) charge above the earth see discussion of
rocket experiments which follow.

**Rocket Experiments**

As a result of the laboratory experiments outlined above, it
was postulated tat a rocket may become a (+) charged body,
repelled by the (+) charge of the earth and simultaneously
attracted by the (-) charged zone above. This reduced to its
simplest, is a macro reduction of R.A. Millikans oil drop
experiment (1909), in which he, at will, augmented or
counterbalanced the force of gravity on charged oil droplets, by
means of electrostatically charged plates. For this Millikan
received the Nobel prize for determining the nature of the unit
charge on the electron.

What is given here is the outline of results of 200 firings of
small rockets, and details of a series of do-it-yourself
experiments utilizing readily available and safe materials in
order that others may repeat the experiments, and, it is hoped,
confirm and extend the findings.

**Rocket Construction**

A --- Obtain at least three Aerobee-Hi rockets or others of
similar design, which utilize Rock-A Chute motor. Assemble in
the usual manner, but eliminating the parachute. Install a hard
plastic guide tube in place of the paper straw as supplied (1/4
OD, 3/16 ID, 4 long, with 45 degree bevel at each end). Spray
all parts and surfaces, inside and out, with a clear acrylic
lacquer. Repeat spraying three times, allowing suitable drying
time between coats. Allow to dry finally overnight in a warm
room. One of these rockets is now sprayed only inside the rocket
body with aluminum paint, or lacquer. Another rocket is sprayed
so as to cover all surfaces, inside and out, with aluminum paint
o lacquer. Beneath outer coating is now an electrically
conducting surface. The third rocket is retained as a
non-conducting body, completely impregnated with acrylic
lacquer.

B --- Secure at least three die-cast high dielectric plastic
Alpha-I rocket bodies, complete with rubber nose tip. Cement the
tip to the body, To each, cement a hard plastic guide tube
midway between two fins (1/4" OD, 3/16" ID, 4" long). Pour a bit
of aluminum paint or lacquer inside the body of one rocket.
Rotate, drain and allow to dry. Spray all surfaces of the second
Alpha-I, inside and out with the aluminum paint, allow to dry
thoroughly. Retain the third rocket clean, with no coating.

C --- The rocket motors utilized in all these tests are the
standard Rock-A-Chute products, type A4 or B6, which are used as
issued in the Aerobee-Hi models. For the Alpha-I, obtain garden
hose washers, which are fitted and cemented around the base of
the Rock-A-Chute motor, flush with the orifice end of the paper
case. This rubber washer serves as a thrust collar and retaining
ring. The size of standard hose washers causes the fit of the
rocket motor to the Alpha-I to be surprisingly snug and
shipshape. A bit of tape or paper wrapped around the motor helps
to retain the motor in the body.

**Firing Conditions**

In warm, pleasant weather the amount of moisture, as grams
cubic meter, is about eight times that found under cold, dry
winter conditions. The optimum conditions for the study of the
effect of the earths electric field on the height of rise of
rockets are winter conditions, some distance from any large body
of water and low humidity.

Under warm, humid conditions, all rockets become conducting
bodies because of absorption of moisture on the surface of any
substance. To check this, heat a pyrex beaker in an oven to 125
C. Cool in a dessicator. Rapidly bring to equilibrium on an
analytical balance. Watch the progressive increase in weight.
This is the water vapor being absorbed on the surface of the
glass.

Those fortunate to live in a semi-arid or desert region, have a
definite advantage in conducting tests of this kind, since the
crux of the whole problem is electrical conductivity of the air
and the rockets surface. High altitudes, dry, cold conditions
are those which favor the tests, since these are conditions of
lowest conductivity.

**Firing Schedule**

Fix the Aerobee-Hi rocket launching rod so that it is vertical
and is in contact with the ground. In case of dry sand,
concrete, or arid conditions, dig a hole near the launching
site, drive a metal rod into the ground and electrically connect
this ground pin to the launching rod. This insures that the
rocket is at ground potential for the full length of the rod.
Select an open area at least 300 yards away from habitation or
roadway. Keep bystanders to a minimum (you will see why later).

The best time to obtain the greatest potential gradient as
volts/meter near the surface of the earth is 8-11 AM and 5-7 pm
in winter. In summer the most advantageous times are 809 am and
8-9 pm. The best season of the year is November through
February. Thus the optimum time of firing to reduce to a minimum
the leakage of the earths (+) charge of the rocket is precisely
the time at which the attraction of the (-) field is greatest.
Thus to study these phenomena seriously it necessary to endure
soe discomfort. Select a clear day, December through January
with low temperature and low humidity and fire between 8-11 AM
(See refs 2 and 4 for details of earths potential).

(1) Fire the lacquer impregnated non-conducting Aerobee-Hi
wind. Repeat using the untreated plastic Alpha-I. Again be wary
as the aerodynamic stability depends in part on conductivity.
These two rockets represent uncharged bodies being propelled
only by rocket power.

(2) Fire the Aerobee-Hi rocket which has only a conducting
inner surface. Note stability of flight, height of rise, effect
of cross wind. Fire the Alpha-I which has only its inner surface
rendered conducting.

(3) Fire the Aerobee-Hi and Alpha-I rockets which have all
surfaces coated with the conducting lacquer. Note height of
rise, trajectory and effect s of cross wind. Those rockets have
initially the same (+) charge as the earth.

In order to get a good approximation of the heights of rise,
station two observers at about 300 feet from the launching site,
positioned such that they are at right angles to each other,
with respect to the site. One should be facing directly away
from the sun, i.e., between sun and site.

Accurately measure each leg of your triangulation grid, and the
distance from observer to observer. A very useful sighing
quadrant may be prepared by nailing with one nail a lathe, slat
or yardstick to a corner of a square board, about 12 x 12 x 1
inch. Using a small protractor, lay off the angles from 0 to 90
degrees with the 0 degree at the bottom edge of the sighting
board. Always hold this board perpendicular to the ground, and
with the 0 degree line parallel to the ground.

We are now ready to measure the angle of rise by sighting along
the top edge of the pivoted slat:

![](dudl1.jpg)

If B = 300 ft   
And Angle A --- Then height (h)   
is --- Tangent --- is

37 --- 0.754 --- 226 ft   
50 --- 1.19 --- 357 ft   
75 --- 3.73 --- 1119 ft.

If one selects convenient and permanent base lines for the
above, and calculating tangent values vs height, it is easy to
prepare a table so as to read off directly the heights at the
launching site, rather than wait to work up your results. The
necessary tangent values can be found in any geometry text and
scientific handbooks.

Under optimum conditions of time, temperature and humidity, the
conducting rockets will attain altitudes about 400% greater than
non-conducting rockets.

Should the rocket veer too far off the vertical path, it is
easier to calculate it height when you have two observers. If
you estimate the distance fro one observer to a point directly
under the highest part of the trajectory, then using this value,
and the observed angle, calculate the height by the Tangent
method outlined above.

From 200 firings carried out by the author, the following
general facts emerge.

(a) Both high humidity and high temperatures decrease the rise
of a rocket so constructed as to be an accelerating, charged
body.

(b) Conversely, low temperature and low humidity greatly favor
the rise of a rocket so constructed as to retain its charge
during acceleration.

(c) A completely non-conducting rocket shows erratic flight
characteristics in cold, dry weather.

(d) An accelerating, conducting rocket becomes a moving charge
in an electric field and thus establishes concentric magnetic
lines of force. These lines of force couple with the magnetic
flux of the earth, stabilizing the flight of the rocket. This
effect causes the rocket to resist changes in its vertical path,
such as the force of crosswinds might induce.

(e) Under optimum conditions the electrostatic field of the
earth may be utilized to aid the thrust of a rocket motor.

**Conclusion**

About 1750, Benjamin Franklin proposed the theory of a single
electric fluid. He rubbed a glass rod with silk and guessed
that some of the fluid was transferred to the glass. Therefore,
he called the charge on the glass positive (+). When he rubbed a
hard rubber rod with wool, some of the fluid seemed rubbed off
the rubber, and the charge was labeled negative (-). Since the
charges were different, the fluid flowed from glass positive to
rubber negative. This is the origin of the direction of flow of
electric current which appeared in practically all textbooks
until about 1940.

But with the development of the Bohr concept of the atom, and
the clear evidence of the particulate nature of electricity,
derived from electronics, the old terminology began to change,
showing the flow of current, negative to positive. But in this
good year of 1960, what is available in our textbooks and
reference libraries, indicating the state of our concepts
regarding the flow of electric current?

*Encyclopedia Americana, Ency. Britannica, World Book
Encyclopedia, Scientific American*, etc

And so we may find whatever may suit our fancy. In fact, many
widely used physics texts, while explaining current flow as
electron flow, neg to pos, still retain the diagrams of earlier
editions showing the flow, pos to neg.

Science is in one of those transition periods where new
knowledge conflicts with old terminology and there is just now a
woeful lack of critical evaluation of what one scientist means
by his writings and diagrams. Older references are cited and
concepts which cannot stand up in the light of new data. In
short, we have come so far so fast that our further progress is
being hampered by outmoded concepts retained, references and
still taught as valid. Faulty communications lose battles!

In the Spring of 1958, as the result of laboratory studies with
various charged spheres. A prediction --- call it an educated
guess --- was hazarded: The Russians are firing their rockets
from a high, dry, cold place. Subsequently published reports
showed their major launching site to be northeast of the Caspian
Sea (45 N) on a desert plateau, altitude about 500 feet. They
fire their high thrust rockets largely during cold weather,
after October 1. These are the conditions which the rocket
firings reported herein show to be optimum for taking advantage
of the earths electric field. Atmospheric conditions which
exist at Cape Canaveral and Point Mugu are those which
completely negate this effect.

**References**

(1) H.C. Dudley: *New Principles in Quantum Mechanics*;
Exposition Press, NY, 1959.

(2) *Encyclopedia Britannica*, Vol. 8 (1947);
Atmospheric Electricity

(3) J.A. Chalmers: *Atmospheric Electricity*; Pergamon
Press, 1957.

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***Analog Science Fact and Fiction* (1961 ?; p. 83-96)**

**"Report on the Electric Field Rocket"**

**by**

**Harry Stine**

When Dr H.C. Dudleys article on the Electric Field Rocket
appeared in these pages in the November 1960 issue, his
investigations aroused a great deal of interest among the model
rocketeers of the National Association of Rocketry. There was
only one way to settle the question once and for all: perform
Dudleys experiment with model rockets. If Dudley were right,
the experiment would be a true predictable one and would
duplicate his findings. This is in the finest tradition of
science. No amount of discussion will settle the question; it
must be settled by checking the theory with experiment. The
results must then be published.

The NAR was in a unique position to carry out the model
rocketry experiments of Dudley. Since 1957, the NAR has
developed in-flight optical tracking systems for model rockets
that have reasonable accuracy. Model rocket engine manufacturers
can supply propulsion systems of very close tolerance. Many NAR
members are expert model makers capable of building very fine
rockets.

The Peak City Section of the NAR in Colorado Springs, CO was
perfectly situated to carry out the tests. Their rocket range is
the most extensive and well-equipped in the country, consisting
of 40 acres of flat prairie at an elevation of 6380 feet. There
are clear skies most of the year, and the climate meets the
Dudley specifications beautifully --- high altitude, clear
skies, low humidity.

Supervised by Bill Roe, five teenage model racketeers undertook
the task of running the tests. None of these people had any
contact with Dr Dudley; they know him only from his Analog
article. They used his article for instructions for building
their models, following his directions exactly.

Four different series of models were used. The design of the
models varied from series to series, but the five rockets in
each series were constructed as nearly alike as possible, with
the exception of the presence or absence of the conductive
layer.

In each series, the five models differed as follows:

Model 1: A control model. A standard model rocket built of
paper and balsa wood with a clear layer of Krylon sprayed inside
and out. This Model was the standard against which the
performance of the others in the series would be compared.

Model 2: Identical to Model 1 except with a layer of Krylon
aluminum paint sprayed on the inside of the model over a clear
Krylon spray base. The exterior of Model 2 was a spray coat of
clear Krylon.

Model 3: Identical to Model 1 except with a coat of Krylon
aluminum paint sprayed over both the inside and the outside of
the model over a coat of clear Krylon.

Model 4: Identical to Model 1 except with a layer of aluminum
foil on the inside of the model over a clear Krylon base.
Exterior was sprayed with clear Krylon.

Model 5: Identical to Model 1 except with a layer of aluminum
foil on both the inside and outside of the model over a spray
coat of clear Krylon.   
The reason for using Models 4 and 5 was to insure a true
electrically conductive layer by means of the foil. Peak City
Section rolls its own paper tubes for model rocket bodies, and
was, therefore, able to roll special tubes with inside and/or
outside foil layers. This was an admitted departure from the
Dudley instructions designed to double-check the premises.

The model rocket engines used in the tests were NAR type A.8-4
and B.8-4. The NAR has developed a method of classifying
commercial rocket engines by total impulse --- thrust multiplied
by duration --- and has created a coding system for describing
the performance of such engines. The first letter indicates the
total impulse range, the first number indicates the thrust in
pounds with fractional pounds expressed as decimals, and the
dash number indicates the number of seconds (to the nearest
second) of time delay built into the engine.

All of the engines used were commercially made by a model
rocket engine manufacturer by means of a fully automatic
machine. The engines used in the tests were selected from the
same production lot. One from each batch of 100 engines had been
static tested on a recording-type test stand. The accompanying
thrust-time curve was obtained from the sample engines of the
production batch used. Tolerance on these engines is very close

In flight, the models were all tracked by means of optical
theodolites constructed by the boys. They consist of surplus
8-power elbow telescopes with reticles and cross hairs. They are
attached to alt-azimuth mountings with elevation and azimuth
dials. Mounted person manning the theodolite is on sturdy
tripods, they are accurate to at least 1/2 degree. During flight
operations, the connected to the firing point by a telephone so
that he hears the countdown and can read back his azimuth and
elevation angles. He tracks the model from the instant of
take-off to peak altitude, where he ceases tracking and locks
his tracking mount.

The standard NAR tracking system was used for the tests. It
consists of two tracking stations on a measured baseline. If you
will look at the tracking system geometry in the accompanying
drawing, you will see that it does not matter where the tracking
stations are with respect to the launch area, or where the model
is in the air with respect to the ground. If the baseline
between the stations is known, and if the tracking angles from
each station are known, it is possible to determine by
triangulation exactly how high the model is. Moored balloon
calibrations of this system have shown it to be accurate to 2%
for altitudes up to 1000 feet. If you want better accuracy or
are flying higher than this, use a longer baseline.

A three-station system is admittedly more accurate, but the
data reduction gets messy and cannot easily be handled in the
field with trig tables and a slipstick.

The tracking angles from each station are reported in to the
launch area where they are copied down. Simple trig reduces
these angles to altitude data.

The tests of series One took place on October 29, 1960. High
winds made things difficult until January 7, 1961, when the
remaining three series were flown.

Special flight sheets were used for the electric field rocket
tests, and one of these is reproduced with this article. All
possible data was recorded for each flight --- time,
temperature, humidity, winds, barometer, sky, model type, launch
weight, motor type, conductive layer used, and general flight
characteristics. The PC Section hoped to be able to measure the
atmospheric charge in volts/cm as well, but they were unable to
complete the equipment in time for the flight tests.

In all, 20 flights were made. 19 of these were tracked, and
track was lost on one flight.

A summary of the flight test data, as compiled on the
accompanying table, shows some interesting things that should
settle the electric-field rocket question. The results are
probably best summed up in Bill Roes comment, I have been
unable to detect any difference in the flight of the rockets.
They were built as closely as possible to the Dudley specs.I
suggest Captain Dudley be invited to bring his rockets to the
range and try them.

The NAR has drawn the following conclusion of the Dudley
Electric-Field Rocket:

(1) There is very little apparent difference in the achieved
altitude or light characteristics of model rockets when provided
with an electrically-conductive surface.

(2) Model rockets with and without conductive coatings flown on
separate days with different weather factors show very little
difference in performance.

(3) The altitude spread of the results is that normally
experienced with ordinary models of identical construction,
probably due to small difference in engine performance, minute
differences in models, variations in launching conditions, and
tracking system errors.

The testing crew decided to discontinue the project after 20
flights because it seemed to them that there was nothing to be
gained by further flying. The test flights told them that they
werent getting the claimed altitude increase or the claimed
stability performance.

This essentially concludes the serious reporting aspects of
these tests, but leads us to some interesting speculation
regarding what might have caused Dr Dudley to draw his
conclusions. I repeat that this is strictly speculation. The NAR
did no get the expected results. Why? What did we do wrong, or
what did Dr Dudley, in all scientific honesty, interpret
incorrectly? None of us feel that we are competent to judge his
overall theoretical work on the basis of the NAR tests; perhaps
other tests in other areas may confirm all or part of it;
perhaps it will have to be modified or even discarded. But that
is up to the physicists; we are scientists on a busmans
holiday, amateur scientists, and model racketeers. Primarily,
for this report and these tests, model rocketeers.

Dr Dudleys photos showing the acceleration of his models at
take-off mean nothing to us. Single photos cant. If the camera
shutter had been tripped electronically by a microswitch at the
precise instant of launch, they would be interesting. But I can
get and have gotten photos of takeoffs which, if I laid them
side by side, might indicate that one model had greater
acceleration than the other. But there would be no way of
knowing unless I had tripped the shutter at precisely the same
instant of launch in each case.

A single-station tracking system can give very erroneous
altitude reading, as we discovered in 1957. The NAR initially
used a single station system, began to question its accuracy,
and went to a dual station system. I recall one particular
design that consistently turned in 1,500 foot peak altitudes
with the single-station system, but which began to give 500 foot
altitudes once the two-station system was put into use.

A model rocket simply does not go straight up over the launcher
every time. It may veer several degrees either side of vertical
on the way up. In doing so, it may approach the tracking station
or fly away from it. In the first instance, the peak altitude
appears to be higher; in the second case, lower. Model rockets
all have a tendency to weathercock into the wind slightly
because o the fact that they are fin-stabilized vehicles
possessing arrow stability.

If the tracking station is one three hundred feet away and, if
it happens to be up-wind of the launcher on the day of the
flights, the vehicles will appear to go higher.

However, this does not answer the question of the higher
altitudes that Dr Dudley claimed for his coated models. We must
look further into the problem. What happens if we compute the
altitude of the NAR test models using the one-station system?

The data from Flight #8 shows us what can be expected. The NAR
tracking stations were 1,000 feet from the launch pad. Using
this as the baseline, and using the 40 degree elevation angle
recorded from one station for that flight, we compute an
altitude of 839 feet. However, using two stations, this comes
down to a reduced altitude of 635 feet.

This is still not enough to account for the altitude increases
reported by Dr Dudley.

At this time, weve checked everything we can think of with the
thought that perhaps we did something wrong. The models were
properly built according to the instructions given by Dr Dudley.
The launchers were grounded by wire to a steel fence post driven
more than two feet into the ground. The weather was clear, cold
and dry, and the tests were made at high altitude.

Instead of concluding an argument, we may have started a new
one. Who is right? When an amateur scientist does not confirm
the results of another amateur scientist, who is going to be
believed? The professional people will probably pay no attention
, or they would have run some tests themselves in the first
palce.

Since the NAR boys followed the instructions exactly, they
certainly believe they are right. The essence of the question is
the predictable experiment done from a cook book. Mystics use no
cook books. Mysticism is based on faith. Did Dr Dudley neglect
to mention some important point of procedure in his article? If
so, it was not proper scientific reporting.

Another interesting speculation raises its head: If the
Electric Field Rocket Effect is real, why hasnt it been noticed
before? Certainly with all the experiments and flight tests made
with rockets, some factor should have shown up. Not all rocket
flights are made from damp, sea-level locations. I recall
standing on a desert hummock in freezing temperatures during
winter flight tests from White Sands at an elevation of nearly
4,000 feet. No unexplained factors turned up at White Sands
during the time I was there. And, good friends, a metal rocket
resting on a steel launching table bolted to a concrete slab is
most certainly at ground potential!

And, perhaps the wrong question has been asked! Maybe the
electric field rockets work best at low altitudes. If so, we
will be finding this out about the time you are reading this,
duplicating the experiment again on Long Island, NY in dry fall
weather. If the eastern NAR groups confirm the Dudley
experiments, you will most certainly hear about it.

In any event, it was time to make a report. To date, members of
the NAR have not confirmed the results of Dr Dudleys rocket
tests. We invite you to come to your own conclusions.

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![](stine2.jpg)

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**US Patent # 3,095,167**

**Apparatus for the Promotion and Control of
Vehicular Flight**

**Horace C. Dudley**

**June 25, 1963**

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