Electrogravitic & Electrokinetic Propulsion Overview

Dr. Tom Valone discusses the origins of electrogravitics and electrokinetics, which can be traced to T. Townsend Brown’s first article “How I Control Gravity” (Science and Invention, 1929). Brown reported that the dielectrics had high propulsive force when the “differently charged elements” were aligned with the voltage source. Electrogravitics was also revealed in the article “Gravity Nullified: Quartz Crystals Charged by High Frequency Currents Lose Their Weight” which appeared two years earlier in the same magazine in September of 1927.

Much of what we know about T. T. Brown is from his numerous patents and articles, reprinted inElectrogravitics Systems Volume I, by Tom Valone, who was fortunate to correspond with him in 1981 when he was at the University of Florida. A sample of his detailed correspondence is contained in the out-of-print book, Ether-Technology: A Rational Approach to Gravity-Control by Rho Sigma (1977) and in the recent Defying Gravity: The Parallel Universe of T. Townsend Brown, Paul Schatzkin, (2009, Embassy Books). Also, a five-minute Brown-Bahnson Lab video online shows many of the experimental models that Brown developed toward 1960 with colleague Agnew Bahnson.

In this presentation, Valone extensively covers Townsend Brown’s experiments and patents, highlighting the controversial “electrogravity device” investigated by the US military in the 1950s. He discusses various researchers’ work, including Jefimenko’s equation explaining the force generated, and Takaaki Musha’s theoretical derivation of electrogravitic force. The presentation also includes anecdotal evidence of successful, albeit classified, military applications of this technology, along with analyses of various lifter designs and experiments, emphasizing the potential for propellantless propulsion. Vallone advocates for the declassification of this technology and its potential applications in aerospace.

A Historical Perspective: From Townsend Brown to Modern Research

Dr. Vallone’s presentation began with a journey through the history of electrogravitics, tracing its origins back to the pioneering work of Professor Meefer in 1918 and focusing primarily on the groundbreaking experiments of Thomas Townsend Brown in the 1920s. Brown’s experiments with Coolidge tubes led to his 1928 British patent (300 311), detailing a method for achieving what he termed “gravity control.” Dr. Vallone highlighted the reproduction of this patent in Electrobotic Systems and its inclusion in Paula Violet’s book, emphasizing the historical significance of Brown’s work.

A significant portion of the presentation focused on a 1956 electrogravitic systems document obtained via interlibrary loan, originally marked “confidential” and obtained from Wright Patterson Air Force Base by Dr. Paul LaViolet. This document, titled “Electrovitic Systems Examination of Electrostatic Motion Dynamic Counterbary, and Barycentric Control,” revealed the excitement surrounding electrogravitics in the 1950s, detailing experiments and the involvement of major aerospace companies like Lockheed and Lear. Dr. Valone showcased images and details from this document, including descriptions of Townsend Brown’s improved electrostatic motors and the challenges in obtaining materials with a dielectric constant exceeding 5000.

The Physics of Electrogravitics: Unraveling the Mechanisms

Dr. Vallone addressed the challenges in defining electrogravitics, emphasizing the close relationship with electrokinetics. He discussed the difficulties encountered in obtaining materials with sufficiently high dielectric constants (5000+) and the implications for achieving high-efficiency propulsion. He presented compelling evidence, including analysis of the B-2 bomber’s design, suggesting the potential use of high-voltage propulsion systems. Eyewitness accounts of a blue wing glow at night, attributed to a leading-edge ionizer, further supported this hypothesis.

The presentation explored various theoretical models attempting to explain the observed effects. Dr. Vallone discussed the ionic wind hypothesis, highlighting its limitations in explaining the observed forces. He then introduced the work of Jeff Menkel, whose electrokinetic equation provided a more comprehensive explanation, emphasizing the role of pulsed current and the vector potential. Menkel’s work, detailed in his book “Causality, Electromagnetic Induction, Gravitation,” offers a potential explanation for the seemingly paradoxical observations made by Townsend Brown and others.

The B-2 Bomber: A Case Study?

Dr. Vallone presented compelling evidence suggesting the possible application of electrogravitic principles in the design of the B-2 stealth bomber. He showed a 1994 photograph of the B-2, highlighting a noticeable color difference that he attributed to the presence of uranium oxide dielectric material. He compared this to a diagram illustrating charge flow, suggesting a high-voltage propulsion system. While a more recent photograph lacked this color difference, the implication remains intriguing. He further supported this claim with an anecdote from a Department of Energy employee who witnessed a blue wing glow on a B-2 bomber at night, potentially indicating a leading-edge ionizer.

Modern Developments and Future Directions

Dr. Vallone reviewed the contributions of several researchers, including Serrano, Woodward, and Campbell, highlighting their work on multi-stage designs, piezoelectric devices, and surface electrode configurations. He presented data from Jean Louis Naudin’s replication of Campbell’s patent, demonstrating a significant increase in linear speed over extended periods. He also discussed the work of Rudolph Zinser, whose device produced a remarkable 6 newtons per watt, significantly exceeding the efficiency of conventional propulsion systems.

The presentation concluded with a call for the declassification of military research in advanced energy and propulsion technologies. Dr. Vallone emphasized the potential benefits of this technology for satellite maneuvering, inertial pulsing, and other applications. He urged further research into asymmetric capacitors with pulsed current, suggesting that combining electrokinetic forces with the Lorentz force could lead to significant breakthroughs in propulsion technology.

Conclusion: A Promising Path Forward

Dr. Vallone’s presentation provided a compelling overview of the history, physics, and future potential of electrogravitics, and concluded with a call for the declassification of military research in advanced energy and propulsion, highlighting the potential benefits of this technology for satellite maneuvering and other applications. Dr. Vallone emphasized the need for further research into asymmetric capacitors with pulsed current, and the potential synergy between electrokinetic and other advanced propulsion concepts.