Colombian planes of the gods: what the ancient Indians flew

The Colombian Gold Museum holds unusual items. Figures made of pure gold about 4 centimeters in size resemble birds, flying fish and airplanes at the same time. It is the resemblance to aircraft that attracts the attention of researchers from all over the world to unusual figures, and the collection itself was even called the "Colombian planes of the gods."

These figures were discovered during excavations in Colombia and, according to researchers, belonged to Native American leaders. They were identified as amulets or ritual jewelry and for a long time were exhibited in this capacity in the museum. In addition to the Gold Museum in Columbia, similar figures are stored at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

But in the middle of the 20th century, aircraft designers drew attention to gold products. The researchers were particularly interested in the location of the tail of the gold figures. The tail made in the form of a triangle is located perpendicular to the main structure. This is a typical structure of the tail of the aircraft, and in wildlife this arrangement of the tail is not found in birds, insects, or other flying organisms.

Interestingly, in 1969, a group of experts examined the gold products of the Indians. Specialists included zoologist Ivan Sanderson, aerodynamics teacher J. Aldridge, doctor of the New York Aeronautical Institute B. Paisley, and aircraft designer Arthur Jung. After a careful study of the gold figures, experts agreed that these images are more likely copies of mechanical objects, rather than biological ones. At the same time, the location of the wings, according to experts, did not match the correct model of the aircraft.

But in the wind tunnel tests of aircraft models made on the basis of Colombian airplanes were carried out. Despite all the assurances of skeptics, the models showed good aerodynamic qualities. Supporters of the “Colombian airplanes” went even further and conducted real tests. Aviation enthusiasts from Germany created 16-fold increased copies of several gold figures. The aircraft were equipped with motors and sensors for radio control. The assembled audience was shocked: Colombian airplanes performed all aerobatics, and with the engines turned off, they freely planned, demonstrating excellent aerodynamic properties.

Despite the studies, the main issue of Colombian airplanes remains unresolved. Where the Indians drew inspiration for making gold jewelry in the form of aircraft, remains a mystery.