The 2018 Go Fast UFO Video
Navy Analysis and Unexplained Aerial Observations
The 2018 Go Fast UFO video gained worldwide attention after footage from a U.S. Navy fighter jet showed an unidentified object apparently speeding over the ocean. This short video, released alongside other official Pentagon UFO clips, raised questions about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) and the Navy’s procedures for analyzing such encounters.
Military analysts examined the video closely, using cockpit data and targeting information from the jet’s forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera. Their review focused on the object's actual speed, altitude, and characteristics, seeking to determine whether it demonstrated anything beyond known technology. The analysis has been a key example of how officials approach reports of UAP.
The continuing interest in the Go Fast UFO video highlights both the public’s curiosity about unidentified aerial events and the challenge of drawing conclusions from limited radar and visual data.
Background of the 2018 Go Fast UFO Video
The "Go Fast" video is one of three well-known U.S. Navy recordings that sparked renewed public interest in unidentified aerial phenomena. Its release and analysis involved military sensors, public organizations, and widespread media coverage.
Origin of the Go Fast Footage
The Go Fast video was captured by the aircrew of a U.S. Navy F/A-18F fighter jet in 2015 during a routine training mission. The incident occurred over military training ranges, with the jet’s Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera recording a fast-moving object above the ocean’s surface.
The recording uses infrared technology, displaying the object as a bright spot contrasted against the cooler background. This type of footage allows for the detection of heat signatures and motion that are not apparent to the naked eye. The object's speed and low altitude were immediately notable, leading to speculation about its origin.
The Navy’s aircrew used onboard tracking systems to lock onto the object, providing data such as altitude, speed, and heading in the video overlay. This technical detail contributed to subsequent analysis and debate.
Initial Release by the U.S. Navy
The Go Fast video became public in 2018, alongside other notable military UFO videos such as "FLIR1" and "Gimbal." These videos were authorized for release by the U.S. Department of Defense, marking a rare acknowledgment of encounters with unidentified aerial objects.
Declassified and distributed via official channels, the video brought significant attention to the Navy's protocols for documenting unexplained sightings. Reports confirmed that the video originated from Navy training exercises and involved standard military sensors.
The release prompted an update to Navy procedures for reporting unknown objects, emphasizing accountability and data collection over speculation. It also led to increased transparency about how such footage is reviewed and stored within the Pentagon.
Involvement of To The Stars Academy
To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science (TTSA), a private organization founded by former Blink-182 member Tom DeLonge, played an important role in bringing the Go Fast video to the public. TTSA obtained the recording and released it through its website and media partnerships, helping drive broader attention.
The organization collaborated with former government and military officials to analyze and publicize the video. TTSA's involvement underscored the growing intersection between civilian groups and official military sources regarding UFO phenomena.
By working with the media and releasing supporting documents, TTSA contributed to the increased interest and scrutiny surrounding the Go Fast video and similar military footage. This ensured public access to materials that were previously inaccessible outside government channels.
Navy Analysis and Official Statements
The U.S. Navy and Department of Defense conducted a thorough assessment of the 2018 "Go Fast" UFO video using modern military technology and expert review. Official releases and firsthand pilot accounts provide insight into how the incident was investigated and understood within the Pentagon.
Evaluation Methods and Technology
The Navy relied on Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera footage for their initial analysis. This technology detects heat signatures and captures high-resolution infrared video during both day and night operations. Analysts from the Pentagon and other military branches, including the Air Force, reviewed the footage to assess object speed, size, altitude, and possible explanations.
Data gathered included flight instruments, sensor telemetry, and radar readings. Calculations focused on whether the object's apparent speed could result from camera movement or atmospheric effects. The Navy’s evaluation involved technical experts familiar with FLIR systems and aerial identification.
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), created within the Defense Department, further reviewed the video. AARO investigated whether conventional objects—such as balloons or drones—could explain the anomaly, using a structured and collaborative approach.
Public Statements from the Department of Defense
The Department of Defense confirmed that the "Go Fast" footage was filmed by U.S. Navy personnel and is considered an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP). In multiple statements, Pentagon officials clarified that the videos were released to promote public understanding of UAP incidents and improve airspace safety.
A Department spokesperson stated:
“The released videos remain characterized as unidentified, pending further analysis.”
The Defense Department emphasized that while there was no immediate evidence of hostile intent or advanced technology, UAP reports are investigated seriously. Official communications tried to avoid speculation about extraterrestrial origins, instead focusing on safety, training, and transparency.
The Navy clarified its reporting protocols for UAPs, encouraging pilots to document unusual sightings without the risk of career repercussions. This measured approach helped ensure that incidents like "Go Fast" were subject to consistent and objective review.
Role of Navy Pilots in the Investigation
Navy pilots directly involved in the encounter provided detailed reports and debriefings to investigators. Their firsthand observations were paired with technical sensor data to create a complete record of the incident. Pilots described the object's movement, speed, and response to attempted identification.
Experienced aviators emphasized the challenges of interpreting FLIR footage, noting that visual anomalies can result from sensor angle, relative speed, and atmospheric conditions. Their input was crucial in ruling out routine aircraft, weather balloons, or known drones during the Navy’s review.
The pilots’ accounts influenced both the investigation’s direction and broader UAP reporting policy. Their willingness to engage with defense and intelligence officials contributed to the Pentagon’s development of improved reporting systems and pilot training for future UAP encounters.
Technical Characteristics of the Go Fast Video
Analysis of the Go Fast video relies on technical data extracted from U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet sensors. Camera readings, infrared imaging, and targeting systems played key roles in interpreting the object's behavior.
Speed and Altitude of the Object
The “Go Fast” object initially appeared to be moving at an extreme speed just above the ocean’s surface. Detailed analysis, including input from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), estimated the object's speed range between 5 mph and 92 mph, depending on wind conditions.
Navy experts reviewed the footage frame-by-frame. They noted that the perceived speed resulted from parallax effects and the angle of the sensor mount on the Super Hornet, not actual high velocity. Calculations based on the available metadata showed the object was not traveling exceptionally fast for its apparent altitude.
The object's estimated altitude remained low, hovering just above the surface of the water. The combination of its speed and altitude led analysts to suggest it was consistent with a small, conventional object, rather than a high-performance craft.
Use of Infrared and FLIR in Detection
The Go Fast video was captured with a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR1) camera attached to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. FLIR technology tracks heat signatures, displaying objects in grayscale based on temperature differences.
Infrared imaging enabled the aircrew to observe the object’s thermal profile despite challenging visibility conditions. The FLIR system provided real-time tracking and allowed detailed examination of flight dynamics, position relative to the water, and motion across the frame.
No unusual heat emissions or propulsion signatures were detected in the footage. Analysts relied on the FLIR’s consistent readings to confirm that the detected object likely had no advanced technological features. The video’s technical data supported conclusions that the object was drifting, most likely with the wind.
Theories and Explanations
Analysis of the 2018 Go Fast UFO video has resulted in different theories from both the defense sector and civilian experts. Some emphasize technical factors in the video’s capture, while others highlight gaps in identification procedures.
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Classification
The term Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) replaced “UFO” in official channels to account for a broad range of aerial objects with unexplained features. The Go Fast video was categorized as a UAP by the U.S. Navy because its movement and infrared signature did not match known aircraft or sensors’ common atmospheric errors.
Naval analysts and the Pentagon studied the video’s infrared and radar data, focusing on object speed, altitude, and trajectory. Despite the object’s apparent rapid movement over water, calculations showed its speed was likely much lower, possibly due to optical illusions caused by sensor angles and parallax effects.
Debunkers and some UFO skeptics highlight that "unidentified" does not mean "extraordinary," but simply that insufficient data prevents positive identification. They point out that many UAP cases are resolved as mundane phenomena when more data becomes available, including weather balloons, drones, or birds that can appear unusual under certain conditions.
Potential for Aircraft Misidentification
The potential for misidentifying conventional aircraft or misinterpreting sensor data is a major consideration in UAP analysis. In the Go Fast incident, calculations by Pentagon analysts and independent researchers suggested the object was closer to the water and slower than it initially appeared, a result of camera angle and background movement.
Infrared targeting systems used in Navy jets can create optical illusions if an object’s distance or size is not accurately known. As noted in official assessments, limitations in sensor data often lead experienced pilots or analysts to interpret ordinary phenomena as extraordinary. Motion parallax, sensor glare, and lack of depth cues can make objects seem to move at impossible speeds.
Lists of explanations for misidentification often include:
Weather balloons
Birds or wildlife
Distant jets seen from odd angles
Sensor artifacts
UFO skeptics argue that skepticism is needed when interpreting ambiguous data, as history has shown that most UAP cases have terrestrial explanations upon further review.
Broader Context of UFO Sightings
The 2018 "Go Fast" video is one of several recent military-recorded UFO sightings, formally referred to as UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) cases. Understanding its relevance involves looking at how it compares to both earlier incidents and other well-known Navy videos.
Relationship to Previous UAP Cases
UFO sightings have been reported by both military and civilian sources for decades. The U.S. Navy's systematic approach to documenting and studying these incidents has shifted public and institutional perspectives.
Earlier UAP cases frequently lacked reliable sensor data or multi-source confirmation. In contrast, events in the last decade, like "Go Fast," are better documented with infrared video, radar tracking, and pilot testimony. This shift enables a higher standard of analysis.
Unlike many past sightings, the release and acknowledgment of recent videos by official sources, including the Pentagon, signal a new level of transparency. The "Go Fast" case has often been referenced in official hearings and reports to illustrate the current handling of UAP encounters.
Key facts:
Older cases often involved anecdotal evidence
Modern cases use multi-sensor confirmation
Government transparency has increased since 2017
Comparison with GIMBAL and Other Videos
The "Go Fast" video is frequently compared to the "GIMBAL" and "FLIR1" videos, all released between 2017 and 2018. These videos, captured by military pilots using advanced infrared technology, became central to discussions about UAPs.
Similarities:
All show fast-moving, unidentified objects captured by Navy aircraft
Each has infrared signatures and has been publicly confirmed as authentic by the Department of Defense
Differences:
"GIMBAL" shows a rotating object with a stable heat signature; "Go Fast" depicts an object moving quickly across the ocean surface
Technical analysis has suggested mundane explanations for some objects, such as camera artifacts or distant planes, but uncertainties remain
These cases highlight both the capabilities and the limits of current sensor technology in conclusively identifying UFOs. The "Go Fast" video's role underscores the need for multi-source verification and continued analysis.
National Security and Training Implications
The 2018 Go Fast UFO video prompted heightened scrutiny from U.S. defense officials due to its potential impact on military preparedness. Incidents like this raise immediate concerns about the security of sensitive airspace and the integrity of training environments.
Impact on U.S. Military Operations
Unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings such as the Go Fast event can disrupt training schedules and operational planning. When Navy aviators encounter unknown objects, their missions are sometimes interrupted to record data or ensure safety.
This can result in postponed or altered exercises, creating gaps in readiness. According to Pentagon reviews, these interruptions have led to calls for standardized reporting procedures and enhanced radar analysis. Reliable identification of all craft in military airspace is critical to mitigating potential threats and preventing unintentional escalation during misunderstandings.
Navy training ranges are particularly vulnerable. If unaccounted objects traverse these environments regularly, they may expose military tactics or equipment to foreign surveillance. Maintaining operational security in these areas is a persistent challenge due to the unpredictable nature of UAP incidents.
Incursions into Restricted Airspace
Incursions by unknown craft into restricted airspace raise red flags for national security. The Go Fast incident prompted questions about possible surveillance by adversaries or the presence of unregistered drones.
U.S. military officials assess every airspace breach with urgency, seeking to determine intent and technological origin. In many cases, these incursions remain unresolved, stressing the limits of current detection and tracking capabilities. Sensitive training zones—such as those used for advanced flight drills—require uncompromised airspace to ensure both safety and secrecy.
Such incidents have spurred the Pentagon’s UAP office to develop new protocols and recommend investments in upgraded sensor technology. The goal: more rapid identification and response to unknowns within and near critical U.S. operational environments.
Scientific Inquiry and Extraterrestrial Hypotheses
Rigorous scientific methods have been applied to the 2018 Go Fast UFO video to separate verifiable facts from speculation. Investigators have considered both natural explanations and the persistent question of extraterrestrial involvement.
Nasa’s Interest and Involvement
NASA has publicly displayed interest in aerial phenomena such as those depicted in the 2018 Go Fast video. In response to public and governmental concern, the agency has assigned specialists to evaluate military-reported encounters.
NASA’s analysis utilizes a mix of visual data verification, instrument calibration checks, and mathematical modeling. For the Go Fast incident, this has included examining possible errors such as parallax or sensor misinterpretation. The agency’s stance remains grounded in scientific skepticism—they gather evidence, look for terrestrial explanations, and refrain from affirming any alien origin.
Key points from NASA’s approach:
Data-driven examination of video and radar sources
Collaboration with military and independent experts
Communication of findings to dispel inaccurate claims
NASA continues to clarify that no conclusive evidence has tied unidentified objects like those in the Go Fast video to extraterrestrial technology or intelligence.
Discussion of Alien Visitation
The release of the Go Fast video reignited debate about alien visitation. Some observers suggested the object’s speed or flight pattern might suggest non-human origin.
However, scientific scrutiny has revealed alternative explanations, such as camera angle distortions, wind, or misidentified conventional aircraft. U.S. intelligence and defense reports—including the most recent Pentagon studies—also state there is no verified link between Navy UFO sightings and alien spacecraft.
Public interest in extraterrestrial life remains strong, but current analyses stress the importance of credible, reproducible evidence. Most credible scientists agree that while unidentified objects are intriguing, extraordinary claims require thorough and objective investigation before any assertion about alien visitation is made.
Public Perception and Ongoing Debate
The release of the "Go Fast" UFO video in 2018 brought significant public attention and intense discussion about unidentified aerial phenomena. This debate has played out across news outlets, online communities, and in scientific circles, reflecting a range of opinions from fascination to skepticism.
Media Coverage and Public Response
Major media channels gave the "Go Fast" video widespread attention, often featuring interviews with Navy fighter pilots and government officials. News headlines frequently emphasized the object's unusual speed and erratic movement, fueling speculation. Many viewers saw the footage as compelling evidence of advanced technology not yet understood.
Public fascination was driven in part by official releases and statements from military personnel. Social media amplified discussions, with hashtags related to UFOs trending and viral debates unfolding.
Online forums and podcasts hosted passionate conversations, with some users requesting more transparency from government agencies. Documentaries and mainstream news segments highlighted both the mystery and the official responses, shaping public interest and reinforcing curiosity about the true nature of these sightings.
Skeptics Versus Believers
UFO skeptics, including scientists and analysts, pointed out natural and technical explanations for the "Go Fast" video. Their arguments included likely misinterpretation of sensor data, optical illusions, and mundane objects appearing unusual under certain conditions. Skeptics often referenced prior instances where similar phenomena turned out to be explainable.
In contrast, many believers, particularly in online UFO communities, interpreted the video as potential evidence of technology beyond human capability. They referenced fighter pilots’ testimony describing unexplainable flight characteristics.
The debate between skeptics and believers remains active. Both sides call for more data and clearer analysis, reflecting ongoing uncertainty and differing interpretations of the available evidence. The conversation continues to be shaped by new information and official reviews.
Conclusion and Continuing Investigations
The Department of Defense has publicly addressed the 2018 "Go Fast" UFO video, clarifying its origins and offering technical explanations. Their analyses indicate the object seen was likely not moving as fast as initially perceived, based on review of the sensor data and angles involved.
Key points highlighted by investigators include:
The object’s apparent speed was a result of sensor angle and background movement.
No definitive evidence the object represented advanced technology beyond current known capabilities.
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and other Pentagon groups continue to review such incidents under the term UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena). These teams use a combination of data analysis, pilot interviews, and sensor review.
According to officials, many UAP reports have been traced back to commercial drones, foreign surveillance devices, or natural airborne debris. However, a subset still lacks clear identification and remains under investigation.
Future Department of Defense findings on the "Go Fast" video and similar UAP events will depend on ongoing analysis and data collection. The pursuit of reliable explanations continues, relying on both technology and expert review.
