UFO Classification Systems

Vallee's Original Classification System [footnote 1]

This is the final form of Jacques Vallee's original classification system. It still remains one of the best and most descriptive classification systems, particularly when the subtypes are used.

*Class Name*	*Description*
Type - I (a,b,c,d)	Observation of an unusual object, spherical discoidal, or more complex in form, on or close to the ground (no higher than tree height), which may be associated with traces - physical effects of a thermal, luminous, or mechanical order. a - On or near ground b - Near or over body of water c - Occupants displaying interest in witnesses by gestures or luminous signals d - Scouting a terrestrial vehicle
Type - II (a,b,c)	Observation of an unusual object with vertical cylindrical formation in the sky, associated with a diffuse cloud. This phenomenon has been given various names such as cloud-cigar or cloud-sphere. a - Moving erratically through the sky b - Object is stationary and gives rise to secondary objects c - Object surrounded by secondary objects
Type - III (a,b,c,d,e)	Observation of an unusual object of spherical, discoidal or elliptical shape stationary in the sky. a - Hovering between two periods of motion with "dead-leaf" descent, up and down, or pendular motion b - Interruption of continuous flight to hover and then continue motion c - Alters appearance while hovering - i.e. change of luminosity, generation of secondary object, etc. d - "Dog-fights" or swarming among several objects. e - Trajectory altered during continuous flight to fly slowly above a certain area, circle, or suddenly change course
Type IV (a,b,c,d)	Observation of an unusual object in continuous flight. a - Continuous flight b - Trajectory affected by nearby conventional aircraft c - Formation flight d - Wave or zig-zag trajectory
Type V (a,b,c)	Observation of an unusual object of less definite appearance, appearing not fully material or solid in structure a - Extended apparent diameter, non-point source luminous objects b - Starlike objects, motionless for extended periods c - Starlike objects rapidly crossing the sky, possible with peculiar trajectories

Hynek Classification System [footnote 2]

Possibly the most famous UFO classification system, this is a system which does not classify reports based on the nature or behavior of the observed object, but instead simply on the visibility or proximity of the object. As such, it is significantly less useful than either of the Vallee classification systems.

*Class Name*	*Description*
NL (Nocturnal Light)	Point or extended luminous source observed at night.
DD (Daylight Disc)	Metallic or whitish object seen in the day.
RV (Radar / Visual)	Observation supplemented with radar.
CE-I (Close Encounter I)	Observation of an object in close proximity to the witness (i.e. within 500')
CE-II (Close Encounter II)	Observation of an object in close proximity to the witness, where physical traces (impression, burn, medical effect, etc.) are left or (electrical effect, heat) are felt
CE-III (Close Encounter III)	Close observation with animate beings associated with the object.
CE-IV (Close Encounter IV)[footnote 3]	Abduction of the witness or other direct contact

Current Vallee Classification System [footnote 4]

This is Vallee's attempt to unify his classification system with Hynek's, and to incorporate those "psychic" or otherwise anomalous reports which he believes have a connection with the UFO phenomenon, and to regularize the classification system.

*Class Name*	1 *Sighting*	2 *Physical Effect*	3 *Beings*	4 *Reality Transformation*	5 *Injury or Death*
AN Anomaly	Amorphous lights, mystery explosions	Poltergeist, materialized objects, areas of flattened grass (i.e. crop circles)	Anomalies with entities (ghosts, yetis, cryptozoological beings, elves, spirits)	Near Death Experience (NDE), religious visions and miracles, Out Of Body Experience (OOBE)	Anomalous injuries or death, including spontaneous combustion and unexplained wounds
FB Flyby	Continuous trajectory	With physical evidence	Beings observed	Witness sense of reality change (such as landscape alteration, telepathy, etc)	Result of fly-by is injury or death
MA Manuvers	Discontinous trajectory	With physical evidence	Beings observed	Witness sense of reality change (such as landscape alteration, telepathy, etc)	Result of manuver is injury or death
CE Close Encounter	Close approach (within 500')	With physical evidence	Beings observed	Abduction	Injury or death