>> a sphere seems like a terrible geometry for atmospheric flight no matter your technology for propulsion.
Only if you do not have a "friction negation" field for your air/spacecraft.
>> it appears to be moving faster than a jet.
From the article: "Graves and at least 50-60 fellow naval aviators observed unknown objects, frequently via multiple sensors, that remained stationary over the ground even in hurricane-force winds, or traveled at speeds faster than sound."
With negated friction it does not matter what the shape is, you can go fast.
Only if you do not have a "friction negation" field for your air/spacecraft.
>> it appears to be moving faster than a jet.
From the article: "Graves and at least 50-60 fellow naval aviators observed unknown objects, frequently via multiple sensors, that remained stationary over the ground even in hurricane-force winds, or traveled at speeds faster than sound."
With negated friction it does not matter what the shape is, you can go fast.