your data is out of context. The SR-71 could fly, nearly 100,000' but could not maneuver at all, my friend flew one for a time and said that they could turn over most of the NW but on occasion almost turn over Montana (180 degree turn). It doesn't carry missiles and the missiles they tried didn't work (too much heat from that altitude and speed)anonymous91 wrote: ↑February 5th, 2023, 12:29 amTheDuke wrote: ↑February 4th, 2023, 10:10 am Just read it is only 60,000' high. That isn't much above what a modern fighter will get to. Should have been easy to shoot down with a smaller missile, likely not guns. I think F15 will get close to 55,000, maybe higher lightly loaded. but the USAF will not allow it due to stupid FAA regulations about pressure suits and such. In the old days, when I was flying, rumor was the F15 guys would fly with one of two above 50,000 and the other below, the upper w/o transponder, half way they'd swap. This allowed for longer range flights when carrying your golf clubs to a summer resort (sounds funny but fighter pilots do like to play golf).
I cannot figure out some folks here like FoxMama, Sush and peasant that want to deny what 1000's of people can see with their own eyes or at least quality binocs or cheap telescope. I guess there is no requirement for common sense on Internet. You may wish to call the DoD liars, Prez a liar (why he would announce this and lie is really silly), but lets not get so carried away with FAA, and civilian folks that are here to protect the air space. I know quite a few of them and they take their jobs seriously, they are not the heart of a conspiracy and they are the ones tracking this for civilian airplane safety.
Back in the day, I had an acquaintance that was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force. The one jet he was absolutely fascinated with was the SR-71 Blackbird. From what I understand the ceiling for this plane is still classified. I also find this plane absolutely fascinating. It was sad to hear that they've now retired these planes.
This is what a Google search shows "The estimated maximum altitude is 85,000 feet but some sources say that the SR-71 can fly up to 100,000 feet and can probably go even higher."
A few interesting facts about the SR-71 Blackbird:
1- It could outmaneuver missiles, and was never taken out by any either.
2- Cruise speed was Mach 3.2
3- Could easily maintain a height of 80-85K+ feet.
4- The body of the plane would expand during flight, then as it cools down it morphs back to its original shape. I've been told it's very fascinating to see in real life.
Here's a video about the SR-71 Blackbird for anyone wanting to learn a bit more.
BTW Apollo 11 flew to the moon........................... definitely high enough, but also not pertinent to the balloon story. Just FYI