Chinese surveillance balloon over Montana?

[Huntin' Fool]

Hobby Balloons or an alien invasion - Digby's Hullabaloo

What's the most logical explanation? FFS. This makes me crazy. I honestly don't think America is capable of common sense anymore: A small, globe-trotting balloon declared “missing in action” by an Illinois-based hobbyist club on Feb. 15 has emerged as a candidate to explain one of...

digbysblog.net

 

[RealMuddyboots]

Interesting that F22 has "publicly stated" ceiling of 60K which I doubt is actual. The sidewinders can easily make up any of the range distances to the balloon. Lets say 20,000 feet, less than 4 miles, hard to believe its out of range.....

 

[longbow51]

As for the later "objects", don't fighters have guns anymore? Why shoot a $400K missile?

 

[Dave N]

As for the later "objects", don't fighters have guns anymore? Why shoot a $400K missile?

Don't want to get too close!

 

[longbow51]

Don't want to get too close!

Barroon very dangerous

 

[glahorses1]

Dang corner crossers!

 

[noharleyyet]

 

[JLS]

As for the later "objects", don't fighters have guns anymore? Why shoot a $400K missile?

Because it’s fun?

A $400k missile to the US military is probably the equivalent of me shooting a coyote with a hunting load of Hammer bullets.

 

[noharleyyet]

Because it’s fun?

A $400k missile to the US military is probably the equivalent of me shooting a coyote with a free hunting load of Hammer bullets.

Fixed it Jason . . .

 

[VikingsGuy]

As for the later "objects", don't fighters have guns anymore? Why shoot a $400K missile?

a10s and apache can't fly high enough and top-level jets have no need since any real combat for them will be done dozens of miles apart, not by close in dog fights.

 

[BrentD]

a10s and apache can't fly high enough and top-level jets have no need since any real combat for them will be done dozens of miles apart, not by close in dog fights.

But one would think that a simple, close fly-by would tear them apart and send them down. Of course, I know zip about high-altitude planes of any kind.

 

[VikingsGuy]

But one would think that a simple, close fly-by would tear them apart and send them down. Of course, I know zip about high-altitude planes of any kind.

That is above my paygrade and understanding of aero-dynamics.

 

[gouch]

As for the later "objects", don't fighters have guns anymore? Why shoot a $400K missile?

A quick google search and yes, they do have a Vulcan on board. Seems like it would be a better choice over the missile but what do I know. Maybe it's the ammo shortage, I haven't tried to by any 20mm rounds lately but I bet they are hard to come by,

 

[noharleyyet]

This message is duplicitous...an exclamation point and a middle finger.

 

[noharleyyet]

This message is duplicitous...an exclamation point and a middle finger.
View attachment 266046

...and every bit as cool as aviator shade photo ops while the air raid sirens are wailing.

 

[Oak]

This is pretty cool.

This photo of China's spy balloon taken from a U-2 reconnaissance plane is absolutely bonkers (video)

The image offers a close look at the payload hanging below the balloon.

www.space.com

 

[antlerradar]

A quick google search and yes, they do have a Vulcan on board. Seems like it would be a better choice over the missile but what do I know. Maybe it's the ammo shortage, I haven't tried to by any 20mm rounds lately but I bet they are hard to come by,

I am not jet fighter expert, but it wouldn't surprise me if when flying at the speed needed to maintain that high of an altitude you could run into issues of over taking your own bullets.

 

[madtom]

I am not jet fighter expert, but it wouldn't surprise me if when flying at the speed needed to maintain that high of an altitude you could run into issues of over taking your own bullets.

I read somewhere that this is the case. Pretty cool to think about.

 

[Dave N]

I am not jet fighter expert, but it wouldn't surprise me if when flying at the speed needed to maintain that high of an altitude you could run into issues of over taking your own bullets.

Better call Maverick!

 

[DouglasR]

At that altitude, a 9mm bullet would blow the balloon out of the atmosphere.