It was reported the balloon's altitude was between 60 and 62,000 ft. The F-22 has a service ceiling of 65,616 ft.. The F-22 was capable of reaching out and touching the balloon with a BB gun much less the 20mm it carries. The F-22 used an AIM-9x with the warhead disarmed for the shoot down; basically using the missile to punch a hole like a spear instead of the 20mm cannon.... The F-22 has the M61A2 Vulcan rotary 20mm cannon and carries many more 20mm rounds than it would take to shoot a rather large spy balloon down.
They did want to shoot the thing down within the ADIZ or 12 mile limit to keep it out of supposedly international waters. Besides the F-22s there were 2 KC-135s airborne for refueling the jets. All our fighters are short legged
They did want to shoot the thing down within the ADIZ or 12 mile limit to keep it out of supposedly international waters. Besides the F-22s there were 2 KC-135s airborne for refueling the jets. All our fighters are short legged
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.
Silence those who disagree and you will never realize you are wrong.
No one rules if no one obeys
“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” - Voltaire
Silence those who disagree and you will never realize you are wrong.
No one rules if no one obeys
“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” - Voltaire