Ugly from the inside out.
It has an inboard M61 20mm made by General Dynamics.
F-117 never had a gun, A-10 had a 30mm, and F-35 has the 25 mm you mentioned. Most every thing else in the era has the 20mm
LoL. 0200 and I posted something in the internet. I’ surprised it was half-right.
Sad thing is I don’t even remember being awake then and I didn’t drink a drop yesterday.
I thought your account was hacked.
I'm not sure Biden can tie his own shoes, let alone arrange a 'look at me' moment.I'm thinking the whole affair was an arranged thing between FJB & his Chinese handlers to create a warm fuzzy feeling toward FJB when he eventually "did the right thing".
I think that you should jump at the out that Renegade has offered.I run 2FA so I don’t think that’s the case.
Sidewinder is the most effective air to air missile in history. Nothing else even close.wasnt that a decayed orbit?
Anyway back on topic - also interesting is 9X engaged target well outside its envelope spec. Possibly highest engagement ever but not sure if all of the Chinese U2 shootdowns were SAMs.
I am thinking it was the early F4 Phantoms that did not have guns. Added via pod later.sarcasm? They all have guns, generally the same one in different configs20mm M61 Vulcan.
I too wonder why they did not perforate the balloon with 20mm.
Sidewinder is the most effective air to air missile in history. Nothing else even close.
The only issue with the Sidewinder at that altitude would possibly be control (too thin of atmosphere for the steering fins). And I do not know for certain that is an issue at that altitude. Nothing else would be affected. Solid rocket motor carries its own fuel and oxidizer, no worry about getting oxygen from the atmosphere.
Also HOBS capable with the helmet (JHMCS), although not germane to this discussion.The AIM-9X (the current variant, and the type used on the balloon) has a two-axis thrust vectoring engine nozzle - which would help with the thin air at altitude. ….
Also HOBS capable with the helmet (JHMCS), although not germane to this discussion.
We also just et the world know about AIM-9X
seeker head capability against a low thermal signature target as well.
Combine that with statements DoD has made about where it originated from, where it travelled, tracking it, and other INTs leads me to believe the Chinese learned way more about us and our capabilities than we will learn about them from this escapade.
I am thinking it was the early F4 Phantoms that did not have guns. Added via pod later.
Oops. Just read GZ's more detailed post.
With regard to R's comment, the F117 was not really a fighter. Not surprised it did not have a gun.