Can't beat 22,700 metres, but:
15 Jul 86: Lightning F6 XS899 'AJ' - Binbrook TACEVAL. Clear and a million.
Fifth trip of the day, no trade. Post-AAR was recalled by Sqn - not allowed to tank on the 5th sortie - didn't know that GASO!
Accelerate abeam LUK to M1.95 (wouldn't go any faster - they were all a bit bent by then). Climb at 15 degrees to level at FL680, easing it back in the climb to 12 o'clock burner to keep them lit, and call VFR on top sustaining M1.6 with the fuel gauges hardly moving (which was very unusual). She would have stayed there all day.
Told Boulmer to tell the pair of F4s trailing at FL350 to scan up - very amusing!
And, yes, Courtney - lots more spies in (and out of) the cab these days, but Typhoon would easily beat that...