A memorable OCU sortie as a stud - a planned 1v1 Night Air Intercept sortie became an intro to the Ritalski Curve when the other jet broke. Holding Mach 1.35 and climbing 30 degrees nose up. Topped out at 66,000+ feet (by choice) with an UNBELIEVABLE view of the Milky Way! Idle descent to initials for an idle/500 kt break. Best 0+30 ever!
Fastest I ever saw in a Hornet was Mach 1.73 . Yikes!
What howl!