Chinese spy balloon over US
The envelope itself will be practically transparent in IR. The seeker found the instrument platform and destroyed that.
The reason for trajectory planning for a gun? Because not every problem benefits from an air-to-air missile. To recover the instrument package with the least damage a few shots (they can make multiple passes) would ventilate the balloon to a suitable descent rate.
The reason for trajectory planning for a gun? Because not every problem benefits from an air-to-air missile. To recover the instrument package with the least damage a few shots (they can make multiple passes) would ventilate the balloon to a suitable descent rate.
Or close enough
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is that THE balloon or a generic image?
Edit to add, I have trawled all the previous images and there is no writing visible on the envelope. The writing is not parallel to the balloon material either.
Edit to add, I have trawled all the previous images and there is no writing visible on the envelope. The writing is not parallel to the balloon material either.
Last edited by Ninthace; 7th Feb 2023 at 23:16.
I find it funny that the “media” is reporting that 3 times during the Trump administration
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Feb. 6 that the balloon had propellers and a rudder, which allowed it to change course and conduct limited maneuvers, though it mostly stayed with the jet stream. It was able to slow down and loiter over sensitive locations, he said.........................After the Pentagon announced the balloon’s presence on Feb. 2, officials said there had been at least four other intrusions in recent years—one near Hawaii earlier in the Biden administration and three during the Trump administration. All of these incidents were brief, with the overflight far shorter than the most recent incursion, Kirby says.
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I would surmise that the attack run was made from the west, and we know it was from below the balloon.
Hence the balloon envelope would be reflecting the afternoon sun (it was ~14:40 local) and would be relatively warm against the easterly sky, also the only such object in view. Presumably the temperature difference was enough for the AIM-9X imaging infra-red sensor to resolve a 'target'
Hence the balloon envelope would be reflecting the afternoon sun (it was ~14:40 local) and would be relatively warm against the easterly sky, also the only such object in view. Presumably the temperature difference was enough for the AIM-9X imaging infra-red sensor to resolve a 'target'
I've seen one account that the AIM 9x had no warhead which could be true - no flames visible in footage made public.
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I find it funny that the “media” is reporting that 3 times during the Trump administration, Undetected Chinese ballon’s crossed the U.S. If they were undetected how did they know it happened 3 times.
I love this word “Undetected”. Sounds just like a Who’s On First skit..”
I love this word “Undetected”. Sounds just like a Who’s On First skit..”
The Biden administration only became aware of the intrusions during the Trump prior administration by looking back after the fact using an undisclosed “forensic” process, he says. The current White House has offered briefings to Trump administration officials on this.
While officials did not specify how these prior intrusions were discovered, the Pentagon has convened a task force to investigate sightings of what it calls unexplained aerial phenomena to try to learn more about the incidents and identify what the aircraft could be. (National Security Council spokesman John Kirby Feb. 6)
The Chinese are testing undetectable low tech ways to intrude. That's not funny at all. There is always a new thing out there.National defense should have no political aspect when the enemy is concerned.
Even as we speak Boeing and MD are working on proposals for a $ 10 Bn R&D programme to shoot down these balloons
"It is a DISGRACE that these 2st century threats are being dealt with by 20th Century equipment a spokesman said."
"It is a DISGRACE that these 2st century threats are being dealt with by 20th Century equipment a spokesman said."
