3 ms·
True, but the max effective range of the F-22’s 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon is about 2000 feet (600m), which isn’t nearly enough to engage these balloons — assumin
by jcrites 4y ago
True, but the max effective range of the F-22’s 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon is about 2000 feet (600m), which isn’t nearly enough to engage these balloons — assuming an F-22 is flying at 40,000 ft. vs. a balloon at 60,000 ft.
Even if the ceiling of the F-22 is substantially higher than 40,000 ft. (which I think is plausible), and is close enough to effectively engage these balloons, then I doubt that the Air Force would choose to make the tradeoff of disclosing the F-22’s performance capabilities to adversaries in order to save the cost of an AIM-9; the F-22’s performance is a secret and classified.
If we were faced with defending against a large number of high-flying objects then the reasoning might be different.
- SAI_Peregrinus 4y agoThe USAF "fact sheet" page on the F-22[1] states "above 50,000 ft" flight ceiling. Wikipedia lists 65,000 ft but provides no easily verifiable citation (none of the citations for the section that I could retrieve online list that figure). [1] https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104506/f-22-raptor/ https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1045...
- _boffin_ 4y agoYou may what to change up your definition of a 20mm round against a balloon. The statistics you reference is about accuracy and penetration. Take a look at distance until subsonic.
- LgWoodenBadger 4y agoThere are regular competitions at sea level with .30 cal rounds at ranges of 1000 yards. 600m is likely the default battle-zero, but it is nowhere near the maximum range of a 30mm round.