Sukhoi 22
by Catherine
I'm trying to ascertain the veracity of a UFO story in a book I'm reading. The pilot (from Peruvian air force) claims to have flown a Sukhoi 22 at 63000ft and I wondered if this was possible as when I looked it up it said the flight ceiling was approx 46000ft but maybe there's something I overlooked. The book is called UFO's : Generals, Pilots and Government Officials go on the Record by Leslie Kean an investigative journalist. The story is in Chapter 10 if you're interested. The paragraph below is from that chapter: Flying at mach 1.2, I continued with my ascent, still hoping to pass above it in order to initiate the attack I had planned. But I couldn't. We reached an altitude of 63,000 feet and suddenly the thing completely stopped and remained stationary. I adjusted the wings of my plane to 30 degrees and extended its slats so that the plane would be able to maneuver at that height, and I thought I could still attempt to target the object in order to fire. But it was impossible. I could not remain as still as this "balloon". Thanks for any help Catherine -------------------------------------------------- Catherine, It MAY be possible however highly unlikely. When an aircraft's service ceiling is calculated it is based on, apart from other factors, how the engines perform at higher altitude. Jet engines work best at high altitudes (they become more efficient with the cold temps and less dense air). Once you pass into the next lair of the atmosphere, the air temp actually starts to increase, the higher you go, and those engines now become less efficient. Some airplanes (U2 spyplane) fly at these altitudes but a Sukhoi 22?? Maybe for a very minimal time. Hope this helps with your book.
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