What government does right

[Mondo]

I think we can all agree that this is awesome!

http://www.wimp.com/breathtakingfootage/

[MHKflyer52]

Just amasing that we have had that ability since what 1957 or their abouts.

[scannon]

I agree, totally awesome. I was surprised to realize when he took his helmet off that the passenger was Captain Slow (James May) from Top Gear. He's now faster and higher than his compatriots on the show.

[solder_guy]

I was surprised to realize when he took his helmet off that the passenger was Captain Slow (James May) from Top Gear.

Someone told me to watch this video .. and I had completely forgotten to follow up .. and I too was surprised when he took off his helmet .. thanks for posting this ref.

Rob

[WestTexasS2K]

That is a once in a life time oppurtunity. It must have been amazing because he kept saying it over and over again.

I wonder how they can get a engine to run at that altitude if it isnt rocket powered? I am sure someone here know that piece of triva!

[Mondo]

I was thinking the same thing...

At Edwards Air Force Base, in the 80s, they had on display an F104 (that's the one that had just about the smallest wings ever for a jet fighter and was nicknamed "the widowmaker"). This particular jet went for a high altitude record and actually had little jets (basically holes where thrust came out) on its hull to help orient it when it got so high up there.

[MHKflyer52]

The engine in that aircraft (U2T) has a very efficient compressor section that lets it keep running at those altitudes. The engine is about half of the length of the fuselage and the rest is fuel and electronics.