It’s been a while since we’ve had a shoot the shit, so I thought I’d have one on the Chinese Spy Balloon incident because the media has doon such a poor job of covering the event. Because some readers may be unfamiliar with the concept of a shoot the shit, I will present a brief introduction.

A shoot the shit is a social interaction during which any topic can be discussed, participants don’t need to know anything about the subject being discussed, they are free to make any unsupported comments, use uncensored profanity, insult anyone they wish or change the subject altogether. Some will view it as a therapy session where you don’t need to pay $150+ per hour to a jackass who majored in psychology so they could understand themselves. OK, let’s get started.

The Chinese Spy Balloon incident is important for two reasons, our inability to detect the balloon and intelligence gathering. I’ll start with intelligence gathering.

Electronic Intelligence, otherwise known as ELINT, is divided into two disciplines: Communications Intelligence or COMINT and Signal Intelligence or SIGINT. COMINT is a discipline that focuses on collecting communications activity normally conducted in the following frequency spectrums: VLF (Very Low Frequency), HF (High Frequency), VHF (consists of two channels: LOW VHF and HIGH VHF) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency). SIGINT is the discipline that collects signals like telemetry and radar parameters operating in the frequency spectrum ranging from UHF to Ku bands and higher.

How is COMINT used? By collecting unencrypted communications intelligence, the entity can; for example, listen in on conversations between Command and Control and Units operating on the ground. In the case of encrypted communications, by determining operating frequencies and identifying the source and location of those transmissions, the entity can jam those frequencies and/or target the source using lock on signal weapons.

How is SIGINT used? Let’s talk about radars for example. A radar has several electronic characteristics: pulse width, pulse repetition rate, operating frequency, scan type, and scan rates. These discreet parameters are no different than your biometric template, and in an era of Artificial Intelligence and software defined transmitters, approaching enemy aircraft could successfully emulate a friendly aircraft. Continuing, if an entity can collect the SIGINT of shipborne radars and establish a visual image, the entity can identify specific ships. This can be used in a number of ways; for example, if the enemy knows that a specific ship is assigned to a battle group then they can assume that the group is also in the area without detecting the battle group.

The DOD hasn’t released details on the balloon capabilities but at its altitude of 65,000 feet you can assume they were also collecting satellite communications as well as terrestrial imaging. So, this event is a serious matter; however, as troubling as this is, the additional three balloons are even more troubling. So, let’s talk about airspace.

The United States airspace is defined by the FAA and each class has specific requirements and control with exception of Glass G airspace which is uncontrolled. Operating any aircraft type in all controlled airspace requires FAA and ATC permission.

Class A airspace starts at 18,000 feet MSL (mean sea level) and extends to FL (Flight Level) 600 which is shorthand for 60,000 feet MSL. This space is used by approximately 45,000 commercial flights per day. Class E airspace is directly below Class A space and starts at 10,000 feet MSL and extends to 17,999 feet MSL. Commercial flights use Class E airspace as they transition into Class A space. To operate in both Class A and Class E space ALL aircraft must have Air Traffic Control permission, be under instrument flight rules, have constant communications with ATC and be equipped with a transponder that provides Air Traffic Control with position, course, altitude, and speed over the ground data.

The map above shows the approximate positions and altitudes of the other three unknown objects detected and shot down, all were operating in Class A airspace, and I can only assume that ATC had no knowledge of their presence.

Next, imagine you’re on a night flight from N.Y.C to L.A. doing 435 m.p.h. over the ground when your aircraft strikes a “small car sized object” at 37,000 feet. If the balloon gets sucked into an engine intake, or equally problematic, wraps around the tail section or wing impacting control surfaces so they can’t be operated! You can kiss your ass goodbye!

Here’s my question to you. Assuming, they were innocent balloons, what the fuck were they doing in Class A airspace? And, to the media, did the FAA have knowledge of these objects, why isn’t this being investigated to determine origins as well as compliance with FAA regulations. The graphic below is what reputable balloonist organizations publish to their members.

Source: Seattle ballooning

All four of these events have profound consequences and should not be dismissed or taken lightly, and if I’ve rekindled an interest with this shoot the shit, contact your Congressional representative, and ask they investigate the matter.

Have a great weekend; schedule your own shoot the shit and give TikTok the boot!