Suspected Chinese 'spy balloon' was same size as 20-storey building, US military says
The balloon, which China insists travelled over US territory by mistake, measured 60m in height. While China called the US takedown an "overreaction", it issued an apology for a similar object that flew over Latin America.
Lauren Russell
News reporter @laurenvrussell
Tuesday 7 February 2023 02:36, UK
A suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by the US over the weekend was 60m (200ft) tall - comparable to a 20-storey building.
Glen VanHerck, commander of North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), told reporters that the balloon was also carrying a load similar in size to a commercial plane.
He added that it most likely weighed in the region of 71st (1,000lbs).
The balloon was shot down with a missile fired by an F-22 fighter aircraft, about six nautical miles off the coast near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Pentagon officials said on Sunday.
Television footage showed a small explosion, followed by the balloon descending toward the water.
https://news.sky.com/story/suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-was-same-size-as-20-storey-building-us-military-says-12805024
