TexasCHLforum.com

2farnorth wrote: ↑Mon Feb 13, 2023 9:46 am When you combine these multiple Chinese objects in the sky with the announced "800 percent increase" of illegal Chinese at the southern border I believe something is afoot.

The Chinese balloon that crossed the U.S. was outfitted with antennas likely capable of collecting communications, a senior State Department official said Thursday, adding that the Biden administration is preparing to take action against China’s surveillance program.

Providing details the U.S. has gathered since tracking and shooting down the balloon, the official said the balloon was also equipped with large solar panels capable of powering an array of intelligence-collection sensors. The manufacturer of the balloon has a direct relationship with the Chinese military, the official added.

Radar Interference
Another concern is blocking or attenuation of nearby radar
by the PV array, which are similar to other non-transmitting
built structure like building or sheds in that they are
constructed of metal and glass.
PV arrays have low profiles (i.e. height) relative to most built
structures that may be found on or around airfields and in
general airport radar systems (e.g., airport surveillance radar)
are installed on elevated platforms or towers. The FAA has
published a number of case studies that indicate that a setback
of 250’ to 500’ between the leading edges of a PV array and
existing radar equipment is sufficient to prevent blocking and/
or signal reflection issues.

Chinese state-owned television aired footage of a high-altitude balloon dropping hypersonic weapons in 2018.

measuring 200 feet tall and had a payload weighing nearly a ton.

Reuters said the US military took "custody" of the "high-altitude surveillance balloon"

Separately, Canada's defense ministry is monitoring a "potential second incident" but declined to give further details.