What is highest altitude ever achieved by an aircraft

The highest altitude ever achieved by an aircraft is attributed to the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which on July 28, 1976, reached an altitude of 85,069 feet (approximately 25,929 meters). This record was set during a flight piloted by Major Brian Shul and Major Walter Watson.

However, if we consider non-piloted, experimental aircraft, the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft holds the record for the highest altitude by an aircraft, reaching 354,200 feet (about 107,960 meters) on August 22, 1963, with pilot Joseph A. Walker at the controls.

These records illustrate the remarkable capabilities of human-engineered flight, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in aviation.