My God, you are an idiot.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally Posted by Tyrone Slothrop

Good for you. So what's the answer: Why would target distance here change the maximum altitude in any material way?

I get why target distance could affect maximum altitude, but it will still be above the level at which warplanes fly.

the further the target is the lower the maximum altitude.

I have no idea if a plane could shoot one down at any particular altitude. I'm just trying to guide you and adder in your discussion by correcting corrigendum in your scientific statements.