Vance got caught in an updraft in a thunderstorm once in a DC3 out in Tanzania. We were at 12,000' and got into 'severe!!!!!!!!!' turbulence.
We started going up as if in an express elevator with the VSI pegged. Powered back the zero thrust and 16'' manifold to avoid back pressure on the bearings, put flaps and gear down and went to max gear and flap limit speed and were still going up. My co-pilot, a local gentleman was freaking out and screaming which wasn't helpfull, had already emptied his coke over me.
Decided bugger the bearings and went back to idle, still going up and being shaken like a toy in a dog's jaws. As we were passing 21,000' not too much time later we popped out into the clear nose down and pointing almost straight down. It was interesting.
Douglas built a damn fine and strong plane's all I can say. Some scary little currents and eddies out there that we can occasionally brush past, but then Vance that's part of the joy of flight.
Not sure how high the Hornet will get to but be sure I will be looking at it, if and when we get her airborne.
As for high altitude flight there was nothing to beat 45,000 at night with the open heavens above. If I could have got higher I would have, and If I ever do come back in another life I am headed for the stars for sure.