Fighter Pilot Podcast
Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton, Retired U.S. Air Force Fighter Test Pilot 343 episodes Nov 9, 2026
The Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly—the people. Each episode typically features a guest who helps explain the topic at hand such as how ejection seats work or what it's like to fly on and off nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. If you love the roar of a high-speed flyby or are enamored by the poise and confidence of the brave men and women who pilot these aircraft, then this show is for you.
Episodes
FPP231 - Daylight Raids Over Europe
T.J. Jones joins Cinco to share how he tracked down ten of the last surviving B-17 airmen of the Mighty Eighth Air Force for his documentary, 10 Good Men. The film pairs their firsthand accounts with restored footage from both old American and German archives to tell the story of the daylight bombing campaign over Europe. Jones talks about everything from the bombers’ nose art to what the men reme
FPP230 - Ploesti and the Power of Tidal Wave
Adam Makos, the New York Times bestselling author of A Higher Call, Spearhead, and Devotion, joins the podcast to talk about his new book, Tidal Wave. They start with the low-level B-24 raid on Ploesti, then follow what came after, when an American pilot, a Romanian princess, and an enemy ace ended up on the same side. We go through everything the book has to offer and hear Adam's insights. It's a
FPP229 - The Red Eagles
This week, Tucker sits down with Rob "Z-Man" Zettel to talk about flying Soviet MiG-21s and MiG-23s as part of the highly classified Red Eagles under Constant Peg. The program helped prepare American fighter pilots to face and defeat their adversaries by training against real Soviet aircraft. They discuss the story behind some of his incredible firsthand experiences from one of aviation's most sec
FPP228 - Returning to the SR-71
On October 10, 1997, Bert Garrison piloted the last SR-71 Blackbird flight for the United States Air Force. In this conversation with him, he recounts his time flying one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history, the SR-71’s brief revival in the 1990s, and the mission that brought its Air Force career to a close. From the expectations of a comeback to the reality of the program’s end, Garri
FPP227 - Dogfighting Goes Digital
Tucker talks with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and TOPGUN graduate, Tim "Monk" Miller. He's the founder and CEO of the Strike Fighter League, the world's first professional air combat digital sport, where elite virtual pilots battle through precision, speed, and gunnery trials before facing off in the Dogfight Bracket Finals. It's a fascinating new angle on combat aviation and a new way
FPP226 - A Lifetime in Combat Aviation
Today, CAPT Jack Ashmore talks through a remarkable combat career spanning Korea and Vietnam, flying the AD Skyraider, A-4 Skyhawk, F-4 Phantom, and A-7 Corsair II. He shares dozens of firsthand stories from the 1968 Tet Offensive, the evolution of naval aviation, carrier operations, and the experience of adapting from piston-powered aircraft to supersonic jets. His perspective on combat aviation
FPP225 - In the Skies Over Iraq
Rear Admiral Doug "Woody" Beal came on the show having spent 35 years in Navy strike fighters, 13 on active duty and 22 in the reserves. Flying Intruders and Hornets from Whidbey to China Lake to the skies over Iraq. He has experienced everything from a medical disqualification at USAFA to combat ops over Somalia and Iraq as well as the tense 2019 standoff with Iran as Vice Commander of NAVCE
FPP224 - The Software Problem
Have you ever thought about how you update your F-22? Probably not, but someone has to. Rob Slaughter, former Air Force officer and co-founder of Defense Unicorns, joins the Fighter Pilot Podcast to discuss fixing how the Department of War builds, delivers, and updates software. From the Pentagon to disconnected battlefields. We talk innovation, air-gapped systems, and what it takes to bring moder
FPP223 - The Human Factor
If only we treated the human being in the cockpit with the same care and lifecycle management we give the aircraft...
In this episode, I sit down with Commander Kevin Bernstein, MD, to explore a new approach to human performance across Naval Aviation. Drawing on his experience in sports medicine and Naval Special Warfare, Kevin explains how physical performance, psychology, recovery, and readines
FPP222 - Afghanistan: America's Longest War
On October 7, 2001, a US Air Force B-2 Spirit crossed into Afghan airspace as part of the opening campaign of Operation Enduring Freedom. Nearly twenty years later, a C-17 Globemaster carrying the final American soldiers lifted off from Kabul as the Taliban returned to power.
Between those two very different aircraft lies the story of America's longest war. What began with a remarkably successful
FPP221 - The Israeli Ace with 12 MiG Kills
Brigadier General (Ret.) Israel Baharav is one of Israel's most accomplished fighter pilots, credited with twelve MiG-21 kills during his distinguished career in the Israeli Air Force. Over three decades of military service, he flew on the front lines, commanded a fighter squadron, served as Head of Air Force Intelligence, and led strategic planning efforts for the Israel Defense Forces, helping e
FPP220 - Launching Satellites from F-104s
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Franta, CEO of Starfighters Space, to discuss the company's mission to transform access to space using high-performance aircraft. We explore the STARLAUNCH air-launch system, how Starfighters operates the world's only commercial fleet of Mach 2+ F-104 Starfighters, and the advantages of launching rockets from the edge of the atmosphere.
Tim also shares insight
FPP219 - From Wimbledon to Mach 1.58: Louis Skupien’s Wild Ride into Telling Aviation’s Story
He was a national champion tennis player headed for Wimbledon, then COVID and injury ended that dream overnight. Two years later, Louis Skupien was strapped into a jet suit.
Four years after that, he was breaking the sound barrier twice in an F-16D over Edwards Air Force Base, filming a documentary on the 412th Test Wing and the story behind Auto-GCAS — the system that’s saved 13 pilots’ li
FPP218 - The Humans Behind Autonomous Air Combat
Former US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot turned Autonodyne CEO Steve Jacobson discusses one of the most important and least understood aspects of future air combat: the human-machine interface.
Jake shares stories from flying and testing the Warthog, explains why he turned down Test Pilot School before ultimately finding his way into flight test anyway, and reflects on how those experiences
FPP217 - Shot Down, Not Out: Col. Richard "Dog" Brenneman on Service and Survival
US Air Force Colonel Richard "Dog" Brenneman describes his incredible story of courage and determination.
Shot down over North Vietnam on his 26th combat mission while flying the F-4 Phantom II, Col. Brenneman spent more than 1,900 days as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton before returning home and was awarded the Silver Star for his extraordinary resilience.
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FPP216 - 300 Vietnam Missions in the F-4: Combat and the Making of a Leader
Ron "Toes" Cooper grew up silent, insecure, and certain he'd never amount to much. Then four men believed in him — and everything changed. Toes went on to fly the F-4 Phantom in over 300 combat missions in Vietnam, dodge a MiG-21 missile by a split second, participate in the rescue of a downed pilot who survived 23 days alone in hostile territory, and command a squadron.
In this episode, Toes br
FPP215 - U-2s on Aircraft Carriers: A Cold War Gamble
During the Cold War, the Lockheed U-2 gave the United States the ability to peer deep inside denied territory from altitudes once thought unreachable. But after the Francis Gary Powers shootdown and increasing political pressure on foreign host nations, the CIA faced a growing problem: how do you operate one of the world’s most delicate reconnaissance aircraft when access to overseas bases can dis
FPP214 - Fighting Falcons: VMF-221 and the Soul of Marine Aviation
From Buffalos at Midway to Corsairs off the deck of Bunker Hill, the Marines of VMF-221 fought, bled, and adapted their way through the Pacific War — and their story reveals far more about combat, leadership, and airpower than the history books let on.
Retired Marine Lt. Col. and historian Pete Owen joins the show to break down what really happened when Marine aviation was tested at its limits, w
FPP213 - Top Gun, Tomcats, and AI Wingmen: "Yank" Cummings on Tomorrow’s War
JJ “Yank” Cummings returns to the Fighter Pilot Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on F-14 Tomcats, carrier aviation, Top Gun: Maverick, and the rapidly approaching age of autonomous air combat. From war stories over Afghanistan to his work with Shield AI, Yank brings a rare blend of cockpit credibility, command experience, and forward-looking insight. This one is about more than airplanes; i
FPP212 - Four Stars, One Secretary, Zero Ego - Gen. Goldfein & Sec. Wilson on Servant Leadership
What does it take to lead when the mission is hard, the stakes are life-and-death, and nobody is watching?
In this extraordinary episode, Tucker Hamilton sits down with two of the most consequential figures in modern Air Force history — General (Ret.) David Goldfein, former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and Dr. Heather Wilson, former Secretary of the Air Force and current Preside
FPP211 - The Last Harrier: Inside the Final AV-8B Squadron
The AV-8B Harrier is one of the most demanding, iconic, and battle-proven aircraft in military aviation history. Now, as the Harrier era draws to a close, one squadron remains to carry the torch: VMA-223, the Great American Bulldogs.
In this episode, Cinco sits down with the commanding officer (Traper) and executive officer (Porky) of the last AV-8B Harrier squadron to talk about the jet, the mis
Artemis II: Back to the Moon! (Rebroadcast)
With the successful launch of Artemis II and NASA's return to the moon six decades later, we thought this a good time to dust off episode 189 from April 2024 featuring Reid "Tonto" Wiseman, mission commander.
Godspeed, astronauts!
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What Happens After Talent Runs Out: Unlocking the Last 20%
At some point, talent is no longer enough. The same is true for preparation, intelligence, and ambition. What remains is the final margin—that last 20% where discipline, resilience, balance, and character decide the outcome.
In this episode, Jell-O sits down with Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton to discuss his upcoming book, Unlocking the Last 20%. Through stories from fighter aviation, combat, flight tes
FPP210 - 600knots Through Chicago: From F-22 Raptor to Reinvention
What does it take to command the F-22 Raptor at the edge of the envelope — and then pull the power to idle in a vertical tailslide over 100,000 people? — and then reinvent yourself beyond the cockpit?
Josh “Cabo” Gunderson joins Cinco to unpack elite performance, humility under pressure, the dominance of the Raptor at Red Flag, and the deeper question every operator must face: who are you when th
FPP209 - When (and Where) 5th Gen Simulation Meets Reality
As software has become the center of gravity for 5th generation fighters, simulation has become increasingly foundational to testing and fielding those aircraft.
On this episode, Doug “Rosie” Rosenstock, a U.S. Marine Corps Harrier-turned-test pilot who helped shape the F-35's mission systems and its simulation backbone, explores how the joint simulation environment was—and is—instrumental in the
FPP208 - The Making of an Astronaut: From Fighter Test to the Edge of Space
What does it take to go from strapping into fighters to leaving Earth's atmosphere?
This week, Jameel “Chocolate” Janjua — Virgin Galactic astronaut and former U.S. and Canadian fighter test pilot — breaks down the mindset behind elite aviation, how test pilots really think about risk, and what it means to operate at the absolute edge of performance.
We follow his path from military flight test
FPP207 - Flying with the Algorithm: AI, Trust, and the F-35
What happens when artificial intelligence starts sharing cockpit responsibilities?
On this episode, US Air Force Lt Col Raven “Rost” LeClair—F-35 Lightning II test pilot, squadron commander, and autonomy specialist—breaks down how AI is actually being integrated into 5th-generation fighters. We discuss what “human-machine teaming” looks like from the pilot’s seat, how trust in automation is built
FPP206 - Delivering the Future: Aviation Acquisition
The future of airpower is not decided in the cockpit—it’s decided by the acquisition process.
In this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Tim “Ivy” Spaulding joins new FPP host Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton to break down modern aviation acquisition from a fighter pilot’s perspective. They explore why innovation so often struggles to reach the flight line, how risk and incentives become misaligned, and what
The Fighter Pilot Podcast
Welcome to the Fighter Pilot Podcast!
This trailer describes who this show is from, who it's for, and what it's all about. Be sure to check out our website and for exclusive content, subscribe to our Patreon Page.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To connect with us, email: questions@fighterpilotpodcast.com.
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Learn more abou
End of Year Recap - 2025
A look back at 2025 and introduction to 2026's new FPP host in this end-of-year wrap up episode.
Support this podcast at — https://www.patreon.com/cw/ftrpltpdcst
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NORAD Santa Tracker (Rebroadcast)
Near the end of each year, we feature the hard working men and women of NORAD who tirelessly monitor threats all year long and then, on December 24th, add the mission of tracking Santa.
Enjoy this 2022 rebroadcast on the NORAD Santa Tracker program featuring then-U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Marine C
Scaled Composites: Flying the Impossible
Few companies in aviation history can claim an average of one new aircraft flown every year for four decades. Enter Scaled Composites.
Founded in 1982 by legendary designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites specializes in designing, building, and flight-testing proof-of-concept, prototype, and milestone-achieving aircraft—often pushing the edge of what’s thought possible.
On this episode, Scaled Com
Warbirds, the Whale, and a Life Well Lived
We’re opening the vault for another Happy Hour—this one from 2021 with retired U.S. Navy Captain Matthew “Tom” Maxwell.
Tom flew numerous World War II– and Korean War–era aircraft from carriers around the world before eventually finding his way into his favorite platform: the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior. In the “Whale,” he famously saved a fuel-starved F-8 by breaking the rules and refueling the Crusa
Honoring a Giant: The Life and Legacy of LtGen Richard Carey
We close out our month-long tribute to the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday with a special replay of a 2021 Happy Hour conversation featuring Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey.
Across nearly four decades in uniform, General Carey rose from enlisted grunt to three-star general, serving everywhere from the Inchon landings and Chosin Reservoir to the skies over Vietnam. He went on to amass more than 9
FPP205 - "Whiskey" at War | Combat Realities in the CH-53E
Our monthlong celebration of the US Marine Corps' 250th birthday continues this week with retired Lieutenant Colonel Isaac "Whiskey" Lee who spent a 20-year career flying CH-53E Super Stallions.
Veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Weapons & Tactics instructor...Whiskey chronicles hard-fought lessons learned and personal vulnerabilities in his book, Hangar 4: A Combat Aviator's Memoi
Veterans Day Guest Mashup (Rebroadcast)
This Veterans Day, we are rebroadcasting a walk down memory lane first shared in 2024 featuring guests from past Fighter Pilot Podcast episodes.
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Snakes in the Sand: Marine Cobra Pilot Recalls Desert Storm
To mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday on November 10, 2025, we are repurposing a 2023 Patreon Happy Hour featuring Doug Griffith who flew AH-1 Cobras during Operation Desert Storm.
Doug shares great stories and a master class on what it means to be a Marine Aviator.
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FPP204 - The Adventures of a Vietnam War Crusader Pilot
November 10, 2025 marks the U.S. Marines' 250th birthday and to celebrate, we are dedicating the entire month to the Corps, beginning with this discussion featuring Jim "Bullet" Markel.
Bullet, who flew the Vought F-8 Crusader, describes flight training, meeting the love of his life, and flying combat operations over Vietnam—including a harrowing mission for which he was later awarded the Disting
The Air Boss, 2025
The U.S. Navy has one of the largest air forces in the world comprised of a wide variety of aircraft from helicopters to strike fighters to patrol planes. While squadrons, air wings, and type wings have a well-established chain of command, ultimately they all fall under the purview of a single person. Known formally as the Commander, Naval Air Forces, the position is known better as simply, the Ai
Feel the Need...
This week, we pause our monthlong celebration of the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday to check in with FPP friend, Dave "Chip" Berke.
Fighter pilot extraordinaire, battle-proven forward air controller, and esteemed leadership coach, Chip codifies his many hard-won lessons learned into a powerful and concise new book, The Need to Lead.
"Every problem is a leadership problem," Chip asserts—find out why
Submarines for Dummies... er, Aviators
Torpedoes vs missiles, tomahawks vs smart bombs, fluid mechanics, missions ranging from direct combat to attack to surveillance... turns out, submarines and military aviation have much in common!
On this episode marking the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary, former submarine commander Tony Grayson explains submarines for dummies, invoking aviation concepts and comparisons.
If your knowledge of subs
From Vietnam to F/A-18s with "Bear"
October 2025 marks 250 years of the U.S. Navy and we begin our monthlong celebration with retired Rear Admiral Jeremy "Bear" Taylor, who considers himself the luckiest man alive.
Commissioned in 1957, Bear would accumulate more than 6,000 flight hours in fighters and trainers and over 1,000 carrier landings during his 35+ years of service. He was assigned to 13 different aircraft carriers and fle
The CH-47 Chinook with "Jellers"
Some aircraft have specialized roles most applicable to certain types of warfare—and thus only appear in certain conflicts around the globe.
And then there are the workhorses that show up everywhere.
On this episode, former Royal Air Force navigator-turned-pilot Elliott "Jellers" Jardine explains how the Boeing CH-47 Chinook is one of those aircraft. From Vietnam to the Falkland Islands to Sierr
"Fangs" Talks Flight Test
Colonel James "Fangs" Valpiani knows a thing or two about flight test because he's seen a thing or two: first an Air Force Academy graduate, then a combat-tested F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, a graduate of the French Test Pilot School, and most recently Commodore of the USAF TPS.
On this episode, Fangs shares his expertise on the various schools he has attended or led and the aircraft they test, incl
FPP203 - The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Per their website, the "Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents." Awesome, but what does that mean for the men and women comprising the team? How do they join, and what is a typical week like during show season?
On this episode, former USAF Thunderbird solo pilot Michelle "MACE" Curran explains her rock
After the Merge
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This bonus episode of The Merge reunites the two surviving F-5 aircrew, exploring how the mishap has affected their lives in the years since.
Brought to you by BVR Productions.
Su
The Merge-6: The Family of the Lost
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This concluding episode of The Merge features the widow of the lost pilot, Jeremy "Suge" Wise.
Brought to you by BVR Productions.
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The Merge-5: From other Perspectives
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This fifth episode of The Merge explores the collision from other aviators airborne that tragic day.
Brought to you by BVR Productions.
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The Merge-4: Flight Lead and Wingman
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This fourth episode of The Merge explores the unbreakable bond between flight lead and wingman, particularly on that fateful day.
Brought to you by BVR Productions.
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The Merge-3: Impact
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This third episode of The Merge explores the fateful flight of June 13, 2008 from the brief up to moment of impact.
Brought to you by BVR Productions.
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The Merge-2: Going to NAS Fallon
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This second episode of The Merge explores NAS Fallon and why squadrons detach there, and introduces this mini-series' main characters.
The Merge is brought to you by BVR Productions.
The Merge-1: Naval Aviation in the early 2000s
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.
This first episode of The Merge introduces this mini-series with a description of Naval Aviation in 2008.
Brought to you by BVR Productions.
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Boom Supersonic: Flight Testing the XB-1
In the early 2000s, Tesla upended the automotive industry with its ground-breaking electric vehicles and recharging network. Twenty years later, Boom Supersonic is attempting to do the same in the airline industry—will it work?
On this episode, Tristan Brandenberg and Nick Sheryka join guest host Ken Katz to discuss Boom Supersonic's ambitious initiative to return supersonic airline travel, inclu
Manchester to Shackleton: the Lancaster Bomber Family Tree
Manchester. Lancaster. Lincoln. Lancastrian. York. Tudor. Shackleton...
To most, this is simply a list of obscure names. But to some, these are the beloved branches of a family tree of bombers, airborne early warning, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft that extends from World War II well into the Cold War.
On this episode, Mr. Graham Barber explains the Avro Lancaster family tree, culminating
OFW-12: AI and ML in Conflict Escalation & De-escalation
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
On this final episode, OFW series host Scott "Roger" Chafian and guest Mike Roundtree discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning figure in escalation and de-escalation of conflict. Beyond military forces increasing their readiness, escala
The SBD Dauntless, Now and Then
Few aircraft earn the battle-tested distinction of singularly turning the tide of entire theaters of world wars. The SBD Dauntless may just be one of them.
On this episode, Robert Harris, member of the Commemorative Air Force, and author Kevin Miller provide a tag team review of this venerable aircraft, from its pivotal role in World War ll in the Pacific to flying one of the few remaining airwor
FPP202 - Behind the Yellow Visor: Jell-O Explains New Book
Longtime listeners of this channel sometimes comment that they seem to know more about each guest than they do the usual host, Jell-O.
On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling turns the tables and interviews Jell-O about his new book, Through the Yellow Visor, an Amazon Best Seller chronicling his life and career.
Physical and e-book versions of Through the Yellow Visor can be purch
Flight Testing Autonomous Aerial Systems
What is the difference between automation and autonomy, and where does artificial intelligence fit in when it comes to military aviation?
On this episode, Ms. Jessica "STING" Peterson, Ph.D. student and part time Instructor Flight Test Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, explains the nuanced differences, drawing on her experience flight testing the RQ-4 Global Hawk and collision avo
"Benj" the Boeing Bird of Prey Test Pilot
The Boeing Bird of Prey was a mid-1990's stealth technology demonstrator used to test low-observable stealth techniques and develop new methods of aircraft design. The recent F-47 sixth generation fighter, which will be a Boeing product, is thought to trace its lineage to the BBoP.
This episode features retired U.S Air Force and Boeing Corporation test pilot Doug "Benj" Benjamin, originally recor
Extreme Environments: Arctic Military Operations
Armed conflict is challenging enough, but when the very battlefield is a more significant threat than the enemy, the stakes are significantly raised.
On this episode, US Air Force LtCol Jahara "Franky" Matisek and retired US Coast Guard LCDR Jeremy McKenzie explain how military operations in the Arctic present unique challenges. Temperatures well below freezing not only make basic survival a stru
OFW-11: AI and ML in Future War
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
On this penultimate episode, OFW series regulars Scott "Roger" Chafian and Mike "Pako" Benitez discuss how big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are collectively changing not only our lives on a near-daily basis, but influencing armed
FPP201 - Flying the F-35B Lightning II Demo
The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it amazes at airshows.
On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly
"Judge" the Royal... well, Everything
Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge.
Jim "Judge" Dresner, originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoper
OFW-10: Technology Vulnerabilities
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
This tenth episode explores the vulnerability of computer chip manufacturing. With over 98% of logic and memory chips fabricated in just two countries, both located in the Indo-Pacific region, what happens if the supply of these chips is threatened? Ho
FPP200 - Kamikazes: the Terrifying Divine Wind of World War ll
In late 1944, when it was clear the war in the Pacific was lost, the Imperial Japanese Navy employed a frightening tactic against the US Navy: suicide attacks. Reminiscent of the "divine wind" that twice turned back marauding Mongrols, such attacks were called kamikaze.
On this episode, New York City author Gary Santos explains the scourge of kamikaze attacks during World War ll, including an att
Flight Testing the T-7A Red Hawk
The T-38 has been an exceptional tactical trainer for six decades responsible for qualifying thousands of pilots to fly dozens of platforms. But with the advent of 5th generation fighters, a replacement for the beloved Talon is long overdue.
On this episode, Jonathan "Gremlin" Aronoff, of the U.S. Air Force's 419 Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, describes the rigorous testing and
OFW-9: Long-Range Contested Logistics
On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
This ninth episode explores the vulnerability of "lines of communication." Little threatened, or changed, since the end of WWll, today's shipping lanes involve significant vulnerabilities when supporting an "away game" conflict. How can the U.S. addre
Over-the-Shoulder Sidewinders & Kick-in-the-Back Acceleration
From over-the-wing-mounted AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the SEPECAT Jaguar to kick-in-the-back acceleration on the Eurofighter Typhoon, Royal Air Force Wing Commander Mike "Sooty" Sutton has just about seen and done it all.
On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling and pal Sooty share stories of flight school, flying the Jag and Typhoon, and finding deeper meaning and purpose in comba
Here Comes Santa Claus! (Rebroadcast)
In 2020, we released a bonus episode describing the Canadian and American forces of NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, who continuously monitor the airspace of our two countries--and indeed most of the world--to ensure threats to our nations are identified and managed.
But not everything that enters our airspace is a "threat." Every year, NORAD ensures the safe and unhindered
Lightning always Strikes before Tornados
Derek "Grinner" Smith got his start like many military pilots: at an airshow as a kid. One look at the English Electric Lightning and Grinner knew the vector for his life.
On this episode, guest host (and fellow Brit) Paul "Tremors" Tremelling interviews Grinner to learn how he fared getting into the Royal Air Force and flying the eclectic Lightning before transitioning to the Panavia Tornado.
FPP199 - How to Land an F-35B on the Boat
Landing an F-35B Lightning II aboard a ship at sea requires more than simply pulling alongside and setting down from a hover. Numerous procedures, policies, and contingencies are at play, which is why it's always a good idea to have a trained LSO monitoring the approach.
On this episode, US Marine Major Brian "SAK" Kimmins, a AV-8B-turned F-35B pilot explains the efforts underway to develop a for
OFW-8: Supply Chain and Weapons Attrition
'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.
This episode explores critical supply chain topics including sourcing raw materials and manufacturing facilities (some still remnants from World War II) with host Mike Benetiz and guest Garry Haase.
Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support
FPP198 - Optimizing the Human Weapon System
Longtime FPP friend Billie Flynn returns to provide an update on the F-35 Lightning II and ground collision avoidance systems before addressing his new crusade: the need to provide military aviators the same coaching as professional athletes to ensure they perform at their best in the demanding future of air combat.
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"Lombers" talks CRM, from the Hornet to the Airlines
Crew Resource Management is the "effective use of all available resources for flight crew personnel to assure a safe and efficient operation, reducing error, avoiding stress and increasing efficiency." (skybrary.aero)
But is all CRM the same? How does it differ from, say, a Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 to an unmanned aerial system to Boeing 737?
On this episode, Paul "Lombers" Lombardi, who
Flight Testing the V-22 Osprey
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the first operational aircraft to use the tiltrotor configuration, combining the attributes of both helicopters and airplanes. Today, more than four decades after development began, the Osprey remains one of the most sophisticated aircraft ever built.
But how does a tiltrotor really work? How is this type of aircraft tested, first on the ground and then in flight?
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Support this podcast at — https://www.patreon.com/cw/ftrpltpdcst
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