Fighter Pilot Podcast

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 avoidance systems.Aircraft, both civil and military, have been equipped with auto pilots for decades. With advancing technology, it seems all but inevitable that autonomous and artificially intelligent aircraft are the next logical step.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

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 recorded in 2021. Benj was the first and last BBoP test pilot, having amassed more hours in the demonstrator than any other test pilot.Benj also shares amazing stories from his experience flying the F-106, attending the French Test Pilot School, and conducting F-16 flight test. The conversation wanders into the F-22, F-35 and even Boeing 737 and 757 civilian airliners.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Guests Jahara "Franky" Matisek, an active duty U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and military professor, and Jeremy McKenzie, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander and Arctic operations expert, delve into the unique challenges of military operations in the Arctic. They discuss the extreme cold's impact on equipment and personnel, the historical context of Arctic warfare, and the growing importance of Arctic security amidst geopolitical tensions. Personal stories and insights highlight the need for robust infrastructure and collaboration in this treacherous environment.

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 conflict. And yet, humans must remain in the loop—find out whyBrought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

As armed combat ever evolves and airborne electronic threats become increasingly sophisticated, leading defense companies continually strive to achieve superiority for the U.S. warfighter.And among those companies, L3Harris is the undisputed leader.L3Harris is developing “Viper Shield”—an advanced digital electronic warfare suite for the next-generation F-16. Former F-16 Wild Weasel pilot, Robert "Trip" Raymond explains L3Harris's extensive EW experience is culminating in a system that will be vital for success on day one of the next conflict—and every day after.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

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 is sure to amaze at airshows.On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots.Check out the AirshowStuffVideos used in this interview here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

In modern air combat, weapons are only as effective as the sensors that inform them.Joe “Grip” Beissner, Director of Requirements and Capabilities for Radio Frequency Solutions at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radars providing aircrew unmatched situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

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 interoperability, resilience, and modesty.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jon "Stormin" Norman, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us to discuss the cutting edge air-to-air and surface weapons and effectors the hard-working men and women of Raytheon produce for our warfighters.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Dive into the world of microelectronics and their pivotal role in modern warfare. Explore the vulnerabilities tied to computer chip manufacturing, heavily reliant on just two countries in the Indo-Pacific. Discover how geopolitical tensions, especially with China, affect national security and supply chains. Learn about the importance of extreme ultraviolet lithography in enhancing chip technology and the historical parallels to supply chain challenges during WWII. The discussions illuminate the urgent need for innovation and global cooperation to secure vital technological resources.