Fighter Pilot Podcast

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?On this episode, former U.S. Navy flight test engineer Jennifer Uchida joins guest host Ken Katz to discuss the operational requirements that led to the V-22, the amazing features and technology of it, tiltrotor aerodynamics and flight control, and stories from flight testing.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Few aircraft put on an aerial demonstration quite like the U.S. Air Force's premiere fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-22 RaptorThe F-22 Raptor Demo Team performed at the MCAS Miramar airshow one weekend in late September 2024 and then came to the FPP studios the following Monday. Hear from the demonstration pilot and senior enlisted leader what it is like to travel to locations far and wide to put on this amazing performance--including a play-by-play of each aerial maneuver.Click here to support "Thunder" Nunnelley's battle against brain cancer.Visit the F-22 Raptor Demo team's website here.Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'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 addresses the U.S. Navy's challenges to project power in a potential "away game" conflict. Following the Cold War, surface ship design changed radically. Revolutionary concepts were introduced including the Zumwalt destroyer and Littoral Combat Ship. When technology didn’t work the only way to pay for fixes in the Global War on Terror era was to retire existing hulls and cut back on ship building. This has led to closure of public and private shipyards, limiting our capacity to build ships and grow the fleet.Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Ever wonder how the Panavia Tornado and General Dynamics F-111 compared?This week, our British guest host Paul 'Tremors' Tremelling plucks yet another former mate from his extensive network. Former Royal Air Force navigator David ‘Moz’ Morris joins Tremors to discuss his career cracking on in both the Tornado and the Aardvark.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

In this conclusion of the 1924 World Flight, Matt "Flounder" Arny, alongside special guests Lance "Boil" Lewis, Mike Lockwood, and Rob Crotty, recount the final leg of the odyssey—crossing the Atlantic via Iceland and Greenland, and then crossing the U.S.Listeners will be on the edge of their seats during the nerve-wracking rescue of Wade and Ogden after their aircraft, Boston, was forced to land in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Even as the crews approach the finish line, they continue facing daunting and unexpected challenges.Drawing from historical sources like First World Flight by Lowell Thomas, Around the World in 175 Days by Carroll Glines, and First Flight Around the World by Tim Grove, this episode brings to life the harrowing final moments of one of history’s most remarkable aviation achievements.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

In this exciting follow up, Matt "Flounder" Arny continues the epic story of the 1924 World Flight, diving into the challenges and adventures faced after the final preparations. Guests Lance "Boil" Lewis, Mike Lockwood, and Rob Crotty return to discuss the harrowing flight through Alaska, including the tragic loss of the Seattle. They explore the Pacific crossing, touching on U.S. relations of the time with Japan and the newly-formed Soviet Union, and the critical role of maritime support from the Navy, US Coast Guard, and others.Listeners will hear gripping tales of dodging sampans and junks in Asian harbors, changing an engine under a bridge, and a look at the UK’s participation and the unfortunate fate of the British team. The episode wraps up with liberty adventures in Shanghai and Bangkok.Drawing from historical sources like First World Flight by Lowell Thomas, Around the World in 175 Days by Carroll Glines, and First Flight Around the World by Tim Grove, this episode captures the drama and international intrigue surrounding one of the greatest feats in aviation history.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Hold on to your derby, for the rest of September we mix up the usual FPP format and give you a three-part series describing the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe--the 1924 World Flight.Guest host Matt "Flounder" Arny welcomes Rob Crotty, Mike Lockwood, and Lance "Boil" Lewis to tell the story of this epic odyssey not just against Mother Nature but five other countries.On this first episode, we explore the intricate details behind the scenes—covering route selection, aircraft development, pilot and mechanic selection, and the competitive international teams racing to be first. Drawing from historical sources like First World Flight by Lowell Thomas, Around the World in 175 Days by Carroll Glines, and First Flight Around the World by Tim Grove, this episode sets the stage for an epic journey that showcases the determination, resilience, and diplomacy that made the flight possible.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Lieutenant General Mike "Homey" Cederholm, I MEF Commanding General and former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, discusses U.S. Marine Corps aviation in 2024 and the role his I MEF Marines play in preparing for a possible conflict in the Indo-Pacific area of operation.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Guest host Ken "Primetime" Katz revisits our friends at Stratolunch to learn about their first powered flight of the Talon-A, an autonomous, reusable testbed advancing hypersonic flight testing.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

What do the Sea Harrier, F-15B Eagle, X-32 JSF contestant, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Hawk all have in common?Well, not much, actually, except that they have all been flown by this week's guest, retired Royal Navy Commander Paul "Pebbles" Stone. As an Empire Test Pilots' School graduate, Pebbles flew all these aircraft and many more and spins quite a yarn about them with guest cohost Paul "Tremors" Tremelling.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations