The Fighter Pilot Podcast

'Army Aviation Month' wraps up with an in-depth look at the lethal AH-64 Apache. CWO4 Tim "Dorothy" Settle of the U.S. Army joins us to discuss this tank-busting helicopter including the variants, armament, performance, crew operation, and more. Designed for the Cold War, the Apache has enjoyed tremendous success in numerous conflicts from Desert Storm to Afghanistan.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Army Aviation Month' marches on with a shift to our familiar 'aircraft series' format and a look at the OH-58 Kiowa. Ryan Robicheaux, a former U.S. Army CWO2, joins us to discuss this helicopter that is small in stature but huge in capability and adored by the ground forces it defends. Ryan also discusses the many OH-58 military and civilian variants, as well as the somewhat unconventional plan to replace it.Check out Ryan's Scout's Out book project here.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Army Aviation Month' continues with a look at U.S. Army flight school--including the syllabus, aircraft, and training locations--with CWO2 Nicholas Allen. As a recent Army flight school graduate, Nick now flies the UH-60 and provided some additional information on the Blackhawk to compliment our previous H-60 episode.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Army Aviation Month' kicks off with a look at U.S. Army policies, programs, and aircraft--including the little-known fleet of Army airplanes--with CWO5 Aaron Nance of the Washington Army National Guard.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

We're taking another break this week as we prepare for 'Army Aviation Month' coming up in August. Instead, enjoy this discussion with Mr. Jeffrey Brain, a former RAF fighter pilot who flew Hurricanes and Mosquitoes against the Japanese in World War II.We dedicate this episode to Mr. Brain, 1922-2022.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Every conflict has its quintessential fighter: in World War II it was the P-51 Mustang. The F-4 Phantom symbolizes the Vietnam conflict and in Desert Storm it was the F-15 Eagle, arguably…. Well, there’s no argument about the iconic fighter of the mid-50’s Korean War—it’s unquestionably the North American F-86 Sabre.On this episode, retired U.S. Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jim “Skinny” McLennan, who piloted many aircraft over a 30-year career from the F-84 to the F-100 and later the A-10, joins us to discuss his favorite: the F-86. Skinny expertly covers our usual ‘aircraft series’ topics while Mr. Paul Wood, last week’s intermission guest and founder of the Warbird Heritage Foundation, returns as guest co-host to help us better understand the Sabre.Listener questions addressed include fighters escorting rescue helicopters, the 2008 PBS Carrier series, the apparent demise of toy fighter planes for kids, the various titles for Naval Flight Officers, and more. Read about the F-100 that inadvertently s

We're taking a pause this week and replaying a recent Patreon 'Happy Hour' discussion with Mr. Paul Wood, founder of the Warbird Heritage Foundation. Paul owns (and flies!) an impressive array of notable aircraft from the P-51 Mustang to the A-1 Skyraider to the A-4 Skyhawk.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

When aircraft designers and military planners sought a simple way to extend the range, increase the payload, and lengthen the endurance of combat aircraft, they may have been inclined to consider a host of various technological solutions. In fact, the best way to accomplish these endeavors is through aerial refueling with big wing tankers like the KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Extender, and forthcoming KC-46 Pegasus.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mark “Sluggo” Hasara joins us to discuss the history, practical applications, and strategic implications of big wing tankers. As a 25-year veteran with over 5,000 flight hours in the KC-135, Sluggo literally “wrote the book” on big wing tanking and was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Air Force tanker Weapons School. Be sure to check out his Wall Pilot Facebook page and bonus content where Sluggo spends another 52 minutes answering listener questions.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced

When you think of 4th generation fighters designed in the late 70’s, which aircraft come to mind? Likely the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon for starters, perhaps the F/A-18 Hornet, and for Eastern designs—probably the MiG-29 Fulcrum. But don’t forget the many great 4th gen fighters designed in Europe, many still operational today, such as the Dassault Mirage 2000.On this episode, Mathieu “Matéo” Carbon—formerly a French Air Force fighter pilot and now host of the 9Gs podcast—joins us from Hong Kong to discuss the usual ‘aircraft series’ topics on the Mirage 2000 and helps answer listener questions, including the lowest altitude he ever flew (hint: it was below sea level!).Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Disrupt /disˈrəpt/ verb — to interrupt an event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance or problem. …Modern aerial combat is a challenging, fast-paced, three-dimensional chess match that requires each side to be on their game. One way to improve the odds of victory is to disrupt your opponent’s plans and systems, and one of the best ways to do that is in the electromagnetic spectrum.On this episode, U.S. Navy Captain Dave “Mini Me” Kurtz joins us to talk tactical electronic attack based on his career flying the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler. We discuss what EA is, how it works to disrupt the enemy’s kill chain, and some planning considerations. Mini Me even answers a few listener questions on the subject.Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Thanks to Thrustmaster for Sponsoring this episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/do

The MiG-21 Fishbed. There may be no more recognizable, mass produced, widely proliferated, iconic, enduring fighter jet in existence or throughout history. With more than 11,500 produced and at one time operational in 60 countries on four continents, incredibly this 65-year-old fighter is still in widespread use today.On this episode, retired Indian Air Force Air Commodore Suren “Bundal” Tyagi joins us to discuss this legendary aircraft—not just the numbers but how effective it was, what it was like and how the pilots who flew the MiG-21 enjoyed it. And Bundal would know, having amassed over 4,000 flight hours and several combat missions in the Fishbed.Returning as guest cohost to help explain the MiG-21 is episode 60 guest and former squadron mate with Bundal, Harsih Masand, who helps answer listener questions about the stinger on the back of Flanker aircraft, whether the future of air warfare will be ultra-long range or within visual range, and whether AC-130s operate from unprepared airfields.Bumper music

The excellent book 'Harnessing the Sky' chronicles the life and adventures of aviation pioneer and early test pilot Fredrick "Trap" Trapnell during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II and then the transition to jets immediately following.Trap's granddaughter Dana Trapnell Tibbetts joins us on this bonus episode to discuss the book she co-authored with her father. You can watch a presentation she gave on the book and her grandfather here.Sign up for a chance to win a free autographed copy of the book here. If you enjoy Naval Aviation history, you'll love the book 'Harnessing the Sky!'Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, are a Canadian icon comprised of Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence Public Service employees—pilots, technicians, mobile support operators, resource management support clerks and more—working as a team to bring thrilling performances to the public. The Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of skill, professionalism, teamwork, discipline, and dedication inherent in the men and women of the CAF and inspire the pursuit of excellence wherever they go.On this episode, former RCAF F/A-18 pilot and two-time Snowbird LCol Robert “Scratch” Mitchell joins us to describe the ins and outs of this amazing team, including the exhausting and sometimes unglamorous life on the road between shows. Scratch doubles as co-host this week and answers a few listener questions specific to his experiences and what he sees as the future for the Snowbirds.Bumper announcements by Clint Bell. The Royal Canadian Air Force March Past was performed by the Central B

Once in a while, popular culture affixes certain expressions—memes, really—to particular military aircraft. “Get some!” is affiliated with Vietnam-era Hueys; “I feel the need for speed,” is a Tomcat-ism; and the Warthog with its devastating 30 mm cannon has simply, “brrrrrrt.”On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Craig “Buck” Walker joins us to explain how the popular cry “Make it rain!” is anathematic to the AC-130 Gunship community, who pride themselves on precision lethality. Buck answers our usual ‘aircraft series’ questions and provides exclusive insight into this incredible platform and the amazing professionals who crew it.During the listener question segment the host explains what airborne carrier aircraft do during a mishap on the flight deck, what a “squadron” is, and how many parts the various F-35 models have in common.Bumper intro music by various artists, theme music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network a

Routine and repetitive practice is required to excel at any endeavor. Musicians spend countless hours on instruments, athletes train relentlessly, and military aviators? They need practice too. The problem is air combat training is either too theoretical on the one extreme, or two resource-intensive on the other.On this episode, three team members from Red 6, a Southern California aerospace company, join us to describe a high-tech, low-cost solution they have developed to maximize aerial training effectiveness against the latest threats with existing assets. Their augmented reality headset will revolutionize not just how military aviators train but will have countless utility in numerous other applications. In short, it’s a game changer.During the listener question segment, guest cohost Boat helps answer whether Naval Aviation helps with homeland defense, why the F-35C does not have an internal cannon, and why Super Hornet and Growler pylons are canted, among other topics.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announc

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is the most advanced aerial weapon system ever fielded. The 5th generation fighter jet is also the most expensive, spent the longest in development, and involves more partners and assembly in more locations than any other aircraft in history.It is also the most lethal.This week, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton, former F-35 test pilot, joins us to explore this aircraft’s developmental legacy and present lethality. Are parts of it really made in 48 of the 50 American states? Did it really lose to an F-16 in dogfighting tests? We cover these topics, and many more, with Cinco and previous guest Dave “Chip” Berke who returns as cohost.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Where do automobiles go when they reach the end of their useful lives? Why, the junkyard, of course. So, where do military aircraft go? If they’re U.S. military aircraft they most likely go to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group aboard Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. Just don’t call it a “junkyard.”On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Jennifer “Re-Jen” Barnard, AMARG Commander, joins us to explain how and why aircraft arrive—and eventually depart—this extensive facility which covers four square miles, employs hundreds of specialized technicians, and saves the military and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually. …sure, we’re calling this ‘the Boneyard,’ but don’t let the thousands of preserved aircraft fool you, there’s a lot happening at the AMARG.Listener questions include how aircraft self-healing fuel tanks work, air-to-air combat between fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, scary carrier landings, and the realism of the movie Top Gun’s jet wash scene.Bumper music by Jai

F-15 Month concludes with an in-depth look at the two-seat strike-fighter variant. Whereas the A-D models profess to have "not pound for air-to-ground," the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle was designed to sling mud from the get-go. And does so exceedingly well.On this episode, a F-15E pilot and WSO crew, Lieutenant Colonel Richard "TAC" Turner and Captain Mark "Smack" Smith, both active duty U.S. Air Force, tell us all about the mighty "Mud Hen" including how one scored an air-to-air kill with a laser-guided bomb. Read how the Strike Eagle and Super Hornet compare in this article.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Jim Hendershot. This episode produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Brian "Spiderman" Kamp and former F-22 Raptor guest Terry "Stretch" Scott return to conclude our two-part detailed look at the unbeaten Boeing F-15 Eagle and even answer a few listener questions before they go.Previous guest co-host Mike "BS" Walsh also returns to offer some follow-up thoughts including a comparison of the Eagle's slow-speed flight handling to the F/A-18 Hornet — also a Boeing product.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcement by Jim Hendershot. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

There may be no more accomplished, capable, and effective pure air-to-air fighter aircraft than the once McDonnell Douglas, now Boeing F-15 Eagle. With an impressive weapons suite, radar, and ID capability, eye watering handling characteristics, and an unbeaten combat record, no other bird rules the skies quite like the Eagle.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Brian "Spiderman" Kamp, who accrued more than 4,000 flight hours in the F-15, joins former F-22 Raptor guest Terry "Stretch" Scott, who has over 3,000 flight hours in the Eagle, to discuss this impressive machine inside and out. Former episode 25 hero Mike "BS" Walsh assists as guest co-host to offer his perspective as a relative newcomer to the F-15 after flying more than 1,000 hours in Marine F/A-18s and also helps answer listener questions.Episode bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcement by Jim Hendershot. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at —