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For the past year the team at BVR Productions has been working on a new show that tells a serialized story over multiple episodes of a given season.The show is called The Merge and the FPP is proud to feature the first four episodes of season 1 over the month of August, beginning with this, the show announcement and trailer.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Hornet, Eagle, Viper, Tomcat, Tiger, Raptor, Warthog, Moose... we've covered many colorfully-named aircraft here on the show and this week is no different with a discussion on the carrier-based nucular strike aircraft that served mainly in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and aerial tanker roles from the mid-50's well into the 2000's. That's right, get ready for the 'Whale.'On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Rick Morgan joins us to discuss the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, formerly known as the A3D which was derisively thought by some to mean "all three dead." Having literally written the book on the Skywarrior, Rick defends the A-3's honor and explains its extensive role in carrier-based operations during a pivotal half century that saw the end of the Cold War.Listener questions answered on this episode include Top Gun-style tower buzzing in real life, a proposed episode on service academies, and a look at why the Blue Angels wear boom mics instead of traditional oxygen masks.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode is dedicated to the memory of the VQ-2 crew of Ranger 12.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Not every aircraft can be (or should be) an attention-grabbing 9G fighter or Mach 3 spy plane. Scores of unheralded support planes play vital military roles including the movement of critical supply. Without timely and sufficient beans, bullets, and bandages provided by cargo planes like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, no military campaign gets far.On this episode, U.S. Air Force Major Courtney "Voodoo" Vidt joins us to discuss the "Moose" as the C-17 is affectionately known. A weapons school graduate and demonstration pilot, Voodoo knows the ins and outs of this aircraft and the way it is employed in humanitarian and military roles all over the world, even from austere dirt airfields.Listener questions answered on this episode include a what happens when a higher-ranking non-pilot officer gives a direct order which conflicts with the pilot's actions or decisions, and how crashes of sensitive aircraft are handled to ensure tech secrets do not end up in the wrong hands.Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Before COVID it was common for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers returning from deployment to stop and pick up a thousand or more "tigers." These civilian family and friends enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience of life aboard a carrier at sea, including an airshow unlike anything available back home. In 2003, show host Vincent's two brothers, Kai and Rocky, joined him for a week-long Tiger Cruise aboard USS Nimitz as they returned from an 8-month deployment which included combat operations over Iraq. Think they had a good time? You better believe it.On this bonus episode we dust off a 2-year-old interview Vincent hoped to re-record due to audio glitches but because of Rocky's recent passing, that is not longer possible. Our producer did his best and some obvious audio issues remain, but it does not last the entire interview and the listener can still learn about Tiger Cruises while enjoying the obvious bond of three loving brothers.We dedicate this episode to Marcello "Rocky" Aiello, 1968-2021. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This being our 4th year in podcasting, episodes air on the 4's of each month, but this month the 4th falls on a major U.S. holiday so we're taking a little break. Cohost Boat welcomes Jell-O back to the show following his family setback and the two clear out the phone log.For those of you who celebrate it, happy Independence Day!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Some aircraft are, simply put, icons of their era: the Wright Flyer, the SR-71 “Blackbird”, and the F-22 “Raptor”, to name just a few. All hold a special place in history, and in the hearts and minds of the men and women who flew them or have dreamt about doing so.On this episode, the only surviving triple ace of World War II, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Clarence “Bud” Anderson, joins us to tell his story about his experience in one of the most famous icons of World War II: the P-51 “Mustang”. Be sure to check out Bud's book, To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace. Former F-16 pilot, and host of The Afterburn Podcast host, U.S. Air Force Major John “Rain” Waters, joins as cohost to lend a hand with his experience with the P-51, tell us about his podcast, and helps answer a listener question on low-altitude fighter formations in the aerodrome pattern.Episode artwork by Janek Krause based on original photography by Rich Cooper. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

FPP cohost Boat provides an update on a family tragedy involving founder Jell-O. For more information visit FPP Facebook Page.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The letter S seems to have an outsized presence in the name NASA. Space. True, the space program dominates NASA's media and Hollywood presence but there is a whole lot more to that less well known proceeding A. Aeronautics. From the X-1 which first broke the "sound barrier" to the X-59 Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator, NASA, and its predecessor NACA, plays an important role in flight research flying a dizzying array of military aircraft and one-of-a-kind prototypes.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Nils "Thrills" Larson joins us to explain the mission, history, and aircraft of NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center based at Edwards AFB, CA, and how it fits in with other NASA agencies. Episode 22 guest Becky "Wrecky" Shaw returns as cohost to lend a hand and explains how NASA and NOAA collaborate on flight research.  Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Accomplished author Rowland White stopped by the show to discuss his fifth book, Harrier 809, Britain's Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the Falklands War.Enter a free giveaway for a chance to win an autographed copy of this outstanding book. Hurry! Giveaway ends June 15, 2021...Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Imagine how different the world would be had the 13 American Colonies not declared their independence from Great Britain, or if Adolf Hitler had not been born, or if the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 never happened. Clearly these were world changing events, but what about a three-day naval battle between the U.S. and Japan in early June 1942? Might that have altered the rest of the war against the Axis, and indeed the Cold War that followed?On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Kevin 'Hozer' Miller becomes our first return guest and helps explain the significance of the Battle of Midway. Having conduced extensive research in preparation for his historical fiction book, The Silver Waterfall, Hozer explains the the forces arrayed, the courage widely on display, and how a simple turn right instead of left may have altered the world as we know it today.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

A weasel is a small, active predator with long, slender bodies and short legs. As a verb, 'weasel' means to achieve something by cunning or deceit. Replace "legs" with "wings" and both definitions aptly describe the mission of fighter jets seeking out and destroying surface-to-air threats, and the mindset of the pilots tasked to fly them.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, New York Times-best selling author, and speaker Dan "Two Dogs" Hampton joins us to explain the Wild Weasels mission, mindset, and aircraft from the role's conception through repeated Middle Eastern conflicts to modern day. Credited with 21 confirmed SAM site kills, Two Dogs gives a master class on the weapons and mindset of this Air Force specialty.Questions answered on this episode include who provides the training for U.S. Navy F-16 pilots, how married students fare in flight training compared to their unmarried peers, thoughts on age limits for entering flight training, and justification for the introduction of new 4th Gen aircraft like the F-15EX Eagle II.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Fighter Pilot Podcast founder and host, Vincent Aiello, recently moderated an America's Future Series panel on how combat aviation is leveraging emerging technology to accelerate change, featuring several past podcast guests. A video replay of the panel can be found here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

One of the perks of living in a modern society is the plethora of institutions that contribute to its citizens' well being. One such organization is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that searches for and finds lost citizens, provides comfort in times of disaster, works to keep the homeland safe, and educates and inspires tens of thousands of young people to a life of service.On this episode, Major Roy "Tater" Knight, 1st Lt Jerry "Cookie" Camp, and two young cadets of the California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol join us to discuss this the history, mission, and opportunities for those who participate in the CAP. Since its formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America and, indeed, a former guest and CAP alumnus who went on to a career flying F/A-18s in the Marine Corps returns as cohost.Questions answered on this episode include the different colors of ink in military flight logbooks, whether the painting of a low-flying F-14 Tomcat kicking up two columns of water is accurate, and whether it is difficult for fighter pilots to calculate all the maneuvers they must make in flight.Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez and announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Here on the FPP, most aircraft series episodes featuring U.S.-designed warplanes have two-part titles comprised of the aircraft's designation and name, like the recent F-106 Delta Dart or forthcoming P-51 Mustang. So what's up with episode 111?On this episode, we explore why the General Dynamics F-111 never received an official name in addition to all our usual aircraft series questions, and we do so with our first Australian guests to grace the show: Air Marshal Gavin "Leo" Davies and Air Vice-Marshal Stephen "Mero" Meredith join us from the Royal Australian Air Force. Because of these dignitaries, no announcements or listener questions are covered. 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Fighter Pilot Podcast founder and host Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello was recently a guest on the Memories of a Moonbird podcast, hosted by Daniel Scherl.For those who remark that we learn plenty about FPP guests but don't know very much about Jell-O, here's your chance!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What do you do when it's not Bomber Month but you have an amazing, single-piloted, four-engine World War II bomber to discuss? You call on your Warbird expert, 'Boat'!On this episode, Mr. Leon Evans joins cohost Trevor Boswell to explain the oft overshadowed Avro Lancaster. Designed in England and produced in both England and Canada, this unique World War II bomber primarily flew night missions with two-thirds of its fleet being lost to hostile action. Decades later, only two of these iconic warbirds remain airworthy.Be sure to support the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. If you find yourself in Ontario, Canada, stop by and visit their displays and consider booking a once-of-a-lifetime ride on their Lancaster, 'Vera,' or one of their other amazing warplanes.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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik was a shock to the West. As a result, U.S. leaders vowed that, from that time forward, the U.S. would be the initiator and not the victim of strategic technological surprises. From that decree came the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or what is simply known as 'DARPA.'On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Daniel "Animal" Javorsek, the program manager for DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program, joins us for a master class on technology advancements in warfare and the ongoing efforts to automate air-to-air combat and build human trust in AI as a step toward improved human-machine teaming.Listener questions answered on this episode include training tracks for U.S. Marine Corps F-35B and C aviators, autopilot functionality on modern fighters, and why we feel it necessary to include a disclaimer on every FPP episode.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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Steve "Smokey" Ladd stops by the show via Zoom to discuss his memoir, From F-4 Phantoms to A-10 Warthogs.Enter to win a free copy of this book here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

We're taking a pause from our normal routine to catch up on podcast happenings and clear out the listener question bag.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The 'Warbird Series’ opens with a discussion on the iconic Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, the Lightning was the only two-engine, propeller-driven pursuit fighter of World War II, and former U.S. Air Force Captain, and WWII veteran, Marshall Hannah joins us to explore this distinctly unique aircraft. You won't believe his story of training, combat, and so much more!Warbird Series host, Boat, answers a listener question on pilot medical readiness, flight surgeon involvement in determining whether a pilot is “fit to fly”, and what kinds of medicinal products fighter pilots may be issued to enhance their concentration.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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands