The Afterburn Podcast

Colonel (Ret) Rob “Trip” Raymond sits down with Flash McVay for one of the most wide ranging fighter pilot interviews ever captured on The Afterburn Podcast. Trip is known across the fighter community for his combat time in the F-16, his leadership as a weapons officer and commander, and, of course, his role in the legendary fighter pilot band Dos Gringos.Become an owner in Winglore Spirits. Invest and join the Squadron here: Winglore Spirits Netcapital: https://netcapital.com/companies/winglorespirits Pick up a bottle of Winglore Whiskey: Supply Winglore Spirits: https://winglorespirits.com/supply Use promo code AFTERBURN2025 for 10 percent off your whiskey order 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get your free copy of the Lowdown here:  https://www.lowdownnews.us/This week on The Lowdown, Rain breaks down the biggest stories shaping aviation and global defense. From the growing drama around the E-7 Wedgetail to new counter-drone weapons and intelligence developments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, this episode dives deep into the headlines that matter.We start with the Air Force and NATO’s shifting stance on the E-7 AWACS replacement and why survivability is becoming a major concern in high end air combat. Rain explains how the E-7 compares to the aging E-3, why funding stalled, and what a stopgap C2 solution might actually look like as hypersonic missiles and long range threats spread across the battlespace.Next, we look at the Air Force’s push for cheaper counter-air options as drones continue to reshape modern conflict. Rain breaks down real cost comparisons between AMRAAM shots, laser guided rockets, and the proposed 500 thousand dollar missile aimed at small UAS defense.In the Snapshot segment, we highlight a series of major global updates including the Turkish C-130 crash, the Marine Corps’ past C-130 mishap, new AI driven munitions storage plans, the reported Iranian training on the Su-57, Russia’s intelligence ship operating off Hawaii, and the latest news on Taiwan’s incoming MQ-9 and F-16V aircraft.Aviation, national security, and global defense trends all in one episode.For full breakdowns, sources, and the weekly Threat of the Day, subscribe to The Lowdown newsletter. It is free and lands straight in your inbox. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dive into the phenomenal 35-year aviation career of Greg Hansen (USNA '82), a former F-14 Tomcat pilot, Topgun student, and legendary Topgun instructor, who finished his career as a FedEx 777 Captain. In this full-length episode, Greg shares unbelievable, high-stakes stories from the height of the Cold War and his time flying with the US Navy's best. - Topgun Inside Track: Learn what it was like to be a "stash Ensign" at Topgun right out of the Naval Academy, getting an early look at the world's elite fighter tactics. - Constant Peg: Hear the full story of flying against live Soviet MiGs (MiG-23 Flogger & MiG-21) at the secret Constant Peg program and the incredible small-world reunion that happened years later. - The SU-15 Intercept: Greg recounts being scrambled in his F-14 off the USS Ranger in the Sea of Japan to intercept a Soviet SU-15 Flagon, narrowly avoiding an international incident. - Carrier Night Ops Disaster: The heart-stopping story of a catastrophic night carrier landing pattern, an EMCON transit (limited electronic emissions), and the near mid-air collision in the landing groove that confirmed the mantra: "The boat is trying to kill you." F-14 vs. A-4: A technical comparison of the A-4 Skyhawk and the F-14A Tomcat behind the boat, and how he learned to fly the challenging TF-30 engines. FedEx & The F-16: Greg discusses his transition to the FedEx 747, the eye-opening flight into Kuwait City post-Gulf War (flying through oil haze), and his short but intense stint flying the F-16 in the Michigan Air National Guard. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode 140 of The Afterburn Podcast, Rain sits down with retired US Marine Corps fighter pilot and Echelon Front leadership instructor Dave "Chip" Berke — the only Marine ever to fly the USAF F-22 and the first to operationally fly the F-35B. From deployment on the USS John C. Stennis and TOPGUN instructor duty, to commanding the Marines’ first F-35B squadron and now helping build high-performing teams at Echelon Front, "Chip "brings unique stories and hard-earned leadership lessons. Find "The Need to Lead" here: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m “The Need to Lead” by Dave “Chip” Berke, with a contribution by Jocko Willink, explores what it truly means to lead under pressure — in combat, business, and life. Drawing on Berke’s rare experience flying the F-18, F-16, F-22, and F-35B, the book distills the lessons learned from two decades of military service and years teaching leadership at Echelon Front. From the cockpits of the world’s most advanced fighter jets to the classrooms where he now trains corporate teams, Berke breaks down how humility, accountability, and decisiveness shape effective leaders. His stories reveal how ego can sabotage performance and how embracing failure, listening, and empowering others are the real markers of command. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From flying F-16s over Iraq to testing Virgin Galactic’s spaceplanes, Keith “Coma” Colmer has lived one of the most diverse and impactful careers in modern aviation. Raised near John Wayne’s ranch in rural Arizona, he rose from an Air Force ROTC cadet at MIT to a combat and test pilot shaping the future of flight. In this episode, Coma shares untold stories from flying GPS satellites during Desert Storm, developing the Litening and Sniper pods, pioneering electronic warfare systems like the ALQ-213, and leading Virgin Galactic’s early spaceflight test team. He also opens up about leadership lessons from the Air National Guard, directing operations at Gulfstream Aerospace, and why he now flies floatplanes in the Pacific Northwest “just for the fun of it.” This is an incredible deep dive into flight testing, innovation, and the passion that keeps pilots in the sky long after the mission ends. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of  @AfterburnPodcast  host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Bob “Bags” Simeone, a former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. From low-level strikes over Iraq to night tanking in icing conditions, Bags shares a raw, often hilarious, and deeply personal account of what it was like to be part of America’s return to high-end warfare after Vietnam. They dive into what deployment looked like aboard the USS America in the early ‘90s, the challenges of navigating pre-GPS cockpits, and the chaos of coordinating missions in a pre–Link 16 world. Bags recounts everything from near-diverts over Australia to accidentally bombing a Kuwaiti beach house to make Saddam think an amphibious assault was coming. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🎯 Lowdown Newsletter: https://www.lowdownnews.us/ 🔺 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast Welcome to The Lowdown, your weekly briefing on global aviation and defense. In this episode, we cover the latest on the F-35 Block 4 program and its delays, downgrades, and the TR-3 foundation for future upgrades. We also dive into the next-generation “doomsday plane,” the E-4C Nightwatch, set to replace the Cold War–era E-4B, and explore how Sierra Nevada Corporation is driving the future of airborne command and control. We break down massive U.S. Army missile contracts, from Patriot PAC-3 interceptors to AMRAAM production, and highlight the rise of low-cost precision weapons like the laser-guided APKWS rockets now used by the F-15E Strike Eagle. From Venezuelan F-16s buzzing U.S. Navy destroyers, to China-linked cyberattacks, to the Air Force’s first pilotless cargo flight across the Pacific, the headlines point to a rapidly changing defense landscape. You’ll also hear updates on the next-generation bunker buster bomb to replace the GBU-57, SpaceX’s global Starlink military applications, and why precision-guided rockets are shaping future conflicts. If you’re passionate about aviation, military tactics, and defense technology, subscribe now for weekly analysis and insight into the future of airpower and national security. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🎯 Lowdown Newsletter: https://www.lowdownnews.us/ 🔺 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In July 2012, F-16 pilot Scott “Fester” Fredrick found himself in a fight for survival over the frigid North Pacific. What began as a routine movement flight from Misawa to Eielson turned into a catastrophic engine failure, forcing him to eject over open ocean and spend more than six hours in 55-degree water before rescue.In this episode, we dive into Fester’s incredible career — from chasing the B-2 Spirit during flight test, to combat over Iraq, to his harrowing ejection and rescue. We talk pilot training lessons, split-second decision making, survival training that saved his life, and how perspective changes after you’ve stared death in the face.Whether you’re into aviation, military history, or just a great story of resilience and skill under pressure, this one delivers. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The Lowdown military aviation news: Hungarian MiG-29 theft – Thieves broke into Kecskemét Air Base and stole radar components from retired MiG-29 fighters. Was it an inside job inside NATO territory? F-15 accidental ejection – At Barnes Air National Guard Base a passenger unexpectedly ejected from an F-15D during taxi. We break down how this could happen. MQ-9 Reaper crash – A $13 million Reaper drone was lost in the Mediterranean Sea after a propeller failure. Singapore cancels Guam F-15 training plan – Why Singapore and the United States decided not to move forward with this fighter detachment. B-2 bomber Alaska appearance – A stealth bomber and F-35 escorts arrive during the Putin and Trump Alaska event.  🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Bro Chat, "Flash" "Bender" and "Rain" are joined by Kevin "Konan" Parkhurst to discuss flying the F-35 in the reserves, how to get hired by a reserve or guard unit and more.Check out Authentic Media - Six months Free - Just use code 62F6D at Patreon.com/AuthenticMedia/redeem/62F6D.     🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📧 Want the full newsletter? https://www.lowdownnews.us6 months free with Authentic Media: Just use code 62F6D at Patreon.com/AuthenticMedia/redeem/62F6D. This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest stories in airpower and national defense: 🔺 NORAD intercepts Russian Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters near Alaska 🔺 U.S. pauses full F-35 procurement until Lockheed fixes TR-3 & Block 4 delays 🔺 Spotlight on the AGM-158 JASSM—stealthy, long-range, and lethal 🔺 China’s new J-35 stealth fighter joins the PLA Navy 🔺 Space Age heist: Engineer pleads guilty to stealing U.S. missile tech 🔺 Microsoft bars Chinese engineers from U.S. defense cloud support 🔺 NASA’s X-59 supersonic jet nears flight test milestones 🔺 Belgium doubles down on defense: F-35s, NASAMS, and warships on the way 🔔 Subscribe for high-signal insights into global defense, deterrence, and next-gen weapons tech. 📧 Want the full newsletter? https://www.lowdownnews.us 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, deeply personal conversation, A-10 Weapons Officer Lorenzo Harris opens up with Mike "Flash" McVay about the mission that changed his life, and the battle he rarely talks about. From earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for a harrowing 8-hour firefight in Afghanistan to silently struggling with guilt, identity, and loss, Lorenzo recounts how he navigated one of the most intense missions of his career and the psychological toll that followed. We trace his journey from growing up in North Pole, Alaska, to becoming one of the most respected A-10 instructors in the U.S. Air Force. Lorenzo reveals how he hit rock bottom—haunted by one mission—and how he rebuilt his life with a new mission: helping others through coaching, mindset development, and service beyond the cockpit. This episode is for anyone who’s ever struggled with identity, purpose, or the weight of leadership. One of the most powerful interviews ever recorded on The Afterburn Podcast. Lorenzo: https://www.youtube.com/@UCtEKb9z53MlfJQ85ipjmmYg https://stan.store/iamlorenzoharris 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest moves in military aviation and defense: ✈️ F-16s depart Misawa Air Base as the U.S. Air Force prepares for a major F-35 deployment in Japan — a key shift in Indo-Pacific airpower. 🛩️ The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is on track for combat configuration and flight testing by 2026. We cover what that means for the B-1 and B-2 fleets. 🚛 KC-46 Pegasus production ramps up, as the Air Force shelves plans for a stealth tanker and leans on Boeing's multi-role refueled. ⚠️ Threat of the Day: SA-21 Growler (S-400) — Russia’s long-range SAM system is central to its A2/AD strategy. We break down capabilities, variants, and combat history. Also in this episode: SOCOM cuts OA-1K Skyraider II buys B-1B bombers getting a massive firepower boost E-7 Wedgetail drama on Capitol Hill AI wingmen take to the skies in Valkyrie drone tests Snapshot stories from NORAD intercepts to HH-60W VIP conversions 📩 Subscribe to The Lowdown Newsletter for the full breakdown: 👉 https://www.lowdownnews.us 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Bellavia earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq—one of the most intense urban battles in U.S. military history. In this re-release of The Afterburn Podcast, Bellavia shares raw, unfiltered reflections on leadership in combat, the trauma of modern warfare, and the deep bonds of brotherhood forged in battle.David's book - Remember the Ramrods: https://amzn.to/453Rgj9 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸 --- 🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️ Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 Welcome to this week’s Lowdown with The Afterburn Podcast! 🚀 Dive into the latest defense and aerospace news, including China’s new J-20S twin-seat stealth fighter, DARPA’s warning on quantum sensing threatening F-35 and B-21 stealth, Chinese espionage arrests targeting the U.S. Navy, a grounded British F-35B in India, NATO F-35s guarding Ukraine-bound supplies, and a KC-46 tanker mishap. Plus, Rheinmetall’s new F-35A plant in Germany, retired generals pushing for more F-35As and E-7 Wedgetails, and our Threat of the Day: China’s Chengdu J-10. Stay ahead with breaking military aviation news! 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 In this episode of The Lowdown, we’re breaking down one of the biggest military aviation operations in recent memory — Operation Midnight Hammer, a massive coordinated strike targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. With over 125+ aircraft, B-2 stealth bombers, Tomahawk missiles, and full-spectrum cyber warfare involved, this was no ordinary mission. We also dive into two major budget updates hitting the U.S. Air Force: The E-7 WEDGETAIL, the much-anticipated AWACS replacement, may now be on the chopping block. The F-35 Lightning II program faces significant cuts in the 2026 defense budget proposal. This is your no-BS, fast-hitting update on the biggest stories in defense and aviation. Whether you're a pilot, a defense pro, or just a military aviation nerd — you're in the right place.' 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three time zones. One car seat. Two hotel WiFi connections held together by hope. In this Bro Chat, “Rain”, “Vader”, and “Bender” catch up on everything from flying jets to why flyovers are a lose-lose game. Vader’s knee-deep in the IPUG grind, Bender’s dodging work at a chill TDY, and Rain’s flying big ole fat planes around the world. We break down F-35 vs Viper radar logic, relive the Indy 500 flyover chaos, and the Netflix Thunderbird doc (what happened with “Primo’s” rejoin ). Also: Iranian strikes, the death of the F-35 order, AI drones that headshot mannequins, and why Waymo might trigger Skynet. Come for the jet talk. Stay for the tuna sandwich fight story. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the  @FighterPilotPodcast  for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight. They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. JJell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot. Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6 Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@snapperlandSnapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.