The Aerospace Advantage

Episode 45 - F-35: Getting Healthy, or Hard Broke? Part 2

Episode 45 – F-35: Getting Healthy, or Hard Broke? Part 2

Episode Summary:

In episode 45 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, F-35: Getting Healthy, or Hard Broke? Part 2, Mitchell Institute explores the status of America’s newest fighter engine with top experts from Pratt and Whitney. Fighter aircraft are generally viewed by the general public as airframes—their fuselages, wings, and tails give them unmistakable, unique shapes. However, it takes incredibly sophisticated jet engine technology to bring these airplanes to life. The F-35’s engine is a game-changer—embodying state-of-the-art materials and design techniques that have revolutionized jet propulsion. The bottom line, no fighter has ever been fitted with such a powerful engine. But inventing new technology involves challenges and the F-35’s engine is no exception to this process. Improvements need to be made to deliver on key reliability and cost targets that will allow the F-35 to meet long-term objectives. Learn more about this process by hearing from key engine team members.  

Listen to Part 1 here!

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Amanda Glode, Executive Director for F135 Sustainment, Pratt and Whitney

Guest: Tim “Picard” Forsythe, Lead Integrator for the Combat Air Forces, Pratt and Whitney

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Episode 44 - F-35: Getting Healthy or Hard Broke? Part 1

Episode 44 – F-35: Getting Healthy, or Hard Broke? Part 1

Episode Summary:

In episode 44 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, F-35: Getting Healthy, or Hard Broke? Part 1 Mitchell Institute explores the status of America’s newest fighter with top experts in a 2-part series. You’ve heard it all year—the sky is falling when it comes to the F-35. Air Force leaders, Members of Congress, and a host of commentators have signaled serious concern with the program—especially when it comes to aircraft and engine reliability, plus its operational cost. There’s no shaping this one. Any reasonable person who is just reading newspaper headlines this year would wonder why we are still buying this plane.  So, we figured it was time to dig into this issue and figure out what’s going on from people who really understand the details of the program the best, and frankly own much of the path to improved performance—the companies building the F-35. And this is not some infomercial to spin the status of the aircraft. Our goal here today is to no kidding talk about real issues, baseline problems for what they are, explore contributing factors, and talk about how we can make things better. America and its allies need the F-35 to work.

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Audrey Brady, Vice President for F-35 Global Sustainment, Lockheed Martin

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

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Episode 43 - Nellis AFB Train Like You Fight: Preparing for Near-Peer Conflict

Episode 43 – Nellis AFB Train Like You Fight: Preparing for Near-Peer Conflict

Episode Summary:

In episode 43 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Nellis AFB Train Like You Fight: Preparing for Near-Peer Conflict, 57th Wing Commander Brig Gen Michael "Johnny Bravo" Drowley joins host John ”Slick” Baum and co-host Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula to discuss how the Weapons School, Red Flag, Aggressors, and other key facets of his team are developing and training the tactics, techniques, and procedures to address future threats, especially peer competitors like China and Russia. A key part of this comes down to integrating air, space, and cyber capabilities to leverage powerful effects at the right time and place. So, if you want to know where the Air Force is headed, you better understand what’s happening over the skies of Nellis AFB with the 57th. 

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Brig Gen Michael “Johnny Bravo” Drowley, 57^th Wing Commander, USAF

Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

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Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 42 - From 6th Gen Fighters to New Space Warfighting Concepts: The Rendezvous

Episode 42 – From 6^th Gen Fighters to New Space Warfighting Concepts: The Rendezvous

Episode Summary:

In episode 42 of the Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Advantage podcast, From 6^th Gen Fighters to New Space Warfighting Concepts: The Rendezvous the team discusses the insights they garnered while hosting Air Force and Space Force leaders at AFA’s 2021 Air, Space, and Cyberspace Conference. Learn details about the future force concepts; specific insights regarding next-generation fighters, the B-21, and future munitions; warfighting concepts designed to deter China; and factors shaping tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force.

If you want to watch all of the ASC Events discussed in the podcast you can find them here:

National Defense Strategy and Future Force

Space Acquisition to Lethality

Defending the Homeland

The Need for DoD Cost Effectiveness Analysis

Force Mix of the Future

First Principles of Airpower: Getting to a Design that Wins

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Col (ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, Director for Future Concepts and Capabilities Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Chris Stone, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Research Center

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMitchellInstituteforAerospaceStudies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 41 - Strategic Nuclear Deterrence: What are Americans Thinking?

Episode 41 – Strategic Nuclear Deterrence: What are Americans Thinking?

Episode Summary:

In episode 41 of the Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Advantage podcast, Strategic Nuclear Deterrence: What are Americans Thinking? the team delves into the realm of public opinion regarding one of the most consequential aspects of U.S. national security. As a democracy, public sentiment has a key bearing on future U.S. national security decisions. It’s crucial to know where the public stands on this issue given that all segments of the triad are set for modernization. Mitchell Institute, in collaboration with Seven Letter Insight, conducted a poll to better understand these dynamics. The results were both surprising and illuminating. Join us for a conversation that extends past the standard talking points normally heard surrounding nuclear deterrence.

You can find the full poll and study here: Understanding American Voters’ Sentiment on Strategic Nuclear Deterrence

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Col (ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capabilities Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Matt George, Partner and Head of Research, Seven Letter Insight

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMitchellInstituteforAerospaceStudies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 40 - The Royal Australian Air Force: Command Perspective

Episode 40 – The Royal Australian Air Force: Command Perspective

Episode Summary:

In episode 40 of the Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Advantage podcast, The Royal Australian Air Force: Command Perspective, hear from Chief of the Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld as he discusses opportunities and challenges facing airpower and spacepower in the Pacific. Allies and partners are critical to mission success in today’s world, with the U.S.-Australian partnership especially crucial. Air Marshal Hupfeld discusses future operating concepts such as manned-unmanned teaming, current programs like the F-35, and important missions like airbase defense.

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of Air Force, The Royal Australian Air Force

Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMitchellInstituteforAerospaceStudies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 39 - 9/11 20 Years Later: 3 Airmen Reflect

Episode 39 – 9/11 20 Years Later: 3 Airmen Reflect

Episode Summary:

In episode 39 of the Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Advantage podcast 9/11 20 Years Later: 3 Airmen Reflect, host John "Slick" Baum speaks to three individuals who found themselves thrust into crisis none could have imagined as they began their day. Gen John Jumper, USAF (ret) came to the Pentagon that Tuesday to serve his first full day as Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret) was working on the Quadrennial Defense Review in his Pentagon office two corridors away from where American Airlines Flight 77 impacted. Heather Penney was a young lieutenant who launched in her F-16 to provide air defense of the capital region and later escorted Air Force One back to Andrews Air Force Base later that evening. Memories of that day will stay with these airmen for the rest of their lives.  Join us for their recollections of the day America was attacked.

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Gen (ret.) John Jumper, 17^th Chief of Staff of the US Air Force

Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMitchellInstituteforAerospaceStudies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 38 - Adversary Insights: Understanding Chinese Airpower

Episode 38 – Adversary Insight: Understanding Chinese Airpower

Episode Summary:

In episode 38 of the Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Advantage podcast Adversary Insight: Understanding Chinese Airpower, host John "Slick" Baum is joined by Dr. Brendan Mulvaney and Ken Allen of Air University's China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), Cristina Garafola of RAND, and Daniel Rice of the Mitchell Institute to better understand the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). As Sun Tzu once said, "Know thy enemy and know yourself, and you need not fear the outcome of one hundred battles." This is the first in a series of episodes that will explore the China threat in multiple dimensions.

You can find Ken Allen and Cristina Garafola's book 70 Years of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force here.

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest host: Daniel Rice, Senior Analyst, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Dr. Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute

Guest: Ken Allen, Former Director of Research, China Aerospace Studies Institute

Guest: Cristina Garafola, Associate Policy Researcher, the RAND Corporation

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 37 - Afghanistan Assessment: The Rendezvous

Episode 37 – Afghanistan Assessment: The Rendezvous

Episode Summary:

In episode 37 of the Aerospace Advantage, Afghanistan Assessment: The Rendezvous, John "Slick" Baum engages with the Mitchell Institute team to discuss the broader events surrounding America’s longest war. This is a tough one, with many members of the team having served in the theater, have worked on the war from the policy vantage, and have known people who’ve paid the ultimate price this conflict. To see the images of the collapse over the past few weeks has been exceedingly difficult. In the wake of this historic failure, it’s also important to look at what happened from a strategic perspective. The dedication to duty at the individual and unit level during this conflict was second to none, but the strategic decisions made over the past twenty years often fell short. It will take years to understand what happened and why, but this conversation marks the start of that assessment.

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Doug Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Daniel Rice, Research Analyst, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 36 - Speed is Life: Agile Software in Air Combat

Episode 36 – Speed is Life: Agile Software in Air Combat

Episode Summary:

In episode 36 of the Aerospace Advantage, Speed is Life: Agile Software in Air Combat, John Baum engages with Lt Col Mike Benitez, Director of Staff at the 53rd Wing; Dr. Jimmy “Rev” Jones, a fighter pilot-PhD; and Heather Penney of the Mitchell Institute to discuss a topic few of us consider—the “ones and zeros” of software that actually operate the jet. Fighter pilots have a saying that speed is life, and it applies to everything from the speed at which you enter a dogfight, fly a low-level ingress, shoot a missile, or exit a threat ring. And when trying to achieve a qualitative advantage over an adversary, we often think about how fast we can field a better jet, a more lethal missile, or a bigger bomb. But today, so many of our combat capabilities rely upon software. The advantage is in the algorithm. And software can change much faster than hardware – which means that the ability to change software to adapt to the ever-changing battlespace will be key to victory in future warfare.

Credits:

Host:  Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Col Mike Benitez, Director of Staff at the 53^rd Wing, USAF

Guest: Lt Col (ret.) Dr. Jimmy “Rev” Jones, DARPA, USAF

Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheMitchellInstituteforAerospaceStudies

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Thank you for your continued support!