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Super Harris 10 Percent True EP80 P1In Part Two of this conversation, retired USAF Major General “Super” Harris moves from diagnosis to consequence, explaining how the erosion of developmental testing has already led to real-world accidents, wasted lives, and broken programmes. Drawing on his role as Air Force Test Center Commander, Harris dissects the Light Attack experiment, the fatal risks of mixing developmental and operational test, and why “test is test” is a dangerous fallacy. He contrasts government cost-plus failures with SpaceX’s self-funded test-to-failure model, explains how data—not rhetoric—keeps aircrew alive, and offers blunt assessments of programmes like KC-46, T-7, F-35, and the emerging F-47. The episode ends with a sober warning: great powers don’t usually fall from enemy action alone—they hollow themselves out by accepting broken systems as normal.0:00 intro teaser SpaceX failure a success2:55 welcome back Super and episode roadmap5:24 Revisiting the Light Attack “experiment” (See Starbaby Light Attack episode) the dangers of combined OT/DT 33:00 “Costs Plus” contracts (Starliner debacle vs SpaceX “successful failure”)41:40 IRAD (internal research and development) Holloman range story59:20 Minimum Viable Product - how “finished” does it have to be to commence DT1:02:11 the issue with in house testing 1:05:10 go have a banana? 😅1:05:35 bearing in mind the tribulations with T-7 & KC-46 - are all current programs similarly afflicted?1:15:04 tension between DT and OT?consequences thereof? 1:28:33 resigning from TPS1:42:10 light at the end of the tunnel?1:43:15 smaller company innovation - resistance to buyout? 1:46:50 government approach?1:49:35 the one guy in the marching band who is in step!1:51:50 briefly on F-351:54:50 Airbus Tankers/Foreign competition?1:59:40 F-47?2:08:25 Thanks Super, (please come back)

Super Harris 10 Percent True EP80 P1In this wide-ranging and unvarnished conversation, retired USAF two-star General “Super” Harris explains how U.S. military acquisition and flight-test culture has changed since the end of the Cold War—and why he believes those changes are dangerous. Drawing on decades as an electronic warfare officer, developmental tester, squadron commander, and instructor at Test Pilot School, Harris lays out a four-stage framework charting the consolidation of defence contractors, the erosion of developmental and operational testing, the rise of concurrency, and today’s push toward “DevOps at the front line.” Using real examples—from the F-22’s infamous International Date Line failure to bomber weapons integration and modern naval systems—he argues that skipping test and accepting immature systems risks lives, credibility, and deterrence itself. It’s a candid, insider warning about how great powers lose their edge, and why testing still matters0:00 Support the channel0:37 Intro teaser4:09 Welcome back Super – framing the episode – Developmental/Operational testing today11:36 The Military Industrial Complex and Eisenhower’s mic drop15:42 the F-111 gone so EF-111 suffers by association – TPS graduate with nowhere to go! So B-1……23:57 black hats and white hats25:55 B-1 qualled but only there to “put the new thing on”28:12 SQN CDR highlights29:17 80 bomb load DT Graduation story (smiley face)34:21 flying a B-52 mission while watching Dr Strangelove39:22 win big – bad things happen….40:43 a litany of stupid (not all innovation is good)44:52 “the last supper” and its fallout (consolidation of corporations/contractors)50:07 the 4 stages (preview of coming attractions – intro teaser)58:22 who is “Col Nicholson”? – when ethics slide1:03:27 the right reasons….1:08:27 “acquisition reform” is not the problem1:14:52 FORD class failures – tail wags the dog – “the testers are the problem”1:20:04 Raptors, Deficiency Reports and across the date line to Kadena1:35:07 4Stars “wanting it so bad” (why hasn’t Steve seen A Christmas Story!)1:41:07 the “last” last question – the solution?1:46:57 previewing next episode

Get Mike's book: https://amzn.eu/d/b2lcwQtGet ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listPig Penn, 10 Percent True Episode 79.In this extraordinary episode of 10 Percent True, Mike “Pig” Penn—US Navy A-7 Corsair II pilot, Iron Hand aviator, and Vietnam POW—walks through a life defined by combat, captivity, survival, and purpose. Pig recounts flying alpha strikes and Iron Hand missions over North Vietnam, dodging SAMs at night, being shot down near Hanoi in 1972, and surviving an ejection, capture, and eight months inside the Hanoi Hilton. He describes the brutal realities of captivity, the tap code, the psychological battle to retain hope, and the moment B-52 strikes signalled that the war—and his imprisonment—was nearing its end. The conversation then shifts to Pig’s post-war life: returning to flight, confronting PTSD and alcoholism, and ultimately finding a new mission—helping others survive their darkest moments. It’s a raw, unfiltered account of air combat, resilience, and why hope is not abstract, but essential to survival.0:33 intro teaser1:20 welcome “Pig” 2:55 ama question from Sedlo regarding Alpha Strikes6:18 Route to Naval Aviation and background 9:07 Training pipeline and experiences11:23 Buckeye at the boat14:50 Hope and Courage15:55 the reality of landing in the boat, scary, exhilarating?18:40 going into combat knowing a night trap awaits afterwards 20:33 The SLUF24:37 SAMS and dodging them30:37 Iron Hand32:53 finding SAMs and target prosecution by Shrike39:13 validating success? BDA? 40:33 any tactic change through experience - when iron hand turns into RESCAP43:08 psychological load? 45:08 shootdown49:21 on the ground and to the Hanoi Hilton53:23 cheating death54:03 coming to terms with initial stages of the ordeal56:33 any preconceptions/intel on the “Hilton” before arriving 58:23 initial phase at the Hilton1:02:33 Heartbreak hotel, making (unexpected) acquaintances, eventually starting to eat1:07:43 low down via tap code before leaving solitary and meeting fellow POWs1:10:19 why group you together?1:11:45 information flow, long sideburns and air raid drills preface December 18th (Linebacker II)1:19:53 mindgames and release order hang ups 1:21:58 release day story1:26:50 3 days in Clark and learning to sleep in a bed again1:28:06 to Travis AFB and reuniting with family and friends1:29:11 resentment? Return?1:32:17 flight gear on display in Hanoi1:32:43 what comes next? Returning to normality? Coming full circle on an incredible story. 1:35:58 F-4 orders turn sour so back to Lemoore and the A-7 RAG1:38:38 getting out and into Continental 1:38:45 meeting Kissinger 1:40:06 psychological and emotional journey and the genesis of the book - Hope and Courage1:47:48 meeting Marcus Luttrel and guesting on his podcast1:51:44 how to find Pig on tour/find out more1:53:03 philosophising on the experiences1:55:17 Share this please

Get ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list0:00 intro and welcome back Buck1:38 weapon school genesis and selection6:21 3 times through and a baby on board!7:57 standing up the school12:42 light grey snub comes full circle!16:17 fighting institutional resistance in AFSOC18:16 the value and the sanctity of the debrief19:16 bilat story - AFSOC resistance continued23:10 prefacing weapon effects videos and opening eyes on BDA29:23 continuing the development story (FARP mission), regaining lost skills32:08 a negative experience 33:28 a positive experience (Hind story)37:45 decompression after the WIC, follow on assignments before returning as commander including some good bad and ugly 47:45 the slow clap 3 star - how does someone fail their way to the top?51:14 AFSOC culture, question marks, continued tribalism? 55:51 working with spec-ops operators58:40 “taking Tonopah”1:01:50 protection from and integration of fast movers1:06:03 dates 1:06:50 weapons officers deployed and first combat?1:08:10 setting the stage1:10:25 early days of combat 1:12:55 mission story - briefing on a post it note1:22:05 taking stock and stopping counting1:23:55 accepting the risk of descending below cloud and being shot at? 1:24:58 debriefing and decompression 1:31:15 feedback from “customers” (operators)1:32:50 another mission story featuring close calls, pointed feedback and subsequent fallout1:50:10 summarising the aftermath of the mission - and the greatest feedback1:54:10 the investigative perspective?1:57:50 need to be pragmatic in the face of AF “integrity”?1:59:52 pre-visualisation vs “just send it” 2:02:30 trying to mitigate operator dismay at refusal to engage2:05:47 other coalition partners - working with Brits?2:07:54 liaison/exchange?2:09:20 2nd DFC?2:09:50 Air Commando Hall of Fame2:13:18 reviewing more video clips2:25:20 the boat one!2:30:20 Phantom lovers avert your eyes2:32:02 funny mission story (the Padré)2:37:20 changes and the future of gunship2:44:14 letting go difficult?2:48:05 potentially another episode and wrapping up

Get ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list0:00 Support the channel0:33 welcome back Buck and episode outline2:59 an appeal and a thank you 5:28 AMA (Jim’s) question - division of labour among crew 10:43 Maintaining SA once engaged 13:20 journey to the Air Force and route to the Gunship17:10 route to AFSOC20:08 any lack of fulfilment having missed out on fighters?24:00 getting into AC-130 and history of the aircraft 26:31 getting mission qualified 30:43 explaining the orbit (and the finer details thereof) and managing the gun platform 35:51 details up front, HUD (geeks rejoice!)43:20 H model51:23 funny story time!53:23 returning to description including sensors, countermeasures, removal of M61s, getting “shovel qualified” and the smell of ‘Murica!1:01:36 Black Crow sensor1:03:28 40mm1:04:18 APQ-45 1:05:33 U model differences1:08:08 refuelling port and some refuelling tales and tanker bros1:11:53 shooting the guns - in detail1:19:44 aircraft movement from recoil?1:21:03 stories for perspective 1:26:08 Responsibility of satisfying ROE1:27:13 weapon effects, weapon selection etc1:29:43 shooting a Phantom story1:32:38 returning to the “crowd pleaser” (105) and teasing the “smiley face”1:35:43 permissive vs non permissive environments 1:41:45 theatre tasking/focus/knowledge?1:44:38 massive teaser and reminder for air to air story!1:45:45 handling qualities and eng fire tale1:52:45 no notice checkrides1:53:58 2 engines out on one side?2:00:21 the mission and the dangers2:01:48 returning to double engine failures2:04:03 130H instruments and elective engine shutdowns2:06:08 gear feather flap debriefing and debriefing in general2:10:05 wrap up

Get ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listGrease Panarisi, 10 Percent True Episode 73 Part 50:00: Support the channel3:10 Welcome back Grease - and ama question from Blair regarding maritime strike role for the Strike Eagle 7:18 discord follow up on “stand-in” weapon system 13:50 AIM-174 known to USAF? 14:10 Strike Eagle in maritime strike 20:03 fast forward to Quick Strike (mine) 31:13 Grease channels Barnes Wallis 35:53 proving the concept 38:33 carrying the mission forward “quick sink” 41:33 cat and mouse game of weapon evolution and counter weapon evolution 44:08 searching for Starbaby “dirt” 45:53 returning to the career timeline - back to Edwards as a Group Commander 52:19 surveying the command 58:47 the job and the frustration of risk avoidance/mitigation/transfer 1:03:23 any specific examples - APG-63… 1:08:08 PACS upgrade for Strike Eagle and “Raptor Alert” 1:10:18 most important task as group commander 1:13:34 the Global Hawk tale 1:39:01 memorial services and the darker days of group command 1:42:25 lighter times - A-10 emergency divert 1:48:33 how to recover from a week with no runway?! 1:49:41 F-16 spin training event 1:56:25 ejection considered? 1:59:44 Risk 2:06:46 returning to career and involvement in AESA for the Strike Eagle……. 2:15:38 and AIM-9X (“a missile that can turn up its own ass”) 2:18:08 no JHMCS for WSO discuss 2:20:08 IRST 2:23:53 the future, CCA/loyal wingman? 2:34:34 defining “game changing” and the “red air” project 2:42:13 modular airframe project 2:44:28 philosophically analysing China’s latest developments/revelations (intro teaser story) 2:49:13 “changing the mind of your adversary”, Gaza, Ukraine….. 2:50:43 thoughts on UAPs? 2:55:28 keeping enough SA to know when you’ve lost it…. 2:58:05 assessing the assessments from the Gulf War through to thoughts on China 3:02:23 debating Ukraine conflict 3:04:13 wrapping up, thanks Grease and teasing more!

Subscribe to 10 Percent True for ad-free, early access to new episodes: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans10PCT EP77 Part 20:00 intro teaser (ejection story)0:49 welcome back Shamu1:55 bookending the instructor period, a shoutout, and the benefits of weapon school grads in the instructor cadre 8:17 to Alaska9:45 the mission(s)12:02 aircraft fit - cfts, 3 bags? 14:51 the bomber intercept mission17:52 JTIDS/FDL/AESA20:29 from APG-63 to AESA24:05 the user viewpoint/ergonomics25:40 minor frustration 26:58 basic skill atrophy?31:10 tactics development (still the same timeline requirements etc?)35:26 mixed formations?36:13 considering the technological overmatch on a peer conflict (China)?37:58 deployments?38:58 red/alaskan flags and AESA domination and 5th gen integration?41:18 IRST42:56 Alaskan survival aspects 45:15 Steve geeks out on NVGs for 5+ mins51:40 leaving Alaska - ACCIG for 9/11 and reinforcing the NORAD capability in its wake1:01:34 psychological considerations of potentially shooting an airliner 1:03:51 dealing with “doctors without a clue”1:05:20 Noble Eagle communication considerations 1:09:00 a Chinese balloons aide 1:11:58 a Canadian aside1:12:38 the atrophy of the NORAD capabilities 1:15:12 returning to Noble Eagle, major shift or just a step adjustment?1:18:08 Southern Watch/Noble Eagle a detriment to the Eagle community?1:23:52 weapon shelf life1:25:55 returning to career discussion 1:28:30 how does it feel to fly without being attached to a squadron?1:30:47 importance of rank?1:34:15 debriefing points?1:35:48 ORI expectations1:39:29 accident investigation1:49:20 Career Highlights incl Long Arrow and William Tell 1:56:45 WSEP?2:00:50 Constant Peg?2:02:35 Eagle fini flight2:06:11 is the “fighter pilot” still part of the identity/DNA and the right stuff2:08:50 a Viper flight with the 20th FW at Shaw….2:25:08 canopy/tank issues2:26:56 cross examination (psychological, physical, muscle memory aspects)2:33:44 last last question - life after Eagles2:37:47 Thanks Shamu and wrapping up

Subscribe to 10 Percent True for ad-free, early access to new episodes: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans10PCT EP77 Part 10:00 Welcome Shamu0:50 outline of Shamus’s AF career5:20 Air Defence roll in the 48th TFW 11:05 long range interception or BFM or both14:22 old tech “smoke a lucky”16:55 DACT vs Oceana Tomcats21:15 live intercepts? 23:30 radar capabilities 25:50 VI (visual intercept) button 27:15 culture - wing performance in gulf war33:02 weapons (AIM-7M & AIM-9L) vs the expected targets (Bears, cruise missiles etc)38:58 training for cruise missile interception?41:05 ranking the gun as a solution to the intercept problem?42:52 autonomy? 49:32 expected Bear tactics?51:52 high speed intercepts 53:32 FOXBAT/FOXHOUND threat?55:00 B course instructor - passing it on (including Sparrow to AMRAAM, simulation etc)1:01:44 thesis becomes real and advancements in simulation 1:08:00 teaching in the F-151:12:20 AMRAAM 1011:14:40 standardisation 1:16:38 learning Eagle culture?1:21:44 regional variations?1:23:25 the high performer formula and the other end of the scale?1:32:16 standout moments from Tindal tour?1:35:06 sequel teaser!

Subscribe to 10 Percent True for ad-free, early access to new episodes: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plansFred Knowles EP76 P2In Part 2 of our conversation with retired USAF pilot Fred Knowles, we dive into his 15 years flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II in Alaska and a tour in South Korea. Fred explains the Hog’s unique firepower, tactics, and survivability, shares vivid stories about Arctic survival training, flying in brutal -60°F conditions, night missions with flares and NVGs, and preparing to face Soviet armor or a North Korean invasion. With 3,300 hours in the cockpit, Fred gives an insider’s perspective on what it was like to fly and fight in one of the Air Force’s most iconic close air support aircraft.0:00 intro teaser 2:00 welcome back Fred3:50 AMA question 1 - mission sets in Alaska - supporting troops or interdiction?6:30 personal survival gear?10:15 striking an equipment balance & SERE refresher?14:30 human comfort as you step to the jet?16:50 how much thought given to a bailout scenario?19:20 AMA 2 - 106 to Hog, any stigma?22:34 transitioning from high altitude to low - a major adjustment?28:23 setting the scene for the transition and the maturity of the A-10 platform36:36 gau-8 dispersion 39:30 put the thing on the thing?40:30 targets - study, identifying and killing them45:55 considering the human aspect again, how personal?47:55 Korea51:58 attrition expectations and survivability 55:08 ECM pod, chaff, flares and RWR57:10 low level59:45 handling characteristics and performance 1:02:15 jinking/evading 1:04:00 handling on the edge of stall?1:05:40 air to air, helicopters?1:08:10 back to Alaska and darkness!1:11:00 employing at night 1:13:00 transitioning to NVG flying and how it would pan out if balloon went up1:16:38 MANPADs1:18:17 Fulda Gap1:19:40 semi-prepared strips?1:22:09 changes or milestones during the 15 years in Alaska?1:28:05 FAC & OA-101:30:45 targeting pods and new weapons arriving?1:33:23 A-10 - thoughts on its evolution/lifespan/survival/career?1:35:49 standout/scary moments?1:40:14 hours?1:40:35 Hosting Russians at Eielson 1:43:40 other memorable events, incl Gunsmoke ‘83 & ’851:45:45 fini flight 1:46:45 muscle memory and complacency?1:49:50 leaving Eielson1:50:22 in review

In this episode of 10 Percent True, we sit down with retired U.S. Air Force pilot Fred Knowles, whose career spanned two of the most unique fighters in American service: the supersonic F-106 Delta Dart and the rugged A-10 Thunderbolt II.Fred shares vivid stories of flying the T-33 and F-106 in Air Defense Command—intercepting Soviet Tu-95 “Bear” bombers, training with nuclear-tipped Genie missiles, and living the culture of the Cold War interceptor community. He also reflects on the transition out of the 106 era and into the A-10, previewing his later adventures in Alaska.If you’re fascinated by Cold War air defense, the legendary “Six,” or the unique blend of speed and firepower that defined this era of fighter aviation, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

10 Percent True Squadron Leader Tier subscriber? Join OP for the Live Lounge session on 28 Sept 2000Z.Want ad-free, early access? https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listOP Denney, Episode 75.OP Denney shares his incredible journey from growing up as the son of a Vietnam-era Army aviator to becoming an F-15C Eagle pilot, USAF Weapons School graduate and MiG killer during Operation Desert Storm. He walks us through fighter culture in the 1980s, his training with the Red Eagles, the challenges of integrating new technology into the F-15, and the dramatic encounter that led to his two air-to-air kills over Iraq. This is a candid and detailed look at the mindset, preparation, and execution of air combat from one of the most experienced Eagle drivers of his generation.0:00 intro teaser “ballsy tanker”2:02 welcome OP5:05 channel endorsed by Mig Killer! 5:45 OPs background and route to the AF (plus a roll call of the Eagle community!)17:08 Constant Peg experience 24:28 was the “Eagle standard” community wide? 30:10 Golden age of the Eagle? 35:45 The MSIP step42:25 getting ready to go to war - the Bitburg perspective 55:35 Large Force Employment from an Eagle perspective 59:50 the Eagle wall1:05:05 expectations and disposition of Eagle force1:21:00 recollections on the first 10 days1:28:00 “ballsy tanker” into story 1:29:20 Initial impressions of Iraqi AF1:31:40 Rivet Joint and Compass Call1:37:20 Maps and maintaining SA1:41:20 Mig Kill conversation starts with talk of bombing1:44:15 ground strafe aside 1:46:50 back to killing Migs!2:10:00 breaking it down (Langley kill box is yours! The enemy, Mirage intel, radar search considerations and performance)2:21:20 the human aspect/cost?2:25:28 returning to “normal” - an adjustment? 2:32:10 passing it on.

Want ad-free, early access? https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listMaestro Renken EP74 Part 2In this powerful interview, Maestro offers a raw, insightful deep dive into the unforgiving crucible of the Weapons Instructor Course. He shares hard lessons on failure, leadership, tactical innovation, integrating multi-domain capabilities, and preparing aircrew to fight peer adversaries like China. A masterclass in humility, instruction, and modern air warfare.

Maestro Renken 10 PCT 74 Part 1“Maestro” Renken planned the U.S. air war against ISIS from inside the CAOC, then led his F-15E squadron into combat in Syria. In this gripping interview, he reveals how fast-moving threats, fragile coalitions, brutal targeting dilemmas, and hostile Russian fighters shaped the air campaign—and how the lessons from that war are shaping today’s fight.0:00 intro teaser - “money shot”1:48 Welcome Maestro3:17 Safe on Deck endorsement!3:55 Maestro’s intro/career summary 10:30 CAOC experience - ROE complications - aiding decision making 21:55 campaign planning as a weapons school grad in an asymmetric war29:28 channel ad 29:56 disseminating the FRAG, defining tasking and CSAR considerations 36:20 crazy vehicles, low quality fuel - Hyundais and the evolution of targeting 39:25 micro/macro problem solving/targeting 41:54 “money shot” story 45:47 depth of services integration and cooperation at CAOC level (intel/SPECOPS)49:52 “smoking” cash and old tactics made new again 56:14 “slippery fish” and “theatre”1:02:10 Targeting cycle and improvising extra intel 1:08:55 technological and weapon challenges 1:16:04 does this go back to the weapons school?1:17:05 ensuring correct targets are hit vs the legal element 1:29:05 taking command and leading in theatre. Challenges and anecdotes1:46:05 view on the Russian aspect and thoughts on the threat1:55:05 kill is kill? and further ramifications 1:58:15 “keeping stuff secret”?2:00:45 psychological aftershocks from commanders perspective 2:18:50 defining less than optimal deconfliction, the sanctity of the debrief and reviewing “errors”2:24:10 Strike Eagle community today (Iranian drone swarm)2:29:19 Are manned fighters still relevant and the democratisation of air power

Take a walk with me in the countryside while I tell you about a new direction for the channel, and how you can play a part in its future.https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list

descriptionGrease Panarisi, 10 Percent True Episode 73 Part 3⸻0:00 intro teaser (pulling offensive - the man with 4 brains)4:30 welcome back Grease 6:55 impressions of a wing EWO in early days of Strike Eagle 12:57 ALQ-135/ALR-56 issues (from Desert Storm) addressed? 15:50 F-111 any better? 16:52 ALQ-131 endorsed!17:22 tasking and deployment reflections following Desert Storm -AEF concept23:26 deployments/learning?27:10 Viper stats and blowing motors30:00 Thoughts on CSAR in the wake of Desert Storm perceived shortcomings 31:50 employment/ROE/improv?33:50 on the job threat assessment?35:03 theatre ramifications of Blackhawk shoot down and a Strike Eagle guy’s view on it 43:08 Support the Channel!!43:38 Turkish hosts47:03 Balkan deployment 54:45 employing gbu-24 59:25 gbu-15 and agm-130?1:01:25 facing 2 weeks of war in Balkans with Desert Storm experience in the bag1:04:55 thoughts on the “stick monkeys”1:08:25 expanding upon “the man with 4 brains”1:14:50 how do you do that?!1:16:22 maxing out potential? 1:18:05 correlation between leadership and tactical prowess?1:24:58 Test Pilot School1:32:35 evaluating the Mig-15 as a personal (private) aircraft1:36:00 any knowledge at this point about existing Mig experts in the AF?1:40:40 most “useful” part of course?1:45:35 WSO skills in the mix, other students and A-101:50:15 Test pilot hates mathematics 1:55:20 “W+12” graduation guest speaker2:00:24 guest test at China Lake?2:02:30 rounding out and part 4 preview