Advertise on podcast: The Aerospace Advantage

Episode Summary: This week, we assess what’s going on in our nation’s capital as elections grow near and the window for passing legislation is closing. We also discuss the SECAF's announcement regarding weapons in space, plus his thoughts on the future of AI. Our team reviews the latest fighter aviation news—from F-35 combat readiness rates to the proposed F-16G. Experts then explain what's going on with munitions--from FAM to JATM and JASSM. The EA-37 also takes center stage, with the retirement of the EC-130H. Last but not least, if Sun Tzu said, "Know thy enemy," then why is the Air Force shuttering its China Aerospace Studies Institute? Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts & Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AirForce #SpaceForce #Rendezvous

Episode Summary: The effectiveness of Air Force airpower ultimately comes down to how the service presents forces to the combatant commanders. Post-9/11 operations saw units sliced and diced based on smaller unit type codes and individual Airmen to meet various mission taskers. While this approach may have bridged operations for Afghanistan and Iraq, it's inadequate for the demand signals the service sees today and as it prepares for for high-end conflict. Join us as we chat with Brig. Gen. Chris Hammond to learn about the Air Force's new force presentation concept: Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0--a concept that focuses on the wing-echelon as a unit of action. Brig. Gen. Hammond currently serves as Special Assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff, where leads the Implementation Task Force, which is responsible for the development and standup of the Unit of Action defining the Air Force’s future force presentation model. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Brig. Gen. Christopher Hammond, Special Assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AirForce

Episode Summary: Readiness is one of the biggest challenges facing the Air Force as Airmen strive to meet surging demand with an aircraft inventory that is old and small. Service leaders have prioritized boosting readiness, which involves buying more spare parts, qualifying more suppliers, retaining more seasoned maintainers, and continue to buy new aircraft. To be truly successful, we also need to master the various readiness data sets so that we can better understand when, how, and why aircraft are facing issues…while also gaining better insights about what fixes will deliver the best results. We chat with Melissa Sutherland, executive vice president and airpower market lead at Booz Allen, to learn more about how AI might help crack this challenge. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Melissa Sutherland, Executive Vice President, Air Power Market Lead, Booz Allen Hamilton Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AI #readiness

Episode Summary: Jet propulsion is one of the most important technologies in airpower. Whether you’re going head-to-head with an enemy fighter, crossing an ocean on a mobility flight, or trying to make it back to base amidst bad weather at night…there’s nothing more important than having confidence in the engine that’s powering your airplane. The technology is so dependable these days that folks just expect them to work. That said, we can’t take this position of strength for granted. Competitors like China are trying to catch up with their own designs. We are in a propulsion race and we can only preserve our lead if we continue to invest in new technologies and produce at scale. We learn more about this topic with Peter Sommerkorn, Vice President for Military Development Programs at Pratt and Whitney, and Chris Hugill, Vice President for the company’s prototyping arm, Gatorworks. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Peter Sommerkorn, Vice President, Military Development Programs, Pratt & Whitney Guest: Chris Hugill, Vice President, Pratt & Whitney GATORWORKS Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #AirForce #Technology

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team reviews what's going on in DC as we enter the fall and election grow near. We also discuss the impact of munitions shortfalls, fighter procurement, and the newly proposed Massed Modular Aircraft. When it comes to spacepower, we discuss the Space Academy, honors for the Artemis II crew, and a surge in space launch. Our team wraps up exploring why the CSAR H-60W inventory should not be diluted. Related Media: America’s Systemic Munitions Shortfall Fighting the Air Base: Ensuring Decisive Combat Sortie Generation Under Enemy Fire Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: John "JV" Venable, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #uav #airforce #europe

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) discuss the small UAV threat and how the Air Force is fighting back with Col. Alfred Rosales, Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, and Lt. Col. Cody Moore, ACC Directorate of Operations A35 division chief. It's no secret: small UAVs are driving massive battlespace change. From Ukraine to the Middle East, cheap and highly adaptable UAVs are attacking at scale. Traditional air defense systems are strained trying to meet the threat. We talk about the Point Defense Battle Lab at Grand Forks AFB, layered sensing capability, and training airmen for the counter-UAV mission. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col. Alfred Rosales, Commander, 319th Reconnaissance Wing Guest: Lt. Col. Cody Moore, ACC Directorate of Operations A35 Division Chief Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #uav #airforce #europe

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney talks combat search and rescue (CSAR) with Col. Michael "Mongo" Kingry, Deputy Commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base. When two F-15E aircrew were shot down deep inside Iran during Operation Epic Fury, the Air Force paused an entire air campaign to bring them home and did so successfully. CSAR matters. It's the product of decades of investment in unique technology, training, tactics, and people. Join us for a deep dive into how a rescue is executed and how the mission is evolving. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Col. Michael "Mongo" Kingry, Deputy Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CSAR #Europe #Rescue

Episode Summary: Collaborative combat aircraft are no longer just a concept. Airmen are now loading weapons onto them, controlling them in flight, and flying them alongside manned platforms. In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney and Houston "Slider" Cantwell of the Mitchell team talk to Col. Scott Gunn and Col. John Cummings about the Experimental Operations Unit at Creech AFB—the team charged with transforming CCA from prototype to operational reality. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Col. Scott Gunn Guest: Col. John Cummings Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Defense #Quantum #Technology

Episode Summary: Quantum technologies, including sensing, communication, and computing, are potential game changing breakthroughs identified in the Space Forces’ Future Operating Environment 2040. Join our discussion with a technology leader demonstrating quantum capabilities, not in the lab, but on-orbit. Jay Lowell, the Chief Engineer for Boeing’s Q4S effort shares details about the science and operational applications of what promises to be one of the 21st century's most important advancements. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Jay Lowell, Boeing Quantum Systems Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, MI-SPACE Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Defense #Quantum #Technology

Episode Summary: In this episode, our team reviews where the defense bills stand in Congress. We also discuss Lt. Gen. Schiess' confirmation hearing for CSO, as well as China's success in recovering an orbital class booster. When it comes to airpower, we discuss capacity strains, how to reset the munitions deficits, and the latest with CCA contract awards. Our team wraps up exploring why recent attacks on airpower don't match with reality. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Hill #Government #Budget #AirForce #SpaceForce

Episode Summary: To secure the growing U.S. interests in space, it is imperative we have a capable and ready Space Force that can meet the challenges of the future. The Future Operating Environment 2040 and the Objective Force Baseline are the Space Force’s assessment of what to expect and what forces and capabilities it will need to preserve space superiority. To learn more about these documents we had an in-depth discussion with two of the principal authors, Col. Paul Latour and Lt. Col. Sean Frederick. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, MI-SPACE Guest: Col. Paul LaTour Guest: Lt. Col. Sean Frederick Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Space #Military #Future

Episode Summary: With combatant commands requesting record levels of Air Force airpower, it’s crucial to remember that success comes down to the Total Force: Active, Reserve, and Guard. Given the scale of demand, individuals in each of these components are pressing hard to meet mission demand each and every day. We learn more about these requirements and discuss future vectors with Air Force Reserve Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy. Whether looking at air superiority, command and control, mobility, long range strike, or numerous other missions, members of the Air Force Reserve are pushing it up to get the job done. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Lt. Gen. John Healy, Air Force Reserve Commander Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Air #Military #Aviation

Episode Summary: Air Force leaders have clearly stated that it’s time to think about resetting their mobility aircraft inventory—both tankers and airlifters. These mission sets are crucial for empowering modern military power. We chat with JetZero president and chief operating officer Dan Da Silva about how blended wing body technology could better meet these requirements going forward. We also discuss the importance of expanding America’s aerospace innovation and production capacity, including introducing new types of designs, adapting to new operational paradigms, or expanding the workforce where America builds airplanes. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Dan Da Silva, President & COO, JetZero Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Air #Military #Aviation

Episode Summary: As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, it's crucial to remember that air and space power have manifested some of our nation's most important achievements. Whether talking about winning wars or exploring the globe and outer space, Airmen, Guardians, astronauts, teams of engineers, support personnel, and top national leaders have repeatedly harnessed the domains of air and space to do what many previously thought was impossible. We gather to discuss the top accomplishments, innovations, and examples of personal sacrifice that our team thinks best exemplify air and space power.  Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #America250 #History #Air #Space

Episode Summary: Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) represent the next generation of uncrewed autonomous airpower. The Air Force recently awarded a series of contracts that will see the FQ-42 and FQ-44 CCAs transition to the operational realm. We want to learn more about where the program stands at this juncture, and there’s no one better to help us do that than Anduril's Dave “Mach” Cochran and General Atomic's Mike Atwood. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: David "Mach" Cochran, Director, Autonomous Airpower Growth, Anduril Industries Guest: Mike Atwood, Senior Director, Advanced Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CCA #Industry