The Afterburn Podcast

Mike "Dozer" Shower is a proven combat fighter pilot, having flown both the F-15C and F-22. He is an F-15C MiG killer from Operation Allied Force and one of the original eight pilots handpicked for the F-22 Raptor's initial operational test (IOT&E) at Edwards Air Force Base. In this deep-dive interview, Dozer provides a firsthand account of the transition from 4th-generation fighters to 5th-generation air dominance. We break down the YF-22 and the development of "offensive stealth," and the haunting story of the Raptor's original "Skynet" debrief system. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 Become 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 trial Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/74ItE7NtKfE The Super Bowl flyover is an iconic tradition, but Super Bowl LX marks a historic first: a massive joint formation featuring both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. In this episode, we dive into the "puzzle pieces" of this mission, from the complex coordination of mixed-service flight procedures to the technical challenges of flying an eight-ship formation over one of the most congested airspaces in the world. 🛫 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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.

The AI-driven future of espionage is here. In a world where China is building super soldiers and weaponizing AI, the battle to protect America's intelligence dominance has never been more critical. Hear from former NGA Chief Technology Officer Dr. Anthony Vitchie as he reveals the chilling realities of the Fourth Intelligence Revolution - from AI-powered cyber attacks to the democratization of super weapons. This is no science fiction - this is the future of global competition, and the stakes have never been higher. Website: https://www.anthonyvinci.com/ Dr. Vincis substack: https://vascoduarte.substack.com/p/bonus-saving-democracyhow-ai-is-transforming 🛫 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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.

How does a massive airliner with hundreds of people onboard simply vanish off the face of the Earth? As we approach 2026, the disappearance of MH370 remains the greatest aviation mystery of our time. In this episode, I sit down with aviation investigative journalist Jeff Wise to separate fact from fiction. Jeff Wise ( @Jeff_Wise ) has spent over a decade deep in the data, appearing in documentaries and writing the definitive books on this mystery. But today, we’re looking at this from the perspective of the cockpit. In this episode, Jeff joins John "Rain" Waters, a current 777 pilot and former Air Force fighter pilot. We dive into the "impossible" shutdowns of the transponder and ADS-B, the vulnerability of the E/E (electronics) bay hatch in the cabin floor, and the precision required to fly through radar shadows undetected. Jeff breaks down his theory on the Kazakhstan route, while we analyze the latest 2026 search efforts by Ocean Infinity to finally locate the wreckage. This isn’t just about theories; it’s about the technical reality of what it takes to "disappear" a Boeing 777. Jeff's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCKYproxqiM217g8f4LFwLzQ Jeff's website: https://www.jeffwise.net/ 🛫 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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.

Colonel Peterburs is a highly decorated, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and legendary P-51 Mustang fighter pilot whose extraordinary service spans three wars. During WWII, serving with the 20th Fighter Group, 55th Fighter Squadron, he achieved the remarkable feat of shooting down German jet ace Walter Schuck. Later shot down himself, Col. Peterburs was captured and became a prisoner of war—only to orchestrate a daring escape. After linking up with Russian forces, he fought alongside them until V.E. Day. His distinguished career continued through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, cementing his legacy as a true hero of the Greatest Generation. Recently celebrated at his 100th birthday, Col. Peterburs' story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering service to his country. In 1945, Lt. Col. Joe Peterburs flew his final mission over Europe. His wingman, Lt. Kenneth Pettit, never made it home. Eighty years later, Joe is returning to England to honor Kenneth and the men of the 20th Fighter Group with a permanent memorial at their former base. This Afterburn episode tells their story of courage, loss, and brotherhood and a promise that even time can’t erase. Their mission isn’t over. Listen now and help carry it forward: gofund.me/57e9ed76 🛫 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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 Bro Chat episode, the guys dive deep into the realities of modern fighter pilot life in the Guard and Reserve, from the brutal competition of hiring boards to DSG vs. AGR career paths, fitness test changes, and the unexpected challenges of keeping squadrons manned. They also break down the strange trade-offs behind the F-15EX, legacy parts, radar limitations, and what the future holds for the next generation of Vipers, Eagles, and F-35 drivers. It’s an honest look at pilot culture, jet upgrades, leadership quirks, and the everyday frustrations (and humor) of military aviation today. Whether you're trying to get hired, in UPT, or just love fighter pilot talk, this episode brings real insight straight from inside the squadron 🛫 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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.

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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial Fighter 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

🎯 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

📧 Want the full newsletter? https://www.lowdownnews.us 6 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial

🔹 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: S OCOM 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/E3Aviation Become 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 trial