What is the difference between automation and autonomy, and where does artificial intelligence fit in when it comes to military aviation?

On this episode, Ms. Jessica "STING" Peterson, Ph.D. student and part time Instructor Flight Test Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, explains the nuanced differences, drawing on her experience flight testing the RQ-4 Global Hawk and collision avoidance systems.

Aircraft, both civil and military, have been equipped with auto pilots for decades. With advancing technology, it seems all but inevitable that autonomous and artificially intelligent aircraft are the next logical step.

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The Boeing Bird of Prey was a mid-1990's stealth technology demonstrator used to test low-observable stealth techniques and develop new methods of aircraft design. The recent F-47 sixth generation fighter, which will be a Boeing product, is thought to trace its lineage to the BBoP.

This episode features retired U.S Air Force and Boeing Corporation test pilot Doug "Benj" Benjamin, originally recorded in 2021. Benj was the first and last BBoP test pilot, having amassed more hours in the demonstrator than any other test pilot.

Benj also shares amazing stories from his experience flying the F-106, attending the French Test Pilot School, and conducting F-16 flight test. The conversation wanders into the F-22, F-35 and even Boeing 737 and 757 civilian airliners.

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Armed conflict is challenging enough, but when the very battlefield is a more significant threat than the enemy, the stakes are significantly raised.

On this episode, US Air Force LtCol Jahara "Franky" Matisek and retired US Coast Guard LCDR Jeremy McKenzie explain how military operations in the Arctic present unique challenges. Temperatures well below freezing not only make basic survival a struggle, but LCDs on avionics and electronics quit working, as do most lubricants, and a dropped wrench can shatter upon impact.

As the strategic importance of the Arctic increases, military operations there—and before long, perhaps Antarctica—require substantial consideration and investment that cannot be put off until the day before shooting begins.

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On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

On this penultimate episode, OFW series regulars Scott "Roger" Chafian and Mike "Pako" Benitez discuss how big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are collectively changing not only our lives on a near-daily basis, but influencing armed conflict. And yet, humans must remain in the loop—find out why

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

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As armed combat ever evolves and airborne electronic threats become increasingly sophisticated, leading defense companies continually strive to achieve superiority for the U.S. warfighter.

And among those companies, L3Harris is the undisputed leader.

L3Harris is developing “Viper Shield”—an advanced digital electronic warfare suite for the next-generation F-16. Former F-16 Wild Weasel pilot, Robert "Trip" Raymond explains L3Harris's extensive EW experience is culminating in a system that will be vital for success on day one of the next conflict—and every day after.

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The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it is sure to amaze at airshows.

On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots.

Check out the AirshowStuffVideos used in this interview here.

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In modern air combat, weapons are only as effective as the sensors that inform them.

Joe “Grip” Beissner, Director of Requirements and Capabilities for Radio Frequency Solutions at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radars providing aircrew unmatched situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability.

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Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge.

Jim "Judge" Dresner, originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoperability, resilience, and modesty.

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Jon "Stormin" Norman, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us to discuss the cutting edge air-to-air and surface weapons and effectors the hard-working men and women of Raytheon produce for our warfighters.

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On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

This tenth episode explores the vulnerability of computer chip manufacturing. With over 98% of logic and memory chips fabricated in just two countries, both located in the Indo-Pacific region, what happens if the supply of these chips is threatened? How can the United States meet this challenge? Host Scott Chafian and guest Daniel Marujo explore solutions.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

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