The Afterburn Podcast

• Through the Yellow Visor - Fighter Pilot Podcast Host Jell-O's Book

  Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visorIn this short promo episode, host John “Rain” Waters highlights an exciting new release from fellow aviator and podcast host Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, founder of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Jell-O’s new book offers a rare, first-person look into the making of a real fighter pilot—from his early dreams sparked at an airshow, through flight school, and ultimately to the elite ranks of TOPGUN as a F/A-18 Hornet instructor. The book doesn’t shy away from the highs and lows, including a near-fatal medical scare late in his career, making it a must-read for anyone serious about understanding the reality of combat aviation. Stay tuned—Jell-O will be joining Rain in an upcoming full-length episode following the SEAD series to share more insights from his journey.If you’re passionate about military aviation and fighter pilot culture, don’t miss this. Be sure to subscribe and keep listening for more veteran stories and tactical airpower discussions.Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

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• #129 SEAD Part III - Operation Allied Force - Wild Weasel Fighter Pilot

  In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we continue our Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series hosted by Mike “Flash” McVay.Our guest, Sonny “Blink” Blinkinsop, brings decades of Wild Weasel experience to the table — from Vietnam-era air combat tactics to F-16 SEAD missions during Operation Allied Force. Blink dives into the mindset shift required when flying into heavily defended airspace, the evolution of SEAD tactics, and what it truly means to wear the Weasel patch.This episode covers real-world use of air-to-surface weapons like the AGM-88 HARM, F-16CJ combat operations, and the tactical and cultural challenges of suppressing enemy air defenses. Perfect for fans of fighter pilot strategy, modern air warfare, and U.S. Air Force history. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

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• #128 Desert Storm's Wild Weasels | Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses Part II

  In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host Mike "Flash" McVay continues the exploration of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in Part II of the series. Joined by Pat “Curly” Pence, they delve into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission during Operation Desert Storm. Curly recounts his progression from pilot training to becoming a Wild Weasel, sharing insights into the challenges and tactics of air combat against surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The conversation further explores the preparation for conflict, intelligence assessments of enemy capabilities, and the execution of strike packages. Curly highlights the realities of engaging with air defense systems and the significance of pre-conflict training missions. He also discusses the evolution of weapon systems in air-to-ground tactics. Additionally, Flash and Curly examine the intricacies of the High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) system, its development, and tactical lessons from various military engagements. Curly shares personal accounts of radar engagements, underscoring the importance of system proficiency and tactics in countering SAMs. The episode also covers the transition from the F-4G to the F-16C Block 50, the critical nature of SEAD missions, and the ongoing necessity for effective intelligence in modern warfare.   🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

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• #127 Vietnam Wild Weasels | Deadly Evolution of Surface-to-Air Missiles

  In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay hosts Leonard “Lucky” Ekman and Jim “Gringo” Webster, two original Wild Weasel fighter pilots from Vietnam, as they share firsthand experiences and insights from their military careers. This is Part I of the five-part Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Series. The discussion follows their journeys from joining the military to their roles in some of the most dangerous combat missions of the Vietnam War. They dive deep into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission, a high-risk operation designed to counter deadly surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats. “Lucky” and “Gringo” reflect on their intense training, the dangers they faced in combat, and the unbreakable camaraderie among fighter pilots. They recount harrowing encounters with SAMs, detailing the tactics and strategies Wild Weasel crews developed to survive and protect their fellow aviators. The conversation highlights the evolution of air combat tactics, the advanced technology used in their aircraft, and the role of intelligence in mission success. They share personal accounts of flying against formidable air defenses, the mental and physical demands of their missions, and the calculated risks that defined the Weasel community. This episode is a deep dive into the Wild Weasel legacy—its impact on modern air warfare, the sacrifices made, and the lessons passed down to future generations of fighter pilots. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

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• Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) Lowdown

  The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission has evolved alongside the development of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. In this episode of The Lowdown, host Mike "Flash" McVay takes a deep dive into the history and advancements of SAM technology, from its early origins to today’s modern, highly integrated air defense networks.🛡️ How did SAMs start? The first concepts of surface-to-air guided weapons were developed in WWII, but it wasn’t until the Cold War that the technology became a true threat to air superiority.🚀 The Rise of Soviet SAMs – From the SA-1 and SA-2 in the Vietnam War to modern S-400 and S-500 systems, the Russian IADS (Integrated Air Defense System) remains one of the most formidable air defense networks todayy⚡ How the U.S. Responded – The Wild Weasel program, AGM-88 HARM missiles, and the shift to electronic warfare and cyberattacks to neutralize enemy air defenses.🌍 SAMs Today & The Future – Countries around the world are developing more advanced, mobile, and networked air defense systems, making SEAD missions riskier than ever.The SEAD mission is evolving, and understanding how SAMs have shaped air warfare is critical for today’s modern air combat operations.  🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

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