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!
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1:37:13
Bringing the Brrrrt to Alaska: The A-10 Arrives at Eilson
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
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1:55:47
Loaded for Bear: F-106 Delta Dart
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.
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1:42:13
Double MiG Killer: OP Denney
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.
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2:36:53
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2:36:53
Inside the USAF Weapons School: Lessons in Failure, Leadership, and Air Combat
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.
Interviews and anecdotes from military pilots and aircrew from across the globe. As the rule says, so long as it's 10 percent true, you're allowed to tell the story! Head over to the 10 Percent True YouTube channel to listen and watch at the same time.
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