Retired Fighter Pilot Randy "Laz" Gordon explains how the F-22 changed the air battlefield and why it was built to win the first fight.In this episode, Randy discusses the 70-plus aircraft he has flown, his combat career, test-flying fighter jets, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of aviation. We’ll also explore some of the Raptor's surprising similarities to civilian Cessna aircraft, and why, in some ways, the Skyhawk is a harder airplane to manage. From flying a zeppelin to iconic planes like the F-15, "Laz" has done it all. This one is going to be cool!Episode 60 marks the end of Season 6. We will be taking a short break, but are excited to bring you more stories in Season 7, coming this fall. Resources:Special Lecture: F-22 Flight Controls (YouTube) Randy's Bio The F-22 Raptor (Lockheed Martin)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:35) - Flying 70+ Aircraft
(02:47) - Aviation Beginnings
(06:10) - The USAFA
(09:03) - What Makes a Good Pilot?
(11:29) - Flight Training
(13:18) - The F-15 vs. F-16
(15:59) - Flying the A-10
(17:44) - Combat in Iraq
(21:08) - Flying the F-22
(26:08) - Cessna vs. F-22
(28:11) - Raptor Mindset
(31:11) - Radar-absorbing Material
(32:39) - Stealth Airframe
(35:55) - Supercruise
(39:41) - The Human and the Jet
(42:18) - Test Flying Aircraft
(44:43) - Why the F-15 was Hard to Master
(45:24) - A Dangerous Moment
(48:05) - How AI Will Impact Aviation
(53:34) - F-22 Legacy
(55:13) - Randy's Advice
(57:40) - Outro
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59:19
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59:19
How Orbital Debris Could End Space Exploration - Episode 59
Astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell explains how the ever-growing problem of space junk is threatening satellites, science missions, and even spaceflight as we know it.In this episode, Jonathan discusses orbital debris, anti-satellite missiles, clean-up efforts, and how one incident could cause a communication blackout for decades. In the lawless realm of low Earth orbit, we could see a future where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn!Resources:Jonathan's BioJonathan's Space ReportSpace Debris (NASA)Wild Wild Space Trailer (HBO Max)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:32) - Space Junk Overview
(05:11) - Small Debris Damage
(07:54) - Aerospace Beginnings
(09:37) - Tracking Launches
(11:39) - Dodging Debris
(15:21) - Anti-Satellite Missiles
(20:36) - Space Air Traffic Control
(23:27) - Safer Altitudes
(24:47) - The End of the ISS
(29:17) - How Space Junk is Blocking Research
(31:52) - Billboards in Space
(33:47) - Satellite Designs
(35:05) - Cleaning Up
(36:07) - Jonathan's Advice
(38:14) - Outro
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39:47
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39:47
Ejecting from the B-1 Lancer - Episode 58
Retired Pilot Maj. Gen. Garrett “Sack” Harencak and Weapons Systems Officer Lt. Col. Tony “Voodoo” Eret share what it was like to fly together in the Rockwell B-1 Lancer.In this episode, they take us inside the “Bone”, a supersonic, variable-sweep wing bomber originally designed for low-level nuclear strikes and later transformed into a precision conventional strike aircraft. They discuss nuclear alert procedures, low-level mountain missions using terrain-following radar, and a first-hand account of ejecting from the four-person flight deck. This one is going to be cool!Resources:Wings Museum's B-1A LancerThe B-1 Lancer (Behind the Wings Video)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:35) - B-1 Overview
(04:28) - Lancer Development
(05:21) - The Bomb Bays
(07:56) - Terrain-Following Radar
(10:08) - The Structural Mode Control System
(12:19) - Variable-Sweep Wings
(13:36) - The Central Integrated Test System
(16:19) - Crew Roles
(19:22) - Nuclear Alert Training
(21:30) - Ejecting from the B-1
(29:39) - Lancer Modifications
(31:00) - The Engines
(32:57) - Flying at High Altitude
(34:17) - Maintenance
(37:08) - The B-1 Legacy
(37:31) - Guest Advice
(39:23) - Outro
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40:50
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40:50
How the F-111 Revolutionized Aircraft Capabilities - Episode 57
Retired F-111 Pilot Lt. Col. Kevin “Too Kool” Kuhlmann explains how the General Dynamics F-111 could perform almost any role in the air battlefield, as a fighter, bomber, and even low-level attack aircraft.In this episode, Kevin discusses maintaining weapon systems on the F-106 and F-4, flying the Aardvark, and the thrill of lighting the afterburner during fuel dumps. With groundbreaking technology for its time, like terrain-following radar, variable-sweep wings, and an ejection capsule, this supersonic jet was not only advanced but a whole lot of fun to fly. This one is going to be cool! Resources:Wings Museum's FB-111A Kevin's MSU Bio The F-111 Aardvark (Behind the Wings)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:34) - The F-111 Overview
(04:32) - Flying at Mach 1.5
(04:55) - Aviation Beginnings
(06:06) - Joining the Air National Guard
(07:01) - F-106 Maintenance
(08:39) - Working on the F-4
(09:24) - Joining the Air Force
(11:32) - Naming the Aardvark
(12:01) - Flying the T-37
(12:29) - F-111 Training
(15:57) - Transitioning from F to A Models
(16:48) - The Variable-Sweep Wings
(19:27) - Terrain-Following Radar
(20:25) - The Weapons System Officer
(22:41) - The Ejection Capsule
(24:41) - Fuel Dumping with Afterburner
(26:25) - Becoming an F-111 Instructor Pilot
(29:57) - Aardvark Retirement
(30:32) - The F-111 Influence on Aircraft Design
(31:59) - Teaching at MSU
(33:16) - Kevin's Advice
(34:48) - Outro
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36:17
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36:17
Surviving Extreme Isolation in Space - Episode 56
Social Scientist Alires Almon explains why the human element is critical to mission success during long-duration spaceflights.In this episode, Alires discusses the impacts of sending people to the Moon and beyond, how to maintain their mental health, and the ethics of extended space missions. With challenges like extreme isolation, communication delays, and living within the confines of the spacecraft, taking care of an astronaut’s overall wellness will be no easy task. There is a lot to learn!Resources:Deep Space Predictive's WebsiteProject LodestarChapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:54) - Long Term Space Travel Overview
(05:02) - New Capabilities
(07:37) - Aerospace Beginnings
(12:03) - Science Fiction
(14:01) - The Human Factor in Space Planning
(16:44) - Space Mental Health
(19:31) - Stranded Astronauts
(20:30) - Communication Challenges
(23:28) - To Tell or Not to Tell
(27:44) - AI Relationships
(30:27) - Medical Skills
(32:21) - In Case of Emergency
(34:42) - Culture Shock
(37:09) - Should We Go to Mars?
(39:35) - Space Ethics
(45:08) - Would You Go to Mars?
(47:07) - Alires' Advice
(48:44) - Outro
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum has a podcast! Based on our hit YouTube and PBS series of the same name, the Behind the Wings podcast will cover everything from aviation history to the future of space exploration with thought leaders and experts in the industry. This one's going to be cool!
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