#86 Mike "Pako" Benitez | B-21 Raider First Flight | What's the F-15EX Plan? | F-22 / F-35 Modernization

Mike "Pako" Benitez rejoins for episode 86  @AfterburnPodcast  . "Pako" is a former Marine turned F-15E Weapon System Officer. He hosts  @TheMergeMedia  Podcast and Merge Newsletter 👉 https://www.themerge.co/Don't be left out; grab the Lowdown newsletter 👉 https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🎙️Afterburn Podcast Links🎙️ Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletterContact - https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com/contact 🚨 Support the Podcast 🚨 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast TAP Gear - https://shop.theafterburnpodcast.com/TAP Sponsors Launch Your Aviation Career - BogiDope: https://bit.ly/BogiDope Secure Your Digital Identity - Aura: https://aura.com/afterburnE3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation🔊 Listen 🔊Apple - https://apple.co/3dLradT Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3SAeSUr✈️Afterburn Socials ✈️ Rain on IG - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=en TAP IG - https://www.instagram.com/afterburnpodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcastWebsite - https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com/00:00 Podcast challenges led to valuable insights.06:19 Creating podcast by reading saved round content.13:15 Viper chased by F-16 near B-21 bomber.18:53 Struggles with software, code, and electric vehicles.22:02 Air force needs more bombers, currently insufficient.30:17 F 35, X 35, X 32, X planes.32:28 Rapidly iterate to restore defense industry technology.37:38 Dubai air show 2017: diverse demonstrations, aircraft deals.45:41 Ship briefing rooms expanded due to complications.51:15 Controversy over aircraft acquisition in military budget.52:57 Guard wants funding for aircraft sustainment and upgrades.59:51 Affordable mass production with autonomy replaces manned elements.01:04:09 Continuing resolution keeps spending and government working.01:12:36 Combat capable, but need costly upgrades - Congress.01:13:27 Raptor is easy to fly, but tactical training.01:18:32 Adaptive engine can address some problems.01:25:04 Person recounts daring rescue mission from past.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast8255/exclusive-content Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands