Authentic Encore

Episode 3 of the Test Pilot Series has Sunshine interviewing Dan “TOFU” Price, LCDR, USN (ret). These two patch wearers discuss Weapon Developmental Test and Evaluation. DT&E is the test and evaluation conducted to demonstrate that the engineering, design and development process is complete, demonstrate that the design risks have been minimized and that the system will meet specifications. In...

In a reversal of roles, our host Brian ‘Sunshine’ Sinclair interviews Authentic Media’s own Scott ‘Roger’ Chafian on the Standard Missile. ‘Rogers’ background as an Aegis Combat Systems Officer on Ticonderoga and Arleigh Burke Class ships allows him to share with us the background of Fleet Air Defense in the US Navy. From the development of the 3T’s (Tarter, Terrier, Talos) fitted on existing ship...

In Episode 2 of the Supersonic Bone ‘Roger’ and ‘Prime Time’ discuss the requirements and development of the B-1A. Conceived as a replacement for the 1950’s designed B-52, the requirements of the B-1A expanded on a wide range of capabilities and operations. Our hosts discuss the technological leap that saw the shift of the prime contractor from being primarily an airframe manufacturer to system in...

In this episode of Viper Bites Our host Scott Chafian speaks with Mike ‘Hilts’ Hilton about the early versions of the F-16. ‘Hilts’ has flown all Air Force versions of the F-16 and started his career when the F-16 was being introduced. The conversation covers the technical side of the F-16 Model/Block designations, the fly by wire flight controls, the use of turbofan engine, small tail v. big tail...

In this episode of Viper Bites: The F-16 Show, host Scott Chafian speaks with Mike "Pako" Benitez about the history and development of the F-16 fighter jet. The conversation covers various topics related to its creation, including the Lightweight Fighter competition, the Fighter Mafia, and the role of John Boyd in shaping the design philosophy of the aircraft. Pako provides a detailed backstory of...

In this episode Scott is back with Andrew “Scar” Van Timmeren, our retired F-22 Raptor pilot to discuss the now infamous Chinese balloon shoot down. But beyond a play by play of the shootdown, they’ll discuss NORAD, their mission and the nuts and bolts of the defense of the sovereign airspace of the United States.

In this episode of the F-35 Series host Steve Davies from the 10 Percent True podcast continues his discussion with John ‘Press’ Wheeler. Conversation focuses on the F-35A including the mission sets the USAF is employing with the Lightning II and how the advanced systems caused a paradigm shift in pilot training. ‘Press’ brings his unique perspective as being one of the initial cadre of F-35 pilot...

In Episode 1 you learned about how the Rhino was taken from concept reality as an aircraft, now listen to Sunshine and guest Snake discuss the Rhino’s journey to becoming a fully functional weapons system in Operational test; a series of simulated operational conditions; air to air, close air support, surface warfare, CQs and more designed to prove the Super Hornet before fleet aviators take it in...

In our inaugural episode of The Supersonic Bone, Scott ‘Roger’ Chafian and Author Ken Katz set the stage on why the B-1 was needed. Starting from string and fabric aircraft of World War I, through the venerable B-52 and the fighter like B-58, our hosts cover the technology needed to perform the bomber mission. Discussion moves to the development of the nuclear triad, the tactics needed to deliver...

In this podcast episode, Scott "Roger" Chaffee and Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair provide a comprehensive overview of the AIM-9 missile, also known as the Sidewinder. They discuss the missile's history, development, and technical aspects, including its origins in Germany during World War II, integration into the US military, and the involvement of test pilots like Wally Schirra. They also cover its com...

In this episode of the Special Operations series, Brian “Casmo” Harris interviews friend and MH-6 Little Bird pilot Gabe Saldana. Gabe was a member of the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (SOAR) – The Night Stalkers. Gabe describes that his interest in joining the 160th was being in a community where there was focus on the mission. The discussion follows the application and screening proc...

In this episode of the "Authentic" podcast, host Scott "Roger" Chafian interviews author Steve Davies about his book "Red Eagles: America's Secret MiGs". They discuss Steve's background as an aviation journalist, his motivation for writing the book, and the process of connecting with people and melding their stories into a cohesive narrative. They also delve into the challenges of researching a hi...

The iconic F/A-18 Super Hornet, or Rhino, star of Top Gun: Maverick has been the cornerstone of US Carrier aviation for two decades. Though a veteran this classic still has fight, and is becoming even more lethal with it’s Block III upgrade which will carry it into the 2030s and beyond. Join Sunshine and Roger as they dig into what give the newest Super Hornet its sting.   Explore our latest episo...

Hosts Crunch and Flash are back with the Air Boss series to talk about “Shooters” the men and women catapult officers responsible for making the final checks prior to launch. They are the conductors of the flight deck, the last and final say. In this episode we’ll dig into the tremendous responsibility that being a Shooter carries. Everything from making sure that there is the proper WOD (wind ove...

You’ve heard Flash and Crunch explain how things work on the flight deck, but do you know why? In today’s exciting episode Crunch and Flash describe the workings of Pri-Fly, the Air Boss’s team, and how they integrate with the Carrier itself, the Air Wing, and the Air Plan. While the flight ops look effortless to an outside observer, listen to Crunch and Flash describe the meticulous planning and...

In this podcast episode, "Pako" joins "Roger" discusses the history and evolution of the F-15 fighter jet. He explains how the F-15 was developed in response to the Soviet Union's Mig-25 interceptor and how it outperformed everything that came before it, becoming a fourth-generation fighter. The F-15's enduring design allowed for changes in software, engines, and other features, making it a versat...

In this thrilling episode of Air Boss, hosts Crunch and Flash delve deeper into the world of flight deck operations, offering unique insights and anecdotes from their own experiences. From expertly navigating high-pressure scenarios to recounting harrowing events they've encountered, the duo paints a vivid picture of life on the flight deck. Throughout the discussion, Crunch and Flash emphasize th...

You’ve probably seen and enjoyed Top Gun: Maverick, and reveled along with audiences at Maverick’s heart stopping Mach 10 speed run but did you even wonder what his real-life counterparts do out there in the high desert?  Join host Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair as he introduces us to the Navy’s Test and Evaluation program through the stories of his fellow Experimental and Operational Test Pilots and W...

In this thrilling episode of Air Boss, hosts Crunch and Flash delve deeper into the world of flight deck operations, offering unique insights and anecdotes from their own experiences. From expertly navigating high-pressure scenarios to recounting harrowing events they've encountered, the duo paints a vivid picture of life on the flight deck. Throughout the discussion, Crunch and Flash emphasize th...

Air Boss is a 5 part series describing the fascinating and complex world of the US Navy carrier air department. You know the difference between a Rhino and a Growler but do you know the difference between The Street and The Six Pack; or between an Ordie and a Grape? Air Boss will take you behind the scenes of the men and women who launch, recover, and maintain America's carrier aircraft 24 hours a...