#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/AfterburnNewsletter Contact - 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/afterburn E3 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/afterburnpodcast Website - 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 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 ✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.