Inside the Vampires: How VX-9 Squadron Transforms Fighter Jets at China Lake

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Something extraordinary is happening in the skies above China Lake. A chrome-plated F-35C Lightning II and a jet-black F/A-18 Super Hornet—both operated by the secretive VX-9 "Vampires" squadron—are rewriting the rules of naval aviation.The chrome F-35C presents a fascinating paradox: why would the Navy deliberately strip away stealth from its premier stealth fighter? The answer likely involves countering advanced Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems—passive sensors that can't be jammed electronically. As adversaries develop more sophisticated ways to detect stealth aircraft, this reflective coating might represent an adaptive camouflage experiment, effectively making the F-35 "invisible" to optical tracking systems.Meanwhile, the Lightning is undergoing its most significant evolution yet with the Block 4 upgrade package. After receiving new hardware through Technology Refresh 3, these fighters will gain remarkable electronic warfare capabilities that allow them to detect, analyze, and manipulate enemy radar signals. Imagine an F-35 approaching an S-400 air defense system, detecting its emissions long before being spotted, then using Digital Radio Frequency Memory jamming to make itself disappear electronically or appear somewhere it isn't. With enhanced networking capabilities, the F-35 becomes not just a fighter but a sophisticated electronic warfare node sharing critical battlefield data in real-time.The legendary VX-9 squadron continues pushing boundaries with their "Vandy-1" Super Hornet, recently spotted carrying an unprecedented loadout including air-launched SM-6 missiles (AIM-174B). These tests dramatically extend engagement ranges for Navy fighters—a capability that couldn't come at a more critical time given global tensions. From Block 4 upgrades to new missile systems, these advancements ensure American air superiority for decades to come.What's your take on these developments? Are we witnessing the future of air combat unfold before our eyes? Subscribe now and join the conversation about how these technologies will reshape aerial warfare.Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:The episode discusses the current challenges facing the F-35 Lightning II, highlighting potential budget cuts and their impact on the future of the most expensive weapons system in U.S. history. We explore the aircraft's technological issues and the varied international investments it garners, questioning its long-term viability.• Overview of the F-35’s history and the Joint Strike Fighter program • Discussion of budget pressures and operational performance challenges • Economic impact of the F-35 on the U.S. and allied nations • Possible future scenarios for the F-35: reduced production, software fixes, or full commitment • Examination of international reactions and commitments to the F-35 program • Summary of geopolitical implications surrounding F-35 investmentsSupport the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Is China outpacing the US in air combat technology? We dissect this provocative question as we spotlight the cutting-edge J-36 fighter jet—a tailless, diamond-shaped marvel that could redefine global military dynamics. With the J-36's groundbreaking design, we explore whether China has leaped ahead or merely caught up with the US in this high-stakes arms race. The implications for America's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program are immense, as the pressure mounts to accelerate development and maintain supremacy. We take you through the engineering triumphs China may have achieved, focusing on radar evasion and survivability in hostile airspace.Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the J-36's unique three-engine configuration. Could this innovation include a hypersonic ramjet or scramjet, offering unprecedented speed and efficiency? Discover the aircraft's multi-role versatility, from commanding long-range strikes to controlling drones, and its role in the future of networked warfare. With potential integrations of advanced sensor fusion, AI, and even directed energy weapons, the J-36 is set to be a game-changer. Finally, we compare its design philosophy with sixth-generation air combat principles, evaluating its strategic significance and how it might reshape global air combat strategies. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of air combat technology and the extraordinary developments poised to redefine the skies.Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Unlock the future of air power with the B-21 Raider, a stealth bomber set to redefine modern warfare. What makes the B-21 a game-changer in military aviation? In this episode, we reveal how its groundbreaking stealth capabilities and modular design might just make it the Air Force's secret weapon for the 21st century. We'll discuss how this revolutionary aircraft builds on the legacy of the iconic B-2 Spirit, yet outshines it with affordability and adaptability, allowing integration of next-gen tech like AI and directed energy weapons. Could the Raider's cost-effective nature make it a frontrunner over the more expensive NGAD fighter program? Tune in to find out how this marvel could dominate the skies.We'll explore the B-21 Raider's potential to reshape the U.S. Air Force's strategic approach and redefine multi-mission aircraft roles. As the NGAD program faces growing development hurdles, the Raider emerges as a beacon of hope for a future air fleet poised for superiority. This episode will also question whether the B-21's advanced capabilities and affordability could make it the Air Force's premier choice, thus impacting the trajectory of next-generation fighter jets. Join us for a captivating conversation on the Raider's promise to revolutionize bombing missions and beyond, as we contemplate its implications for air force dominance in the years to come. Don't miss this thrilling insight into the future of air power.Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Is the F-35 the ultimate warplane or merely an overhyped engineering experiment? Join me, Tog, as we unravel the controversy and innovation behind this fifth-generation fighter that has captivated aviation enthusiasts worldwide. The F-35's ambitious mission to replace iconic aircraft like the F-16, F-18, and AV-8 Harrier turned out to be the most expensive weapon system in history. With its many public struggles and diverse variants, including the Israeli custom version known as the Adir, we explore the multifaceted nature of this military marvel.In this episode of the Pilot Photog podcast, we navigate through the F-35's rollercoaster journey, examining its combat debut in Yemen and its pivotal role in Israel's boldest mission yet. Could these high-stakes incidents silence the critics once and for all? From the conventional takeoff F-35A to the short takeoff F-35B and the Navy's catapult-assisted F-35C, this episode promises a thrilling ride through the skies. Whether you're an aviation aficionado or a curious history buff, get ready to see why the F-35 remains a topic of global fascination and debate.Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Could the days of traditional fighter jets be numbered in the age of drones and advanced missile systems? As we explore this provocative question, join us on the Pilot Photog Podcast, where we dissect the competition between the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and the Navy's F-A-XX initiative. The Air Force's NGAD program, while promising revolutionary advancements, grapples with budget constraints and an uncertain future. On the other hand, the Navy's F-A-XX is unexpectedly gaining traction, challenging preconceived notions of its progress and viability. Through this fascinating lens, we scrutinize the very essence of air combat evolution and consider whether the NGAD is truly essential in the modern military landscape.In our latest episode, we venture into the strategic timelines and necessities of these cutting-edge aircraft programs, teasing out the possibilities of which will soar into operational status first. Will the Navy's momentum shift the balance of air superiority, or will the Air Force's ambitious plans reign supreme despite financial hurdles? Tune in as we engage with these critical questions, balancing cost, capability, and strategic vision to forecast the next era of aerial warfare. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking discussion—subscribe to the Pilot Photog Podcast and explore more aviation insights on our YouTube channel.Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:Unlock the transformative power of flight simulation as we welcome Towbie, the inspiring founder of DCS for Disabilities, and Hammy, the social media manager for Fox 3 Servers. Discover how Towbie's initiative is bringing therapeutic benefits and a sense of camaraderie to disabled veterans through the Digital Combat Simulator (DCS). From personal stories of overcoming challenges with minimal resources to building a supportive and inclusive community, this episode highlights the remarkable journey of individuals who refuse to be defined by their disabilities.As we listen to Towbie and Hammy, we also delve into the technical intricacies of setting up and maintaining flight simulation servers. Learn from their experiences about the time, resources, and challenges involved in managing home servers, and see how outsourcing to professional services like Fox 3 Servers can enhance your DCS experience. By sharing real-life examples and personal anecdotes, they illustrate the importance of reliable server management for squadron activities, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted flying experience.Finally, Toby's poignant journey through physical disabilities and life's adversities showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Hear how community support, both online and offline, has played a vital role in his recovery and mental health. From the unwavering support of his sister-in-law Stacey Friedman Quinn to the camaraderie found within the DCS community, Toby's story is a testament to the power of meaningful connections. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that underscores the transformative impact of flight simulation and the importance of supportive communities.Links:DCS for Disabilities:  https://dcsfordisabilities.com/Fox3 Servers:https://www.fox3ms.com/The Hornet School:https://discord.gg/S6shy3XPDigital Combat Simulator DCS World:https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/Support the showTo help support this podcast and become a PilotPhotog ProCast member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1555784/supportIf you enjoy this episode, subscribe to this podcast, you can find links to most podcast streaming services here: PilotPhotog Podcast (buzzsprout.com) Sign up for the free weekly newsletter Hangar Flyingwith Tog here: https://hangarflyingwithtog.com You can check out my YouTube channel for many videos on fighter planes here: https://youtube.com/c/PilotPhotog If you’d like to support this podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PilotPhotog And finally, you can follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/pilotphotog