More from Dakota Piteo
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Why the Air Force Research Lab is so important: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, host Ryan Robertson checks in with the director of Strategic Partnering at the Air Force Research Laboratory. From fifth-generation fighters to the B-21 and drones to missiles, learn about all things AFRL and find out how the lab is working to meet the needs of today’s airmen and… -
Private jets are being refitted to be Air Force attack planes: Weapon of the week
The EA-37B Compass Call is an electronic attack weapon system built by L3Harris and BAE Systems for the U.S. Air Force. But underneath its bulky exterior is the Gulfstream G550, one of the most exclusive private jets owned by people like Elon Musk, Mark Cuban and Michael Jordan. After refitting, the G550 is converted into… -
Driving military tech: Inside the Air Force Research Lab
When it comes to innovation, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) stands as a cornerstone, driving technological advancements for the Air Force and, since 2019, the Space Force. Established in 1997, the AFRL has been instrumental in developing technologies that have found their way into various aircraft and spacecraft. According to James Bieryla, director of… -
Where is AI technology now and where is it headed?: Weapons and Warfare
This episode of Weapons and Warfare takes a look at artificial intelligence and aviation. Host Ryan Robertson visits with two companies leading the charge for AI pilots to learn where the technology is now and where it might be headed as the nature of warfare evolves and competition for resources grows. Also featured in this… -
A new loitering drone waits before striking: Weapon of the week
In December, Straight Arrow News profiled an AI-guided drone hunter from Anduril. Now, the same company has the ALTIUS-700M, a drone that doesn’t need to have the target in sight before being launched. The ALTIUS-700M can fly for 75 minutes with a range of 100 miles. It’s a loitering drone, which means it can passively… -
AI fighter pilot initiatives aim to reduce risk, boost air superiority
The profession of being a fighter pilot is iconic, with historical figures like the Red Baron and fictional characters like Maverick. Yet, just as the bi-wing gave way to the turbo-prop and the F-117 to the F-35, the role of these pilots is evolving. Today’s pilots of the F-22 and F-35, modern icons in their… -
Russia’s nuclear intentions up in space: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, we take a deeper look at Russia and its nuclear ambitions in space. Host Ryan Robertson visits with three experts for their insights on what’s possible and likely when it comes to Russia and its nuclear capabilities in space. Also featured in this episode: You can subscribe to… -
How credible is a Russian space-based nuclear threat?
Back in February, Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, caught the attention of the public when he indicated Russia was moving toward making a space-based nuclear weapon. Russia denied the claim, dismissing the statements as a ploy to pressure Russia into an arms deal with the West. The mere idea, though, caused some to wonder, “What if… -
A-UGVs give Marines an advantage on the battlefield: Weapon of the week
Controlling a battle-ready vehicle on a screen is no longer just for video games. American Rheinmetall Vehicles created the Mission Master SP, an autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV). These A-UGVs are built to be used for a wide range of situations. The Mission Master SP has a variety of modular attachments and can be fitted… -
US Air Force finding best cyber talent to use as defense: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, Russia and China are consistently trying to infiltrate America’s online resources, so the U.S. Air Force is making a move to attract — and keep — the best IT and cyber talent available. Host Ryan Robertson takes a look at the Air Force’s plan to bring back the… -
AFRL drone interceptor is both offensive and defensive: Weapon of the week
This weapon of the week is the Paladin Multi-Mission Unmanned Aircraft System from the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). It functions more as a drone interceptor to help the U.S. Air Force protect its manned aircraft systems. The Air Force wants these particularly in areas with large populations living around the base, such as the… -
Air Force bringing back a centuries-old rank to attract cyber, IT experts
In February, the Air and Space Forces announced two dozen service-wide changes at the AFA Warfare Symposium. One change is the Air Force’s decision to bring back the “warrant officer” rank. The decision was motivated by the increasing threat of cyber attacks from China and Russia. The rank of warrant officer is a way to… -
Air Force turns to MindGym to support mental fitness: Weapons and Warfare
This week on Weapons and Warfare, explore the MindGym and see why the U.S. Air Force is turning to the team behind it to make sure its airmen are maintaining their mental fitness. Host Ryan Robertson sits down with some of the leadership at Lumena — the creator of the MindGym — to see how…