Behind the Wings

Secretary of the United States Air Force Frank Kendall discusses AI's impact on modern air warfare.In this episode, we're switching things up and going to the Pentagon to bring you a special in-depth conversation on artificial intelligence in military aviation. Secretary Kendall discusses AI’s evolving role in U.S. air power, collaborative combat aircraft, technology breakthroughs, and ethical concerns. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:Secretary Kendall discusses the history of AI in the U.S. military and how it has helped transform Air Force operations.Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) are uncrewed aircraft flown by artificial intelligence. They are currently being tested alongside fighter jets to become loyal wingmen.The ethics of artificial intelligence in warfare remains at the forefront of AI integration. Secretary Kendall wants to ensure that the U.S. complies with the laws of war and maintains human accountability for lethal decision-making. CCA's can be both budget-friendly and help save time when testing new technologies.AI advancement aims to help the U.S. maintain technological superiority over its global adversaries.By integrating CCAs in the frontlines of combat, they could help save fighter pilot lives by taking on more risky missions or diverting enemy fire.Secretary Kendall stresses the importance of enhancing AI operations quickly while ensuring that ethics are not left behind.Resources:Secretary Frank Kendall's Bio (Air Force) Departing Air Force Secretary Will Leave Space Weaponry as a Legacy (New York Times)AI in Military Aviation (Behind the Wings PBS) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (Behind the Wings PBS)

National Museum of WWII Aviation Curator Gene Pfeffer discusses why winning the air war was pivotal to D-Day's success.In this episode, we’ll dive into the planning and execution of air operations, the aircraft that supported the massive assault, the continued aerial support for troops after Operation Overlord, and its lasting legacy and impact on aviation. June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and gave us the opportunity to learn more about one of the most important battles of WWII. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:Gene takes us through the evolution of aircraft spurred by World War II, from biplanes to jets.Although America hadn't yet entered the war, planning for D-Day began in 1940, outlining what exactly would be required for the invasion.In 1943, it was decided that the Allies could not win the invasion without air superiority. Leading up to D-Day, the Allies focused heavily on eliminating the German Air Force as a factor, and on June 6, the German Air Force had 300 sorties while the Allies had 13,000.The day before Operation Overlord, the Allies painted invasion stripes on their airplanes under the cover of darkness. Due to the massive amount of aircraft, the paint scheme helped mitigate friendly fire.Multiple kinds of aircraft participated in the invasion and each had specific roles. To name a few, the C-47s towed gliders or dropped paratroopers, B-17s, 24s, and 26s dropped bombs, P-47s acted as flying artillery, and P-38s flew cover over the ships.After D-Day, the Allies used their air power to aid troops with strategic bombings like Operation Cobra, targeting German oil and V-2 centers, and providing medical aid.Gene encourages anyone interested in aerospace to visit your local museum and get involved.Resources:The National Museum of WWII Aviation Website Operation Overlord: D-Day (National Museum of the U.S. Air Force) Operation Overlord (Wikipedia) Air War During Operation Overlord (Wikipedia) 

Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, discusses the crossroads of pageantry and the military.In this episode, Madi takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty officer to earn the Miss America title. She shares insights into her pilot training, attending the United States Air Force Academy, cancer research, starting a non-profit, and how a military background has influenced her career. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:Madi has always been fascinated by science and found her love of aerospace while attending space camp at 13 years old.Madi earned her pilot's license at 17, the youngest possible age.While attending the United States Air Force Academy, Madi studied astrophysics and interned at NASA and Harvard.At the Academy, Madi started her pageantry journey, winning Miss Academy and Miss Colorado.In January of 2024, Madi competed in and won Miss America, becoming the first active military officer to earn the title.Madi started the Whitney Marsh Foundation after losing her Mom to pancreatic cancer. This organization helps provide education and funding for pancreatic cancer research.Madi encourages listeners to learn from their failures and to use those lessons to succeed further.Resources:Miss America Website One Lieutenant’s Journey from USAFA to Miss Colorado to Harvard (United States Air Force) Madison Marsh: Beauty Queen, Hard-Core Air Force Officer (Forbes) Whitney Marsh Foundation 

How the world's largest aircraft, Stratolaunch Roc, is paving the way for repeatable hypersonic testing.Welcome to the final part of our bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss behind-the-scenes stories while filming with Stratolaunch at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Join us as we talk about the history of hypersonics, building the Stratolaunch Roc, the Talon-A test vehicle, the Hadley rocket engine, and flying this twin-fuselage aircraft. This one is going to be cool!Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on!Our regularly scheduled podcast series will return on 12/2/24 with an interview with Madison Marsh, the first active-duty Air Force Officer to be crowned Ms. America. Thanks for joining us!Full Season Premiere Schedule:PBSEpisode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MTEpisode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube ChannelEpisode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTyou