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Recent episodes
The Wild West Air War: Strike Eagle Crews Over Libya
Jun 19, 2026
Unknown duration
How U.S. Marines Rescued an F-15E Crew From Libya [CLIP]
Jun 12, 2026
Unknown duration
Meso Mask
Jun 5, 2026
Unknown duration
F-15 vs F-16 – Which Fighter Was Better? | Dave “Khan” Carr
May 29, 2026
Unknown duration
"We flew into Hell": the A-10 in Desert Storm | Pappy Brogli [CLIP]
May 15, 2026
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/19/26 | The Wild West Air War: Strike Eagle Crews Over Libya | 10PCT Episode #90This is an interview recorded as part of my research for Twenty Years at War - the second part of my series of coffee table books on the F-15E Strike Eagle: https://www.10percenttrue.com/product-page/tyaw-pre-orderFour F-15E veterans — “Deuce” Cooper, “Funkle” Esler, “NAILS” Ashmore and “Leroy” Domberg — reunite to discuss Operation Odyssey Dawn and the opening phase of the Libya air war in 2011. What begins as a discussion about Libya quickly becomes a broader conversation about the Strike Eagle community’s transition from the highly restrictive, JTAC-driven wars in Iraq and Afghanistan back to dynamic targeting, SCAR, coalition strike operations and independent decision-making. The group recounts the rapid deployment from RAF Lakenheath, the uncertainty surrounding Libyan air defences, the first night over Benghazi, the loss of BOLAR 34, the evolution of tactics during the campaign, and the lessons that would later shape operations against ISIS and beyond. Along the way they discuss mission planning, coalition integration, the value of the two-seat cockpit, targeting pods, radar development, CCA concepts and the future of the Strike Eagle. | — | ||||||
| 6/12/26 | ![How U.S. Marines Rescued an F-15E Crew From Libya [CLIP] episode artwork](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/42035457/42035457-1781195317574-bf14abaa5d99e.jpg) How U.S. Marines Rescued an F-15E Crew From Libya [CLIP] | Get the full, ad-free episode here: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list10PCT EP89P2 MeSo Harney and Mask StarkMask recounts his own ordeal on the ground, including encounters with local Libyans, an uncertain journey to Benghazi, and efforts to establish contact with coalition forces. | — | ||||||
| 6/5/26 |  Meso Mask | 10PCT EP89 MeSo Harney and Mask Stark0:00 welcome to Mask and MeSo and episode preview 1:02 MeSo intro1:55 Mask intro3:22 background to the fateful deployment 5:40 initial 6 ship deployment ends in a bunch of diversions7:02 mission set(s)9:00 defining SCAR from the crew point of view10:42 geographical constraints?11:30 co-ordinating with other assets13:20 treading unfamiliar ground with the spotlight on you?15:20 co-ordinating with ground assets?16:55 difficulty with ROE/authority/responsibility?20:55 weaponeering/loadouts23:17 strafe?24:55 threats?26:46 SERE refresher and preparation/study?30:40 hard crewed, previous flight experience together?33:35 standardisation?34:00 mission of the day, mission planning and ejection contract37:30 pre planned evasion tactics?39:18 initial phase of the mission40:48 trapped fuel, initial troubleshooting and handling imbalance in the established community fashion43:09 target details45:12 target egress, loading and initial indications of trouble47:30 -229 jets spin departure aids - did they work?49:30 thought process in this phase?51:05 mayday call51:44 flight lead’s SA and tapes?53:10 bailout decision and sequence56:45 opening shock (of chute) and bye bye NVGs59:02 how long in the chute and contemplating landing1:03:50 landing roll/PLF | — | ||||||
| 5/29/26 |  F-15 vs F-16 – Which Fighter Was Better? | Dave “Khan” Carr | Get the full, ad-free episode here: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list10PCT EP88 – Dave “Khan” Carr | F-15 Eagle, F-16 Viper, Weapons School & AggressorsDave “Khan” Carr joins 10 Percent True to discuss an extraordinary fighter career flying both the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Viper.From Cold War intercepts over Alaska and Iceland to the pressure cooker of the USAF Fighter Weapons School, Red Flag, and Aggressor duty, Khan offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at elite fighter aviation.This episode explores how the USAF prepared to fight the Soviet Union, how air combat tactics evolved through the Cold War and beyond, and what it really took to become a top-tier fighter pilot.Along the way, Khan shares stories of Arctic alert missions, Keflavik intercepts, Weapons School work-ups, massive Red Flag battles, Soviet threat replication, and how the Eagle and Viper compared in a fight.If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in elite fighter aviation, this is one you won’t want to miss.Timestamps2:20 A Quick Word from Steve 4:04 Welcome, Khan 4:50 Khan Introduces Himself 6:40 First Tour at Elmendorf – Flying the Eagle in Alaska 8:38 Early Career Challenges & Encounters 12:12 Discussing Losses in the Early Days 14:08 Dealing with Loss 15:34 Eyeing the Next Career Step – and Making It Happen 17:17 Keflavik – CFTs & Diversions to Scotland 19:47 Steve Geeks Out on CFTs 21:14 The Mission at Keflavik – Bears, Tomcats & Lightnings (with Tankers) 23:04 Honing Air-to-Air Skills as the Eagle Matured 25:28 Dialling Up the AoA – “It Depends…” 26:55 Rudder Use, Evolving Tactics & When to Use It 28:32 Weapons School – Selection, Work-Ups & Challenges 32:40 A Memorable Weapons School Sortie – Vark Speed & Perfect Execution 35:58 Why No “Super Squadrons”? 37:24 The Benefits of Weapons School Graduation 40:30 Expertise Across All Facets of the Mission 41:52 Tyndall & the FTU 44:35 Does It Get Better Than This? 46:18 Eagle Culture – Did It Change? 49:52 Peak Performance or Room for Improvement? The Importance of Comms 54:12 Getting Granular – What It Takes to Make It in the Eagle Community 56:34 Regrets About Missing Desert Storm? 58:12 Joining the Aggressors 59:48 Being a “True” Aggressor 1:04:25 Gloves Off? 1:06:10 Simulating the Threat Accurately – Who Sees Who? 1:09:48 Maintaining Situational Awareness 1:10:55 Becoming a Threat System SME – The Process 1:13:05 Expectation vs Reality as More Information Became Available 1:15:50 “Natural” Bias? 1:17:54 Views on Threat Advantages & Capabilities 1:21:45 Eagle vs Viper Comparisons (Intro Teaser Topic) 1:25:02 The “Bad Bob” (VX-9 F-14D) Encounter 1:26:55 Toughest Opponent as an Aggressor? 1:30:19 When Things Don’t Go to Plan – Scaring Yourself 1:34:10 Eating Shit as an Eagle Guy Flying Vipers? 1:34:54 Twilight of a Career – Guard Life, MSIP A Models, NVGs & Iraq 1:39:32 Young vs Old Eagle Driver 1:42:14 Keeping Up with Evolving Tactics & Change 1:49:30 Fini Flight 1:53:15 Do You Miss It? 1:53:54 Thanks, Khan – Till Next Time | — | ||||||
| 5/15/26 | !["We flew into Hell": the A-10 in Desert Storm | Pappy Brogli [CLIP] episode artwork](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/42035457/42035457-1778841084728-99a7098b7accc.jpg) "We flew into Hell": the A-10 in Desert Storm | Pappy Brogli [CLIP] | Get the full, ad-free episode here:10 Percent True Memberships10PCT EP87 Marty “Pappy” Brogli – A-10 Desert StormMarty “Pappy” Brogli joins 10 Percent True to tell the story of flying the A-10 Warthog in Operation Desert Storm.From Cold War preparation and the long deployment to the Gulf, to tank killing, SAMs, AAA, and losing friends in combat, Pappy delivers an extraordinarily candid account of what it was really like to fly the Hog in one of the most dangerous air wars in history.This is not the sanitised version of Desert Storm. Pappy talks honestly about fear, humour, squadron culture, survival, morality, and the reality of combat at low level in an aircraft built to take punishment – and sometimes barely survive it.Along the way, he shares remarkable stories of crippled aircraft, manual reversion landings, near disasters, and the unique camaraderie of the A-10 community.If you’ve ever wondered what Desert Storm looked and felt like through the eyes of an A-10 pilot, this is one you won’t want to miss. | — | ||||||
| 5/8/26 |  The Most Complicated Fighter Britain Ever Built? Lightning P1B Restoration, Part 2 | EE Lightning P1B | 10 Percent True | EP84 – Part 2The restoration of the English Electric Lightning P1B reaches a major milestone as the fuselage emerges from storage for the first time in nearly 30 years. Blackie gives an extraordinary tour through the aircraft’s bizarre and brilliant engineering – from handmade panels and unique fuel systems to the realities of maintaining and restoring Britain’s legendary Mach 2 interceptor. Along the way, he reveals the challenges of preparing the aircraft for Goodwood, the hunt for rare original parts, and why the Lightning remains one of the most fascinating fighters ever built. | — | ||||||
| 5/1/26 |  Stealth Is Dead (And Other Aviation Myths) | Bullsh*t Detectorist Ep.1 | This is the first episode of a new series we’re calling The Bullshit Detectorist. I’m joined by Starbaby Pietrucha, and the idea is simple—take some of the stuff you hear all the time about military aviation and see if it actually stands up. Stealth’s dead, drones have changed everything, low-frequency radar can see anything… we get into all of it.0:00 Aurora1:00 welcome back Starbaby - series outline/premise3:55 super low freq/passive radars are the death of stealth11:15 other dimensions of lo-observable?15:11 collapsing the kill chain?16:40 HARM were used to maybe make the Iraqis duck a bit…… (Dan Hampton quote) 🤡 21:35 “it’s not the plane, but the person in the box”26:02 “there’s no 100% defence against low cost cruise missiles (Shahed/Geran etc)” - previews further discussion on mass as a principle of war33:23 Starbaby and the Somme teaser34:06 “SR-71 shouldn’t have been retired”37:10 why did the U-2 survive?39:25 Aurora?43:36 “Crewed, oxygen breathing AEW aircraft are overrated and unnecessary…..” (incl underfunding/mismanagement of suck programs follow on)49:28 “the appearance of an aircraft is the most important (in US combat aircraft selection)”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 53:32 “high speed low level penetration of an enemy IAD is redundant because of stealth”56:38 low level mitigation? 59:25 “Ghost Bat” or “MQ-28”1:01:18 SDB stormbreaker mean 1000 and 2000lbs bombs are unreasonable risks of collateral damage 1:07:30 intercepting bombs is much harder than cruise missiles 1:08:46 Stormbreaker 2 and associated marketing1:12:15 wrapping up | — | ||||||
| 4/24/26 |  Why Fighter Pilots Sometimes REFUSE to Drop Bombs | Benji Prefontaine | Get the full episode here: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listIn Episode 3, Benji Prefontaine takes you into the most demanding phase of his combat experience—flying the Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard over Afghanistan in a crowded, chaotic coalition battlespace.With limited sensors, minimal weapons, and no datalink, every mission becomes a test of situational awareness and judgment. He describes near-misses in mid-air, fuel emergencies, comms failures, and the constant risk of fratricide—all while supporting troops in contact on the ground.The central theme is stark: the biggest danger isn’t always the enemy—it’s the environment, the complexity, and your own decisions. Benji explains why the urge to drop a weapon can be the most dangerous instinct a pilot has—and why sometimes the right call is to hold fire.This episode is a raw, honest look at the reality of close air support—and the responsibility carried by the person in the cockpit.⸻0:00 intro teaser - CAS story2:40 Welcome back (Again!) Benji3:30 recap of Super E capabilities as deployment to Afghanistan looms6:28 Spinning up and deploying 9:02 commencing ops in a relatively quiet 200611:04 2007 tougher (expanded ops, integration of new Rafale capabilities)14:30 “joint” Navy buddy mission with Rafale on 27/03/07 (including 5:59:59 flameout)19:01 admin can kill you - fuel problems and deconfliction 22:48 2008 Carrier stood down for refit/repair so Super E is ground based at Kandahar 26:55 reviewing the learning points emerging from the initial engagement (including Damocles limitations and intro story)34:36 integration into ATO? 37:25 personal growth?42:24 USB exchange pilot contributions?44:48 full access? (and the perils of Super E cockpit for the well built gentleman)48:07 kneeboard capabilities 52:11 comms - satcom54:11 going back to F1, missing it, an adjustment?58:58 back to Kandahar in the F11:02:44 revisiting the psychological aspect in terms of Afghanistan (and Libya)1:06:41 Dollars!1:11:40 Libya - state of play/the vagaries of real world deployment and getting in on the action 1:23:50 the benefits of a tight knit community (moving a squadron whilst fighting a war and training new people) 1:29:58 the toll on family?1:32:42 threat levels in Libya1:37:22 XCAS and Intel?1:40:28 SCUD launcher mission1:44:00 tanker scarcity1:45:10 ATL21:46:12 QRA/policing/Chad (again)1:53:10 intercepts and “etiquette”1:55:30 flying with MiG-29SMTs2:00:17 drinking vodka with MiG-31 squadron cmdr 2:01:43 Foxhound intel?/diplomacy/history2:05:49 rounding out Air Force career and next chapter2:11:40 Merci Benji | — | ||||||
| 4/17/26 |  From Mirage F1 to Carrier Ops – The Reality of Naval Aviation | Benji Prefontaine | Get the full episode here: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list10PCT EP86 P2 Benji PrefontaineIn Episode 2, Benji Prefontaine moves from early operations into real combat experience—flying the Dassault Mirage F1 in Africa before transitioning to carrier aviation in the Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard.He describes the shock of adapting from Air Force flying to life on the carrier—where precision, discipline, and consistency are everything. Landing on the boat becomes a defining challenge, exposing the difference between being a good pilot and being an operational one.The episode also explores the limitations of the Super Étendard—an aging, analog jet forced into modern combat—and how that shapes tactics, workload, and risk. Benji highlights the realities of coalition warfare, early Afghanistan deployments, and the steep learning curve of operating in a far more complex and demanding environment.This is where the story shifts from “becoming a pilot” to learning how to survive and operate effectively in combat.0:00 Teaser – Pyjamas, Wine, Corkscrews and Cigarettes 1:45 Welcome Back Benji (Steve’s Lost It!) + Episode Outline 3:20 First Operational Squadron – Tough Start to Mixed Force Ops 9:20 Post-9/11 Politics and Operational Reality 12:38 Red Flag – Flying with Mirage 2000D 15:36 Did Red Flag Validate the EW Suite? 18:41 How Red Flag Prepared Him for Combat 22:26 Inferiority Complex in Coalition Ops? 28:02 Social Life on Squadron 31:24 Old School vs New School – What Works? 35:38 Deployments to Chad 40:42 Threat Environment and Risk 44:48 Ferry Flight to Red Flag – Single-Engine Stress 47:43 Bird Strikes and Wildlife Hazards 52:09 Survival Kit – What’s On Board? 55:10 CSAR – Expectations vs Reality 57:46 What Is a Pilot Worth? 59:05 Combat Psychology 1:04:18 Managing Pilots Doing “Cool Stuff” (Photos/Video) 1:09:54 Romania Deployment – Encounters with MiGs 1:18:09 QRA – Intercepts and Real-World Stories 1:24:45 French Air Force “Urban Legends” 1:27:27 Encounters with USAF Incursions? 1:30:08 End of First Tour – Seeking Exchange Opportunities 1:32:50 Carrier Tour Expectations – Charles de Gaulle 1:35:15 No Night Landings? 1:36:30 Targeting Pod (PDLCT) 1:37:52 FCLP – Carrier Landing Practice 1:42:12 The Hardest Part of Carrier Ops 1:45:15 Nuclear Strike Mission Explained 1:51:53 Super Étendard Capabilities (Including Exocet) 2:01:17 From Detection to Attack 2:05:00 Situation Display, Autopilot, Datalink 2:07:55 Tuning Exocet Targeting and Performance 2:09:12 How Do You Attack a Carrier Group? 2:13:00 Part 3 Preview – Combat and Command | — | ||||||
| 4/10/26 |  Shot Down Over Iran: The Rescue of Dude 44 | The rescue of the crew of DUDE 44, an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran, is one of the most complex and dangerous combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations in modern warfare. Retired USAF Colonel and Special Operations pilot Buck Walker breaks down how it happened – from the shootdown to the high-risk mission that brought the crew home. This is how CSAR really works. | — | ||||||
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| 4/4/26 |  Why I Chose Mirage F1 over Rafale | Benji Prefontaine | Get the full episode here: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list10PCT EP86 P1 – Benji PrefontaineChapters0:00 Intro Teaser – M1.3 Corner Speed, Avoiding the Merge, Low Level3:00 Welcome, Benji4:15 Subscriber Question (T-Stoff) – Super Étendard Carrier Ops10:35 The Hardest Flying of His Career?13:44 Route to the Air Force16:15 Initial Flying & Training Curriculum19:04 Early Impressions & Developing Mission Focus23:48 Choosing a Platform & Mission27:10 Explaining Career Choices29:15 The Mirage 2000N Mission31:32 Revisiting the Training Accident & Its Repercussions36:14 Ready for That Conversation?38:44 The Reward for That Risk40:22 Alpha Jet46:36 Air-to-Air Phase – How Formative?49:18 Armée de l’Air Culture56:00 Parents’ Opinions57:37 Mirage F1CT – Introduction, Impressions & Capabilities1:06:05 Electronic Warfare Suite1:07:40 MATRA 530 – Fox 1 Capability1:13:53 Were Export F1 Variants Better?1:17:00 Diving Deeper into EW Capabilities1:20:42 M1.3 Corner Speed – Avoiding the Merge at Low Level1:23:34 “Cheating” in the F1?1:26:10 DACT Opportunities1:27:57 Taking on the Mirage 20001:30:48 Recce & Air-to-Ground Role1:36:45 ELINT System Autonomy & Mission Planning1:40:26 Datalink1:41:50 Flying Qualities (and Vices) of the F11:46:04 Bird Strikes1:48:20 Experience on the F1CT & Close Calls1:50:58 Air-to-Air Refuelling – Tankers, Techniques & Night Ops2:02:15 Geeking Out & Previewing the Next Episode | — | ||||||
| 4/3/26 |  Will AI Replace Fighter Pilots? | F-35 Test Leader Explains | Cinco Hamilton | 10 Percent True | EP85Former USAF fighter pilot, F-35 test leader, and AI program director Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton joins the show to explain what artificial intelligence actually means for combat aviation. Drawing on his career flying the F-15C, standing up the MC-12 ISR platform, leading F-35 developmental test, and directing the Department of the Air Force–MIT AI Accelerator, Hamilton breaks down the difference between autonomy and AI, how machine learning is being tested in drones like the XQ-58 Valkyrie, and the ethical limits that should never be crossed. The conversation explores whether AI could ever control lethal weapons, how militaries test AI safely through millions of simulations, what AI could do inside aircraft like the F-35, and whether pilots risk becoming deskilled as automation increases. It’s a rare inside look at the future of autonomous combat systems from someone who helped build them0:00 Intro teaser – Drawing a Line 2:23 Welcome Cinco and Episode Outline 5:05 Quick Timeline Introduction 12:50 From Eagle to MC-12? 16:46 Outlining AI in Military Aviation and Defence 22:25 Thought Exercise Presentation 30:14 How Do You Ensure the AI Drone Doesn’t Hit the Bus? Should There Be Concern? 36:37 The Practicalities of Putting AI in the Driving Seat 40:22 How Nuanced Does AI Have to Be to Be “Good Enough”? 45:00 From Theory to Implementation 50:42 Can It Be That Simple? 53:22 Adversarial Developments and Excluding AI from Nuclear Decision-Making 1:01:00 AI Applications in the F-35 and Whether Loyal Wingman Is Possible Without AI 1:06:45 Deskilling of Operators 1:14:22 Audience Question (Nucks) 1:17:00 Audience Question (Matthew) 1:20:55 Audience Question (Biggles-Tintin) 1:23:20 Unlocking the Last 20% – Why Write It? 1:26:50 Balancing Risk in Test Flying and the Role of Faith 1:33:50 How to Get the Book 1:35:10 Thanks to Cinco (Plus the Callsign Story Bonus!) | — | ||||||
| 3/22/26 | 10 Percent True Channel Update March 2026 | 10 Percent True Channel Update March 2026 | — | ||||||
| 3/20/26 |  Cold War Phantom: Nuclear Alert, Weapons School & Soviet Intercepts | Pinbag Shaw | 10 Percent True | EP83 Part 3In the final instalment of my conversation with Thomas “Pinbag” Shaw, we close out his Phantom career.From Cold War nuclear strike planning in Europe to flying large-force exercises at Nellis and combat-ready deployments in the Pacific, Pinbag walks us through the evolution of the F-4E and the realities of fighter operations in the late Cold War.We talk about weapons school culture, the arrival of systems like Pave Tack and ARN-101, Sparrow missile performance, Soviet encounters in the Pacific, and what it was really like operating the Phantom at the edge of the Cold War.And he finishes with one of the most striking stories in this entire interview series.0:00 Intro Story – Cultural Differences3:23 Welcome Back, Pinbag4:24 Follow-on Assignment from Korea – Hahn (Germany)9:59 TISEO “Qualification”11:26 AGM-65 – In-Theatre Limitations12:46 European Theatre – Differences from PACAF & Culture16:10 B-61 & B-57, SIOP, Hard Crewing19:52 Certification – Related Stories27:15 Victor Alert Targeting & “The French View” on West Germany28:38 Local Traditions & Low Flying31:00 TISEO in Operation33:50 To Nellis (Not Moody?!)38:03 The Place to Be – Red Flag, RDJTF, F-15 Integration & “The Box”45:58 Radar – Follow-Up47:30 The Eagles49:40 Personal Development Journey54:45 Back to PACAF – Clark (F-4 Fleet, Weapons, Equipment & 3rd TFS History)1:06:00 PAVE TACK1:08:10 WESEP / Combat Sage – ORU-1 Radar Upgrade & AIM-7 Developments1:17:00 Weapons School Experience – Culture Shift, Academics vs Flying, Staying Out of “The Box”1:28:10 The Aggressor Problem1:31:00 Fisher vs Glosson – Culture of the Time1:34:10 Focus on North Korea & Shadowing the Russian Navy1:38:15 Changes After KAL 007 Shootdown1:41:58 Post-Weapons School – Taegu as Weapons Officer (PAVE TACK & Range Betting)1:51:06 ROK Maintenance & Marshall Enforcement – Intro Story1:55:55 Evolution of the Rear Cockpit2:09:00 Battle Damage & Oddities2:11:05 Thank You, Pinbag | — | ||||||
| 3/12/26 |  From Germany to Korea: Cold War Life in the F-4E Phantom | Get the full episode:https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listPinbag Shaw | 10 Percent True | EP83 Part 2In Part Two of our conversation, Thomas “Pinbag” Shaw takes us operational.From Korea to Germany, this is life in a Cold War Phantom squadron — where Victor Alert was real, nuclear strike planning was routine, and NATO air defence timelines were measured in minutes.In this episode we discuss:• What sitting nuclear Victor Alert actually meant• How QRA posture worked in Europe and the Pacific• Intercept geometry against Warsaw Pact aircraft• NATO strike planning and readiness discipline• The psychology of Cold War aircrew culture• Transitioning from Phantom to the Strike Eagle eraThis is Tactical Air Command at its most serious — a force built around the assumption that the next launch might not be an exercise.If you enjoy long-form, technical conversations with the people who flew the jets, subscribe and join the conversation.0:00 Intro teaser – North Korean MiG-21 intercept3:52 Welcome back, Pinbag4:28 The Nellis influence9:28 Leaving MacDill – SERE school20:28 Korea and PACAF disposition27:15 36th Fighter Squadron33:35 Introduction to Korea38:00 Areas of responsibility, command structure, and settling in44:20 Training, digesting the vault, and other in-theatre assets and threats49:10 Equipment – F-4E variants53:25 Radar presentation, trade-offs, and features (TISEO, Combat Tree, Pave Spike)1:04:44 Turnover of airframes1:06:02 Operation Paul Bunyan – the axe-handle murders and redeployment of assets (including GBU-15 / AGM-65) for possible engagement with a tree1:11:35 One year later – the Army’s turn and the lost Chinook1:15:38 North Korean Air Force and South Korean MiGs (and Beagle)1:26:12 AN-2s and skunk boats1:27:30 How a prospective war would have unfolded1:32:05 North Koreans in Vietnam; Soviets and North Koreans flying with the Egyptians1:34:24 GCI and bullseye intercepts1:36:50 Integration, improvement, and the prospective order of battle1:40:40 Evolution in war planning and the birth of Large Force Employment1:46:30 Lakenheath leadership influence and differences from PACAF1:54:40 Battles over the Taiwan Strait and ROKAF checkouts – similarities and rumours1:57:30 Alert story – possible SA-2 site2:01:12 Peacetime Aerial Reconnaissance Program (including intro teaser story) and alert scramble | — | ||||||
| 3/6/26 |  "You're in TAC, Now!" Flying the F-4 Phantom after Vietnam | Get the full episode: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listPinbag Shaw | 10 Percent True | EP83 Part 1Thomas “Pinbag” Shaw flew the F-4E Phantom II at a pivotal moment in USAF history.Commissioned during the draft era, he entered Tactical Air Command just as the Air Force was absorbing the hard lessons of Vietnam and rebuilding its fighter culture from the ground up.In this first part of our conversation, Pinbag explains:• Why the J79 smoked — and how crews worked around it• What Red Baron reports actually taught young Phantom crews• How Fighter Lead-In training at Holloman reshaped post-Vietnam tactics• The reality of Sparrow employment before modern radar displays• AIMVAL/ACEVAL and what it revealed about missile combat• Combat Tree, radar geometry, and “hot” vs “cold” scope discipline• Nuclear delivery training in the F-4E• And how a loose ejection seat pin bag became a permanent callsignWe also explore the cultural side of 1970s Tactical Air Command — from Aggressor briefings to the infamous “vulnerability period” at the O-Club — and how the Air Force transitioned from the Vietnam experience into the F-15/F-16 era.This episode is a deep dive into Phantom air-to-air tactics, radar intercept mechanics, and fighter culture in the years between Vietnam and the Eagle.Part Two will take us operational — Korea, Germany, Victor Alert, and real-world air defence.If you enjoy long-form, technical conversations with the people who flew the jets, subscribe and join the conversation.0:00 Intro teaser – O-Club tale2:32 Welcome Pinbag and episode outline4:25 Matthew’s subscriber question – smoky J79s8:03 Visual acquisition ranges8:45 Pinbag’s background and route to the Phantom (nav school and dreamsheets)23:30 Dual controls question26:28 Back to Holloman and dreamsheets35:00 Off to Holloman AFB38:32 Uniform standards – TAC style40:45 Mandatory formation – O-Club43:10 The “Green Door”45:15 Leaving Holloman46:17 Osan → Hahn → Nellis → Clark → Taegu → Lakenheath (after staff job)49:25 Learning from Red Baron reports (classified material?)51:25 TAC rules, callsigns, naming ceremonies, and the Doofer Book53:20 “Opinions are like assholes…”55:00 Fridays at the O-Club – bell rules and intro story1:01:00 McDill for the F-4 RTU – O-Club and games1:07:43 F-4 “of the day” – equipment fit, avionics, etc.1:15:01 Combat Tree1:21:20 Back to the RTU and a callsign story1:26:02 Through the training phases1:29:49 Back to day one1:36:32 Why the air-to-air preference?1:44:50 Navy terminology – tough for WSOs1:48:28 Nuclear strike?1:50:15 What was going on in TAC1:58:04 Pave Spike2:00:20 USAFE realignment, Ready Eagle, and DOC taskings2:06:30 Sparrow developments | — | ||||||
| 3/1/26 |  Could You Land an F-35B? Test Pilot Says Yes | Jif Paines | 10 Percent True | EP82ChaptersGet the full episode:https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listIn this episode, former RAF Harrier pilot and X-35B test pilot “Jif” Paines explains how the F-35B’s revolutionary STOVL flight control system was born.From early Harrier night attack operations to experimental fly-by-wire research on the VAAC Harrier, Jif traces the technical and philosophical battle that led to Unified Flight Control — the system that made the F-35B dramatically easier to fly.Along the way he discusses:• Auto-eject systems and pilot safety philosophy• The lift-fan mechanics behind the F-35B’s STOVL capability• The X-35 concept demonstrations and engineering decisions behind them• Why automation can “de-skill” pilots — and why that may be necessary• How test pilots and engineers negotiate control authority• And why automation forces a fundamental rethink of the human role in combat aviationThis conversation provides rare insight into test pilot culture, engineering decision-making, and the future of autonomous airpower.0:00 “A stupid question?”1:15 Welcome Jif1:38 Auto-eject subscriber question (Sedlo)4:24 Thanks to Super for the introduction4:48 Jif’s introduction11:40 Transferring TPS knowledge and skills to testing in the X-3514:00 What decisions had been made before joining the program?17:12 VAAC Harrier control laws and pilot resistance to the concepts being developed20:15 Unified Flight Control explained25:15 Engineering the “feel” for the pilot — reversion and safety features, de-skilling31:10 “A stupid question?”32:16 Integration of the control laws into the X-3534:19 Lift-fan dynamics and operating process37:00 Differences between flying the VAAC Harrier and the F-3538:10 STOVL initially implemented in Harrier style — why?40:22 Flying characteristics and aircraft feel43:16 Exciting?44:40 Transferring expertise to the X and F variants and defending Unified Flight Control49:40 The Farley climb53:50 The future of the pilot in military aviation57:30 Thanks Jif (please return!) | — | ||||||
| 2/27/26 |  Inside the Secret Barn: Restoring Britain’s First Mach 2 Jet | EE Lightning P1B | 10 Percent True | EP84 – Part 1In a secret barn in East Anglia, former RAF Lightning pilot Ian “Blackie” Black reveals the extraordinary story of the very first English Electric Lightning P1B — the first British aircraft to reach Mach 2.Built by English Electric and flown by Battle of Britain ace Roland Beamont, this hand-built prototype marked Britain’s leap into the supersonic age. Decades later, after museum life, near-scrapping, and years hidden away, the aircraft is being painstakingly restored — with plans to unveil it publicly for the first time in 30 years.Blackie shares Lightning combat stories, Cold War memories, flying with his father, and what it really felt like to strap into Britain’s only true Mach 2 fighter.This is about preserving heritage and history — one step at a time. | — | ||||||
| 2/20/26 |  How the Tornado Survived the Modern Battlefield | Luftwaffe Weapons School Insider | Mattes Kries 10 Percent True EP81 Part 2Former Luftwaffe Tornado IDS pilot and weapons school instructor Mattes Kries returns to break down how a Cold War–era strike aircraft was pushed far beyond its original design. From low-level nuclear strike doctrine to medium-altitude workarounds, “dumb” HARM employment, Red Flag and Nellis weapons school, and the arrival of TAURUS, this episode explores how crews compensated for limited kit with tactics, maths, and judgement. It’s a rare, insider look at German Tornado operations, weapons school culture, and the real cost of keeping legacy jets relevant.0:00 intro teaser 1:35 welcome back Mattes2:55 recognition of the “different breed”6:30 The state of tactics in the prevailing atmosphere and “fooling” the weapons computer (the value of a good weatherman)18:25 shortcomings distilled19:31 targeting and low to medium altitude…..24:15 and then with GPS27:27 reversion mode targeting feasibility 29:28 a sense among crews that Luftwaffe is lagging behind peers?34:16 why?37:50 squadron re-roll43:30 flying rates? 47:15 competency levels as a result? 53:30 losses57:42 weapons school1:08:45 how to counter a 4-ship of Eagles1:10:40 electronic attack systems 1:13:10 BFM phase1:19:00 bomb in face and other survival tactics1:21:12 HARM 1:26:08 upgrades incl datalink and Marineflieger cross pollination 1:31:50 intelligence, access to information on other platforms?1:39:18 instructing at the weapons school and lessons in leadership1:47:20 TAURUS1:53:00 opinions on Ukraine - SCALP assessment?1:58:33 low level2:07:05 Thank you Mattes! | — | ||||||
| 2/6/26 |  Before the Weapons School: The Making of a Tornado Pilot | Mattes Kries | 10 Percent True | EP81 – Part 1In this episode, Mattes Kries—a former Luftwaffe Tornado IDS pilot and weapons instructor—traces his career from a hard-won start in NATO jet training through frontline Tornado operations, weapons school, and senior tactics leadership. He explains how Germany’s Tornado force evolved from Cold War low-level nuclear strike toward conventional, medium-altitude employment; how lessons from U.S. and NATO exercises reshaped German tactics; and why culture, risk tolerance, and bureaucracy matter as much as hardware.Along the way, Mattes offers rare, candid insight into weapons school innovation, COMAO command without Link 16, live weapons integration, and the realities of training for combat in a force defined by safety-first constraints—grounded in vivid anecdotes and hard-earned lessons.Timestamps00:00 – The Greek instructor teaser01:58 – Welcome Mattes & Phil’s subscriber questions: inspiration and most exhilarating mission12:05 – Matthew’s subscriber question: history and pride in the modern Luftwaffe23:40 – Attachment to the past among today’s Luftwaffe personnel29:10 – Starting out in the Luftwaffe34:02 – F-4 ambitions—and why fate had other (good) ideas41:28 – T-37 challenges (and the Greek instructor)49:00 – Turning early struggles into long-term success51:15 – Arrival on the Tornado at Büchel56:40 – Tornado IDS: roles, weapons, and mission sets1:05:35 – SIOP and nuclear strike planning1:10:40 – The MW-1 weapon system1:20:19 – Why the MW-1 was never fitted for training—and the power of German accountants1:29:30 – Staying on the boom: tanker planning as a weapons school student1:35:08 – Avoiding the KC-135 by design?1:36:35 – Responding to Starbaby’s criticism of ECR capabilities vs decision-maker mindset1:54:25 – Part 2 incoming | — | ||||||
| 1/23/26 |  Why “Test Is Test” Gets Pilots Killed | Super Harris 10 Percent True EP80 P1In Part Two of this conversation, retired USAF Major General “Super” Harris moves from diagnosis to consequence, explaining how the erosion of developmental testing has already led to real-world accidents, wasted lives, and broken programmes. Drawing on his role as Air Force Test Center Commander, Harris dissects the Light Attack experiment, the fatal risks of mixing developmental and operational test, and why “test is test” is a dangerous fallacy. He contrasts government cost-plus failures with SpaceX’s self-funded test-to-failure model, explains how data—not rhetoric—keeps aircrew alive, and offers blunt assessments of programmes like KC-46, T-7, F-35, and the emerging F-47. The episode ends with a sober warning: great powers don’t usually fall from enemy action alone—they hollow themselves out by accepting broken systems as normal.0:00 intro teaser SpaceX failure a success2:55 welcome back Super and episode roadmap5:24 Revisiting the Light Attack “experiment” (See Starbaby Light Attack episode) the dangers of combined OT/DT 33:00 “Costs Plus” contracts (Starliner debacle vs SpaceX “successful failure”)41:40 IRAD (internal research and development) Holloman range story59:20 Minimum Viable Product - how “finished” does it have to be to commence DT1:02:11 the issue with in house testing 1:05:10 go have a banana? 😅1:05:35 bearing in mind the tribulations with T-7 & KC-46 - are all current programs similarly afflicted?1:15:04 tension between DT and OT?consequences thereof? 1:28:33 resigning from TPS1:42:10 light at the end of the tunnel?1:43:15 smaller company innovation - resistance to buyout? 1:46:50 government approach?1:49:35 the one guy in the marching band who is in step!1:51:50 briefly on F-351:54:50 Airbus Tankers/Foreign competition?1:59:40 F-47?2:08:25 Thanks Super, (please come back) | — | ||||||
| 1/9/26 |  "Just Send It" - The Cancer of Military Acquisition | Super Harris 10 Percent True EP80 P1In this wide-ranging and unvarnished conversation, retired USAF two-star General “Super” Harris explains how U.S. military acquisition and flight-test culture has changed since the end of the Cold War—and why he believes those changes are dangerous. Drawing on decades as an electronic warfare officer, developmental tester, squadron commander, and instructor at Test Pilot School, Harris lays out a four-stage framework charting the consolidation of defence contractors, the erosion of developmental and operational testing, the rise of concurrency, and today’s push toward “DevOps at the front line.” Using real examples—from the F-22’s infamous International Date Line failure to bomber weapons integration and modern naval systems—he argues that skipping test and accepting immature systems risks lives, credibility, and deterrence itself. It’s a candid, insider warning about how great powers lose their edge, and why testing still matters0:00 Support the channel0:37 Intro teaser4:09 Welcome back Super – framing the episode – Developmental/Operational testing today11:36 The Military Industrial Complex and Eisenhower’s mic drop15:42 the F-111 gone so EF-111 suffers by association – TPS graduate with nowhere to go! So B-1……23:57 black hats and white hats25:55 B-1 qualled but only there to “put the new thing on”28:12 SQN CDR highlights29:17 80 bomb load DT Graduation story (smiley face)34:21 flying a B-52 mission while watching Dr Strangelove39:22 win big – bad things happen….40:43 a litany of stupid (not all innovation is good)44:52 “the last supper” and its fallout (consolidation of corporations/contractors)50:07 the 4 stages (preview of coming attractions – intro teaser)58:22 who is “Col Nicholson”? – when ethics slide1:03:27 the right reasons….1:08:27 “acquisition reform” is not the problem1:14:52 FORD class failures – tail wags the dog – “the testers are the problem”1:20:04 Raptors, Deficiency Reports and across the date line to Kadena1:35:07 4Stars “wanting it so bad” (why hasn’t Steve seen A Christmas Story!)1:41:07 the “last” last question – the solution?1:46:57 previewing next episode | — | ||||||
| 12/24/25 |  “I Should Have Died Seven Times”: A Vietnam POW Tells His Story | Get Mike's book: https://amzn.eu/d/b2lcwQtGet ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listPig Penn, 10 Percent True Episode 79.In this extraordinary episode of 10 Percent True, Mike “Pig” Penn—US Navy A-7 Corsair II pilot, Iron Hand aviator, and Vietnam POW—walks through a life defined by combat, captivity, survival, and purpose. Pig recounts flying alpha strikes and Iron Hand missions over North Vietnam, dodging SAMs at night, being shot down near Hanoi in 1972, and surviving an ejection, capture, and eight months inside the Hanoi Hilton. He describes the brutal realities of captivity, the tap code, the psychological battle to retain hope, and the moment B-52 strikes signalled that the war—and his imprisonment—was nearing its end. The conversation then shifts to Pig’s post-war life: returning to flight, confronting PTSD and alcoholism, and ultimately finding a new mission—helping others survive their darkest moments. It’s a raw, unfiltered account of air combat, resilience, and why hope is not abstract, but essential to survival.0:33 intro teaser1:20 welcome “Pig” 2:55 ama question from Sedlo regarding Alpha Strikes6:18 Route to Naval Aviation and background 9:07 Training pipeline and experiences11:23 Buckeye at the boat14:50 Hope and Courage15:55 the reality of landing in the boat, scary, exhilarating?18:40 going into combat knowing a night trap awaits afterwards 20:33 The SLUF24:37 SAMS and dodging them30:37 Iron Hand32:53 finding SAMs and target prosecution by Shrike39:13 validating success? BDA? 40:33 any tactic change through experience - when iron hand turns into RESCAP43:08 psychological load? 45:08 shootdown49:21 on the ground and to the Hanoi Hilton53:23 cheating death54:03 coming to terms with initial stages of the ordeal56:33 any preconceptions/intel on the “Hilton” before arriving 58:23 initial phase at the Hilton1:02:33 Heartbreak hotel, making (unexpected) acquaintances, eventually starting to eat1:07:43 low down via tap code before leaving solitary and meeting fellow POWs1:10:19 why group you together?1:11:45 information flow, long sideburns and air raid drills preface December 18th (Linebacker II)1:19:53 mindgames and release order hang ups 1:21:58 release day story1:26:50 3 days in Clark and learning to sleep in a bed again1:28:06 to Travis AFB and reuniting with family and friends1:29:11 resentment? Return?1:32:17 flight gear on display in Hanoi1:32:43 what comes next? Returning to normality? Coming full circle on an incredible story. 1:35:58 F-4 orders turn sour so back to Lemoore and the A-7 RAG1:38:38 getting out and into Continental 1:38:45 meeting Kissinger 1:40:06 psychological and emotional journey and the genesis of the book - Hope and Courage1:47:48 meeting Marcus Luttrel and guesting on his podcast1:51:44 how to find Pig on tour/find out more1:53:03 philosophising on the experiences1:55:17 Share this please | — | ||||||
| 12/19/25 |  The AC-130 Spectre Gunship at War | Get ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list0:00 intro and welcome back Buck1:38 weapon school genesis and selection6:21 3 times through and a baby on board!7:57 standing up the school12:42 light grey snub comes full circle!16:17 fighting institutional resistance in AFSOC18:16 the value and the sanctity of the debrief19:16 bilat story - AFSOC resistance continued23:10 prefacing weapon effects videos and opening eyes on BDA29:23 continuing the development story (FARP mission), regaining lost skills32:08 a negative experience 33:28 a positive experience (Hind story)37:45 decompression after the WIC, follow on assignments before returning as commander including some good bad and ugly 47:45 the slow clap 3 star - how does someone fail their way to the top?51:14 AFSOC culture, question marks, continued tribalism? 55:51 working with spec-ops operators58:40 “taking Tonopah”1:01:50 protection from and integration of fast movers1:06:03 dates 1:06:50 weapons officers deployed and first combat?1:08:10 setting the stage1:10:25 early days of combat 1:12:55 mission story - briefing on a post it note1:22:05 taking stock and stopping counting1:23:55 accepting the risk of descending below cloud and being shot at? 1:24:58 debriefing and decompression 1:31:15 feedback from “customers” (operators)1:32:50 another mission story featuring close calls, pointed feedback and subsequent fallout1:50:10 summarising the aftermath of the mission - and the greatest feedback1:54:10 the investigative perspective?1:57:50 need to be pragmatic in the face of AF “integrity”?1:59:52 pre-visualisation vs “just send it” 2:02:30 trying to mitigate operator dismay at refusal to engage2:05:47 other coalition partners - working with Brits?2:07:54 liaison/exchange?2:09:20 2nd DFC?2:09:50 Air Commando Hall of Fame2:13:18 reviewing more video clips2:25:20 the boat one!2:30:20 Phantom lovers avert your eyes2:32:02 funny mission story (the Padré)2:37:20 changes and the future of gunship2:44:14 letting go difficult?2:48:05 potentially another episode and wrapping up | — | ||||||
| 12/5/25 |  Inside the AC-130 Gunship - Capabilities, Employment and Weapons | Get ad-free, early access to new 10 Percent True videos: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/list0:00 Support the channel0:33 welcome back Buck and episode outline2:59 an appeal and a thank you 5:28 AMA (Jim’s) question - division of labour among crew 10:43 Maintaining SA once engaged 13:20 journey to the Air Force and route to the Gunship17:10 route to AFSOC20:08 any lack of fulfilment having missed out on fighters?24:00 getting into AC-130 and history of the aircraft 26:31 getting mission qualified 30:43 explaining the orbit (and the finer details thereof) and managing the gun platform 35:51 details up front, HUD (geeks rejoice!)43:20 H model51:23 funny story time!53:23 returning to description including sensors, countermeasures, removal of M61s, getting “shovel qualified” and the smell of ‘Murica!1:01:36 Black Crow sensor1:03:28 40mm1:04:18 APQ-45 1:05:33 U model differences1:08:08 refuelling port and some refuelling tales and tanker bros1:11:53 shooting the guns - in detail1:19:44 aircraft movement from recoil?1:21:03 stories for perspective 1:26:08 Responsibility of satisfying ROE1:27:13 weapon effects, weapon selection etc1:29:43 shooting a Phantom story1:32:38 returning to the “crowd pleaser” (105) and teasing the “smiley face”1:35:43 permissive vs non permissive environments 1:41:45 theatre tasking/focus/knowledge?1:44:38 massive teaser and reminder for air to air story!1:45:45 handling qualities and eng fire tale1:52:45 no notice checkrides1:53:58 2 engines out on one side?2:00:21 the mission and the dangers2:01:48 returning to double engine failures2:04:03 130H instruments and elective engine shutdowns2:06:08 gear feather flap debriefing and debriefing in general2:10:05 wrap up | — | ||||||
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