F-16 and Gripen are the favorites for sending NATO jets to Ukraine. Which aircraft is more realistic and feasible right now? Let's discuss both, from the number of available aircraft, the political will and the military requirements for the sender. Why is it so difficult for any country in Europe to send jets?
2023-05-31 19:43:05 +0000 UTC View Post
There are many myths on Japanese pilots and the use of air power in the Pacific. From sending pilots on senseless missions, over to not giving them parachutes or protecting the aircraft, listen to my chat with Michael Claringbould on the myths and realities for Japanese pilots of WW2. Michael Claringbould is an expert on Japanese aviation and the South Pacific, focusing largely on the time frame of 1942-1943.
- please note that this was recorded many moons ago but for complex reasons is only published now
2023-05-18 13:31:12 +0000 UTC View Post
During 1942 the Luftwaffe was tasked to find ways to halt the increasing tank threat on the Eastern Front. One such experiment ended in the Junkers Ju 88 receiving a Pak 40 75mm (7.5cm) anti-tank gun. It caused lots of damage but only to one side. Enjoy your early access and let me know what you think!
Discount codes:
This video is sponsored by my partners Thrustmaster. Looking to get into flight siming or upgrading your kit, from May 4-11, 2023 you can get 15% off with my exclusive discount code "MAH15"!
Link eShop US/CA : https://eshop.thrustmaster.com/en_us/military-aviation-history.html
Link eShop Europe : https://shop.thrustmaster.com/en_ie/military-aviation-history.html
Included are:
Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder Pedals,
Hotas Warthog,
Hotas Warthog Flight Stick,
Hotas Warthog Dual Throttle,
F/A 18C Add-on,
F16C Viper add-on,
Hotas Magnetic base,
MFD Cougar,
Thrustmaster Flight Rudder Pedals,
T.Flight US Air Force Edition,
T.Flight US Air Force DTS Edition,
T16000M FCS Hotas.
Big thank you to all of you submitting great questions for my Q&A with Calum Douglas. If you want to catch up on the +2h long conversation, here is the link.
2023-04-30 12:29:07 +0000 UTC View Post
Short and sweet reminder for the livestream with Calum Douglas, author of The Secret Horsepower race, happening on Saturday 29th April ! Pre-submit your questions here by commenting on the post.
Reminder of what it’s all abouthttps://www.patreon.com/posts/80918521?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
If you already submitted a question, no need to resubmit. You can ask new ones though!)
2023-04-23 15:52:21 +0000 UTC View Post
A new early access video for all of you! The Fiat G.91 is a hidden gem of the early Cold War period but it's story, inspired through a quite rational NATO standardization program, is one of delays, compromises and ultimately falling far short of the initial exceptions. Shame really, it was a good plane. Find out more in this video!
Important: Discord Access
- To those that have Discord Access but can not see anything on the server. Please relink Discord to Patreon. The issue seems to have popped up on a recent Patreon billing cycle and I don't know why. However, relinking it has been confirmed to work! Hope to see you there again soon.
2023-04-16 19:39:14 +0000 UTC View Post
Towards the end of April I will be hosting Calum Douglas, author of The Secret Horsepower Race, in a live streamed Q&A. If you have burning questions on WW2 areo-engines, presubmit them here ahead of everyone else!
P.S see the pictures for a Table of Contents and Index if you want inspiration and an overall idea of the books content.
2023-04-02 10:03:30 +0000 UTC View Post
Strategic bombing to win a war doesn’t work, we’ve figured this out after about 50years of trying to make it work (arguably longer but that's another story...). Whether the United States Air Force (USAF), the Royal Air Force (RAF) or many other Air Forces, strategic bombing was advertised as a war winning mission. However, behind this mission there was the desire to establish independence from the Army and Navy and decision-makers often interpreted reality to suit their needs. Join me as I dive deep into a story about independence, perceptions and technical and tactical innovation in air force history.
This video is sponsored by my friends of the United States Naval Institute Press. You can get 25% OFF their entire book collection if you use the code MILAVHIS.
Link: https://www.usni.org/press/books
My reading list:https://www.usni.org/press/books?f%5B0%5D=subject%3A1959
Has anyone checked the calendar? Well I did and noticed, it's about to be the 1 year anniversary for the Stukabook! To be exact, it will be 1 year tomorrow March 16, but lets leave the German pedanticness aside and focus on the important thing: one year ago we signed off on the final manuscript for the book and now it is time to celebrate!
From today March 15 to March 20 we have 25% off* the Stukabook if you order straight from this link: http://stukabook.com
(*19% in Canada, sorry that's a limitation of the printer...)
If you don't have the book yet or are aiming to get one for friends and family, now is the best moment to do so!
In related news, a new early access video is here. Hope all of you enjoy. I use part of the data from the Stukabook to answer the question: How accurate was the Ju 87 really? The answer might surprise you!
Ok, that's an overused cliffhanger but let's make this an interactive experience. How about you let me know in the comments the maximum distance in meters/feet you think a pilot had to be from a target with his bombs, and what his average distance was to be. Then compare that to the numbers in the video!
Big thank you for all the support
Chris
It's come to my attention yesterday that the Discord integration with Patreon is no longer working as intended. Because of this, some of you were removed from the server automatically by the system. Apologies for this, it's has been working until this moment in time.
As far as I can figure out, the error must have started earlier this month with some of you losing access. I've looked at the issue and can not figure out the what is causing it. It may have to do with your subscription not being rolled into March. Please check that the billing info is up-to-date. Especially if you had a yearly subscription before and changed to monthly one, that may have caused an issue with the system.
If you where on the server before and suddenly don't have access, please comment here or send me a DM. You've not been removed manually, it was the system. Please also check that the automatic Discord-Patreon link is set up and that there have been no changes. It is possible that resetting it may work but that is a guess on my part for now e.g. the good old 'did-you-turn-it-off-and-on-again' trick.
For Discord-Patreon setup, look here: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-gb/articles/212052266-How-do-I-connect-Discord-to-Patreon-Patron-
Best
Chris
You ready for some quadruple delta? Ok, not quite but I do have two double deltas for your viewing pleasure. Follow these links to:
Big thank you to all of you supporters for making ITC happen!
Also, remember you still have access to two more videos in early access. These are on Vimeo:
Let me know what you think!
Chris
Soon I will be sending you the early access to the Inside The Cockpit episode of Viggen and Draken but before I do this, a little sneakpeak to give you a teaser of what you will soon see in full....it's all part of a sneaky plan to build up some hype, you see. Let me know if I was successful or not :)
Sneakpeak - Viggen: https://youtu.be/DHa-Urcvv0M
Sneakpeak - Draken: https://youtu.be/c8XLVEix34o
The full videos are great! Really excited to share them soon.
2023-02-27 12:31:56 +0000 UTC View Post
Oh snap, two posts today? Yes, but it is for a good reason because a new video is ready!
It has been one year since the fighting escalated in Ukraine with a large-scale Russian invasion. Join me as I look back at the last 360-odd days and analyze the air war.
I am adding free welcome gifts to Patreon supporters. Oh, what is that you say? You are already a member? Well double the reason that you should get it too. Check it out below.
This time it is a WW2 German aircraft recognition manual ...yes, it is declassified :)
Get it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qnd3yAmBxOTH939czb4gfnpgHcBBMkLR/view
Also this is all hush hush, it's exclusive to you after all ;)
2023-02-22 21:17:36 +0000 UTC View Post
Good news, the early access to the newest episode I teased yesterday (well teased is a big word, I said that early access was unlikely...) is up! Thanks for your understanding on the delay. This is a really good video in my opinion, as you get to hear directly from a drone operator in Ukraine of how he uses first-person view googles (think virtual reality but real) to steer small DIY drones into lightly armored vehicles. It is very to the point and frank, do check it out!
2023-02-16 11:07:11 +0000 UTC View Post
First off, big thank you for your contribution to the feedback poll here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/78171671 It was very helpful and I will respond to the latest comments just after posting this!
Second, there will most likely not be an early access to the next video coming out on Thursday 16th Feb. If there is, it's only a few hours. The reason is that it's a very special cooperation with a military unit that may or may not be situated in Ukraine and I am still waiting for final details on something important. It is a video that I believe is an absolute must watch so I had hoped to get it out to you as soon as possible - but alas it is complicated.
Apologies for this, early access will return with all other future videos. Remember, there are still plenty to watch here ahead of everyone else: https://www.patreon.com/posts/early-access-77859047
It’s the start of the year (sorta) which means that it is time for my usual question. Same procedure as last year, you may say. My question to you: What can I do better?
I provided some general polling options here. They are kept ‘meta’ for a reason, please feel free to add comments with ideas, feedback or anything you know you want to see. In fact, I highly appreciate as many comments (and as long) as you can provide. These can be linked to the poll, with additional detail to your answer, or something completely different.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
2023-02-07 16:59:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hypersonic missiles - Fast? Yes. Dangerous? Yes. Worthy of all the hype? That’s for you to decide with my newest video out in early access now. I delve into the basics and nuances of this ‘new-but-not-strictly-new’ system to give you a full overview of what Hypersonics' are all about.
Thank you for all the support!
2023-02-03 12:39:35 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey! I am (re-)linking a bunch of videos that are currently in Early Access here. The reason is bureaucratic and I'll spare you the details but for future reference:
The simulator video with the JAS 39 Gripen E cockpit is linked above.
Early Access videos through the MAHxFASI partnership are here:
Best,
Chris
Two new videos for you to enjoy and they are kickers! As mentioned on the tail-end of '22, I was over in Sweden to film for Inside the Cockpit and I also got an invite by Saab. Saab? The folks behind the Gripen, Viggen, Draken and more funky Swedish jets? Yes, that Saab!
So while I, or rather Josh, (my editor for Inside The Cockpit) is finalizing the Inside The Cockpits for: Viggen, Draken, Lansen, Tunnan, B 18, J 21, Ju 86 - yes, it's a lot - here are two more videos for your viewing pleasure.
First up an Inside The Cockpit* on JAS 39 Gripen. Why the *? Well, we can't get into the cockpit because the plane is in service and any camera going beyond a <90° angle on the exterior will cause any security personnel (and dog) within 2 miles to run at me. The sensible option then is make up for it with a simulator. But no ordinary simulator - no, this is the real one they teach pilots on. What are you waiting for, enjoy the videos :)
Inside The Cockpit* - JAS 39 Gripen: https://youtu.be/X0PAO3fKCUk
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen ranks among the most modern and capable fighter jets out there. This fighter is the cornerstone of the Swedish Air Force (Svenska flygvapnet) and flies with the Czech , Hungarian, South Africa, Thai, and Brazilian air force in either the Gripen C or Gripen NG variant. join me as I take a closer look at a Gripen C/D and keep your eyes peeled for that Gripen E simulator video!
Flying a military fighter - JAS 39 Gripen E: https://youtu.be/4QVIMD3DA7I
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E is one of the most modern and capable fighter jets out there. Join me as I jump into the virtual cockpit of a Gripen E, fly some missions, shoot some BVR and IR missiles and engage in a medieval gunfight. While my shooting leaves much desired, I think I did well for my first sortie in this magnificent Thunderbird.
Let me know your feedback and big thank you for making this content possible. These trips are fully funded by you as a channel supporter!
Chris
Canada is buying the F-35. For real this time. After about 24y of being a Tier 2 partner of the Joint Strike Fighter Program (JSF), the Lockheed Martin produced 5th generation fighter finds itself in the hands of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). In the selection saga, it went from a single choice to a competition format with interim solutions of Hornet and Super Hornet in the mix, over to a final stand-off against Saab Gripen. Join Chris as he talks to Richard Shimooka from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) about two decades of political twists and turns.
Remember, more early access videos are available (The FASI partnership is currently set to YT members since last week but will be migrated over to most likely Vimeo for Patreon early access purposes):
The Arctic goes hot: Chances for escalation https://youtu.be/JlxiDYPaywY [FASI]
Heads in sand? Why Western Air Power is so SLOW to changehttps://youtu.be/deibquob5bA [FASI]
Air Power: What MUST change? Spreadsheet logic vs Resilience https://youtu.be/8fLBK-hGmcs [FASI]
Why the Russian Air Industry is Kaput: https://youtu.be/Rfw36TxC2Ks
Looking forward to your comments!
Chris
Ok, I got to admit...it's not a 'Christmasy' subject but the video is done, so it goes into early access. In this video, I look at the German rearmament process and the lack of progress on procuring ammunition for the Bundeswehr to use. Although €100bn have been set aside to get the German Armed Forces to their nominal strength, estimates assume that up to €20bn are required just to be in line with NATO stockpile guidelines. It's a monumental task, so let me take you through the current developments.
Since today is the 24th December, it's Christmas where I am from. Merry Christmas (and regional equivalent) to you all, have a fantastic holiday, and a successful start into 2023! Thank you so much for the support!
P.S.: Remember, there are a whole bunch of videos still in early access for your viewing pleasure! Amongst them are:
How Ukraine took Drones to the Next Level https://youtu.be/Yl3V2nEb1ck
The Arctic goes hot: Chances for escalation https://youtu.be/JlxiDYPaywY
Heads in sand? Why Western Air Power is so SLOW to changehttps://youtu.be/deibquob5bA
Air Power: What MUST change? Spreadsheet logic vs Resilience https://youtu.be/8fLBK-hGmcs
Why the Russian Air Industry is Kaput: https://youtu.be/Rfw36TxC2Ks
All the best Chris
2022-12-24 18:46:06 +0000 UTC View Post
"Another F-35 crash, how many is that now"? If you are wondering about that question, look no further than this video. Join me as I go through the accident and mishap data from USAF to figure out if F-35 really does have a lot of major accidents (Class A/B) or if this might just be a case of availability heuristics!
Let me know your feedback, thank you for the support!
2022-12-20 17:07:13 +0000 UTC View Post
First off, big announcement! I partnered up with the Freeman Air and Space Institute (FASI) of King's College London (KCL): https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/freeman-air-and-space-institute
FASI was established in 2020 and is part of the School of Security Studies, KCL. Its aim is to provide independent and original research and analysis of air and space power issues, which makes it a perfect fit for a collaborative effort. The partnership revolves around me interviewing their experts and reach out via their wider research portfolio. The benefit for you getting content on the newest developments and research on air and space as the conversations are happening.
I am really proud of making this happen. I've been teasing in the summer that a few opportunities have arisen and this was/is one of them. After months in the work, here we are! Big thank you for your patience and support over all this time, this success in being able to partner with FASI is in no small part due to me being able to do this work thanks to you! Being partnered to FASI is a fantastic opportunity and super exciting for me. I might even venture to say that now I am one of the very few channels on YT that has a partnership with a university.
Full disclosure: Though FASI has agreed to cover the editing costs of the videos, it is a non-profit partnership and I receive no remuneration for this beyond covering the production cost of the video. Nor do I want it. The aim is to provide you with the best content on military aviation on YouTube and to get more people in touch with it.
To start this off with a bang, here are already four videos for your viewing pleasure ahead of everyone else!
How Ukraine took Drones to the Next Level https://youtu.be/Yl3V2nEb1ck
The Arctic goes hot: Chances for escalation https://youtu.be/JlxiDYPaywY
Heads in sand? Why Western Air Power is so SLOW to changehttps://youtu.be/deibquob5bA
Air Power: What MUST change? Spreadsheet logic vs Resilience https://youtu.be/8fLBK-hGmcs
Hope you enjoy and let me know your thoughts!
Chris
Can the A-10 GAU-8 penetrate tanks? Well, thankfully there is plenty of testing data available so let's have a closer look! This video also includes comments by a real A-10 pilot for some added content and information. Hope you enjoy!
This video is sponsored by my new partners Thrustmaster. As a new 'brand ambassador' (apparently this is now a snazzy new title I am to use), I am going to regularly release new videos including discount codes for their flight simulation products.
Between December 8-11, you can get 15% OFF with the code MAH15 on the HOTAS Warthog (or the individual stick and throttle), the Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder pedals, and the F-16C Viper stick. If you are in the market for a flight simming upgrade for XMAS, check it out!
Eshop Europe: https://shop.thrustmaster.com/en_gb/limited-offers.html
EShop US: https://bit.ly/3uhjKDL
Note: Europe link seems not to work, I asked them to investigate. Will edit when I get a response.
Is Russia winning the Air War? Why Ukraine needs NATO
https://youtu.be/Lot6i8bqvpw
Air Defense is playing a crucial role in Ukraine in preventing deep incursions by the Russian Air Force. Join me as I talk to Justin Bronk (RUSI) about the current air war, the need for NATO air defense and the opportunities of switching over to a western fighter jet.
Inside The Cockpit - Short Sunderland
https://youtu.be/nEOnl6Xa0iM
Join me for an absolute exclusive, the inside of a Short Sunderland. This one at the RAF Museum was never filmed before!
For the promised links, consult this on the Australian Archive website:
and this on the H2S ASV Mk. II (PDF)
2022-11-30 20:19:12 +0000 UTC View Post
Here it is, the next episode! This time I will have an in-depth look at why the Schweinfurt raids (and the associated disaster leading to the loss of +140 bombers) was inevitable. I will take a look at the shaping and development of US Army Air Corps (then Army Air Force) doctrine and how this caused a path-dependency on to Schweinfurt.
This video is also sponsored by the Naval Institute Press - with the customary exclusive 25% discount on their whole book line with the code MILAVHIS at https://www.usni.org/press/books
2022-11-23 21:46:34 +0000 UTC View Post
Amongst the planes that could potentially help Ukraine, the F-16 and Gripen are the most discussed. Let's talk a bit what it means to get either of them to Ukraine.
Attached in this video is a mini-update about my recent filming and study trip to Sweden. These are funded by you as a Patreon so I am very happy to say that it was a full on success! It was very doubtful when this would happen because of the organizational challenges and then suddenly it went all really fast (like..barely two weeks notice to sort schedule, preliminary research, flights etc). In fact it went so fast that I barely had a chance to update all of you. In Sweden I filmed about 10 Inside The Cockpits and a bunch of other stuff (incl. some really exciting stuff at Saab), so look out for that in the future. A more complete update on this will be posted once I was able to consolidate all the work we (my camera man and I) have done.
Chris
2022-11-16 22:13:46 +0000 UTC View Post
Two new videos for your early access viewing pleasure! In these I speak to independent analyst Stanimir Dobrev who previous to the Russian invasion of Ukraine pointed out major problems in the Russian armed forces in his article - Dwarfing the Giant: The Reality of Russia’s Military. In the first video we talk about persistent problems and improvements in the Russian Air Force (or rather, aerospace Forces VKS), while in the second one we switch it around to the industry. Hope you enjoy!
Whether Air, Land, Sea, we always hear about Russia's new prototypes. Join Chris as he talks to independent analyst Stanimir Dobrev on why Russia's prototypes like the Su-57 don't matter as long as other issues continue to handicap the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
The Russian Air Industry keeps (or kept) on pushing new concepts and prototypes, but what do we find below the the public bling-bling? Join Chris as he talks to independent analyst Stanimir Dobrev on the state of the Russian air industry.
Thank you for the support, I am now off to Sweden to film Inside The Cockpit for all of you!
Chris
Hey! Inside The Cockpit is back so let us start it out with a bang, the Buccaneer! Jump on board this fast and dangerous Cold War classic, a plane where flying at over 100ft was considered close to heresy - ok, I exaggerate but it's not that far off ;)
Also, I have exciting news: I am happy to announce that I have found a cameraman/video editor for Inside The Cockpit! What's the big deal you ask, surely that's nothing special! Well, it is for me - I've been doing all by myself so far. Previous attempts to get someone to help out were difficult, as the niche content was difficult to work with (e.g. imagine I talk about the leading edge and suddenly you see footage of the gear...). Anyway, I've been working with 'Josh' for some time now, and it seems to work really well. He is going to be shooting and editing Inside The Cockpits in the future (this one was his first), it's a learning process so if you see minor rough edges for a few episodes, just close that eagle eye of yours - but feel free to give constructive feedback :)
Thank you for the support!
Chris