MilAvHistory

Early Access: Developing an Aircraft To Combat the Vietcong

When America went to war in Vietnam, it didn't just send Skyraiders for Close Air Support against the Vietcong in counter-insurgency (COIN)  operations. A fully fledged counter-insurgency program was launched  which included the development of a new aircraft: the OV-10 Bronco. At  least before the priorities shifted again.

Hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you thought about it!

Early Access: Russian Cruise Missile Bombardment in Ukraine

New video in early access: Given the recent (October '22) intensive bombardment of Ukraine by Russian cruise missiles, Dr. Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services  Institute joins me as we talk about the use and employment of cruise missiles, and what NATO can learn from this.

Hope you enjoy,
Chris

Early Access x2: MANPADS and Drones

Two new videos in Early Access!

Drones: Proliferation, Effectiveness, and Media Hype
> https://youtu.be/d4M1AUhSgFg
"Drones" in their aerial form (UAV, RPA and UCAV) have featured prominently in past and present conflicts and wars. With their employment came a veritable media hype. But not everything said about "drones" stands, once placed into context. In this video, I explore the benefits and limits of using UAVs and RPAs in conflict zones, and  explain why they differ from UCAVs.

MANPADS: Detailed Look At The Most Cost-Effective Air Defense
> https://youtu.be/yArJ-tH06d0
MANPADS (Man-portable Air Defense Systems) are amongst the most respectable and cost-effective air defense systems out there. Although simple in comparison to the more impressive long-range systems, the versatility and pop-up threat posed by MANPADS makes them a special  threat to pilots.

Hope you enjoy, looking forward to your feedback and thanky ou for the support. Remember to also check the earlier post for additional videos that are still in early access!

Best
Chris

Sneakpeak: Inside The Cockpit - Buccaneer

Last Monday I filmed at the fantastic RAF Museum in London, including a full tour of the Short Sunderland and the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer. While those are in editing, I thought it would be cool to give you an early look!

Early Access x4 - Lots of stuff to watch

Hey,

I hinted at a big drop for early access in the last update(s?) so here it is: four videos for you to enjoy and watch in your own time.

Video 1: The Rise and Fall of the Luftwaffe https://youtu.be/0tztf8VGyQw
Filmed at the WHW Fest, in this video Jens Wehner (Curator of the Military History Museum Dresden) and I talk about WW2 and the Luftwaffe. We talk about doctrine, tactical innovation, and what it did well, and what it didn't do well. Hope you enjoy!

Video 2: T-34: The Unlikely Story of How We Got a Ridehttps://youtu.be/baXbWdGQqms
Yes, it's more of a vlog but after about 400+ (or more) videos on my channel, I guess there is a first for everything. This video really is a thank you to all the supporters of the crowdfunder campaign that made the publishing of our third book possible! 

Video 3: Idiot's Guide to the T-34 https://youtu.be/oUzqK-58Xo8
Aircraft are my first and only love but when I ran into Francis Pulham, a T-34 expert at WHW Fest and he proceeded to give me a tour of a working and running T-34, I decided that this is the best time to ask some naive questions about metal boxes (or 'tanks' as some people insist on calling them...). Perhaps I am not the only one who learned a thing or two?

Video 4: T-34 versus Stuka https://youtu.be/BGUUpGEdmcM
To round it off, lets get that AV focus back on - Francis (see above) and me chat about the theory and reality of using Luftwaffe 'tank busters' against Soviet armor, while interacting with a T-34.

Hope you enjoy the 'mega'-early access drop!

Chris

Early Access: Why Germany Pays $240million for F-35

Now in early access! Germany's odyssey to replace Tornado is nearly over. Recently, the German government announced that it intends to buy 35 F-35s to replace the venerable Panavia jet, therefore maintaining nuclear sharing with NATO. 

While this was only a moderate surprise, after all F-35 became to only viable choice as Germany had waited waaaaay to long to get the SH/Growler package (like 10y ago would have been a good time...), the deal is now nearing completion with a US DSCA press release. It's going to cost Germany an estimated $8.4bn, that's $240m per F-35!

That might appear excessive but once you look at it more closely, the price breaks down into acquisition, set-up and sustainment costs. Let's have a closer look!

August Update: What a time to be alive

The time has come! After months of difficulties in setting up a new Inside the Cockpit filming date, in a few weeks I shall be filming new episodes! Also, 4, yes, 4! videos hitting early access very soon! This will be quite the update :)

• Inside the Cockpit

I can not wait to sit inside another collection of fantastic aircraft and film them just for you! Coming up are the HS Buccaneer S2B and the Short Sunderland 5. I've been given exclusive access to the top deck 'flight deck' of a Sunderland that is usually not accessible for the public and I will make the most of it for all of you. If you have any questions or ideas for videos on those aircraft, let me know!

• Quadruple Early Access 

Recently I gave a one hour long talk at the We Have Ways Fest about the Luftwaffe. This session was recorded, and will be available in early access soon. But hold up, that's not all as with the help of my buddy Bernhard Kast (Military History Visualized) I recorded another three videos! 

Two are conversations with Francis Pulham, author of T-34 Shock. What might I be talking about with a tank expert? Good question, thanks for that lay-up, here comes the slam dunk: First off, we talked about the danger of LW aircraft against Soviet armor, contrasting theory with reality. Then, Francis gave me a tour (in a sperate video) on the T-34, patiently answering some really naive questions on my part. And finally, we got a ride in that tank. Yes, you read that right. And yes, we recorded it - it is going to be part of a very special thank you video to all of you and those that supported our crowdfunding campaign on the Stuka book. Frankly, we wouldn't have gotten that ride without the book in my mind, as curious as that sounds. 

• Stukabook

Talking about the Stukabook, it is now publicly available! If you want another copy (to gift away?), or know people that might want to get one, check out these links. If you already have a copy, please leave a review on Amazon and/or Lulu and let people know what you thought about it!

- Main link http://www.stukabook.com/

- Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/STUKA-Doctrine-Dive-Bomber-Christoph-Bergs/dp/1915453054/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659688212&sr=1-13

- Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/STUKA-Doctrine-Dive-Bomber-Christoph-Bergs/dp/1915453054/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1659688212&sr=1-13

Thank you, more news soon!
Chris

Early Access x2: Operation Varsity and C-46 Commando

Here they are, two new videos as promised!

Operation Varsity - Perfectly Planned but Completely Unnecessary?

In the first video, I give an overview of Operation Varsity. I talk about how previous experience in airborne operations was taken on board to improve this attack, what actually happened as the Allied transporters reached the drop zone, and how the casualties in the end set of a debate whether this operation was actually required. Yes, I packed all of that into one sentence - my German side is showing.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/L0tu4WiG34U
(Public release: 28th July 2022)

In Defense of a Deathtrap: C-46 Commando

After that, why not treat yourself to some more controversy?! The C-46 Commando was pushed into Operation Varsity with high hopes, only to suffer horrendous casualties. I talk a little bit more about the plane, its flaws but also why it was so integral to the planning! 

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/tOL9efdOJEM
(Public release: TBC)

Hope you enjoy! Looking forward to your feedback,
Chris

July update: The Big one

Yup, 2022 is already half done. Time has that habit of creeping up, hitting the afterburner, and then just blazing past. High time for another production update then. 

Not gonna lie, July has been rough. Not in the 'one-bad-thing-after-the-other' kind of rough. More the 'I wonder at what point I can just sit down and plan Q3/Q4' kind of rough. One project has been chasing the next, and it is high time to consolidate a bit. Hopefully soon. In the meantime, here are some news for Inside the Cockpit (finally!), a big mystery project (watch this space), and upcoming videos that I can already talk about.

• We Have Ways Fest

If you are coming to the We Have Ways Fest near Bicester, UK this weekend, come say hey when you see me. I will be giving a talk on Saturday 1pm about the Luftwaffe so that would also be a great moment to meet up.

• Stukabook

Public release will be in August.

• In early access soon:

Two videos will be completed by Monday. Actually, they are already 'done', I just need to do one correction pass on editing mistakes and then add some animations my buddies over at Realtime History will send me. That means on Tuesday at the latest, you will get early access to:

- Operation Varsity: The Greatest Unnecessary Airborne Operation?
- In Defense of a Deathtrap: C-46 Commando 

The first video will explore the airborne operation of Operation Varsity in March '45, talk about the improvements to this operation compared to Operation Husky, the D-Day landings, and Market Garden. It will also delve into some of the controversies surrounding the need for this operation, and the use of the C-46 Commando. The second video is an extension of the former and a more detailed lock at the Commando. It will be released later this year, except for you supporters of course who will have access immediately. 

Both videos are collaborative with Realtime History who I have worked with before on their 16 Days of Berlin and Rhineland '45 documentary series.

• Inside The Cockpit

It is very likely that in August, I can finally revive my Inside the cockpit series with two very special candidates. The Short Sunderland and the Blackburn Buccaneer. Filming should take place by mid August, so an update will come around that time.

• Big mystery project

A three-part mystery project is currently 33% done. It is a collaborative effort with another institution/company so superstitious me doesn't want to drop names just yet. The cautious German side that shies away from big announcements wins once more. But you will be the first to know once everything is prepared. Watch this space, this is big!

• Upcoming videos

Currently three more videos for the near future are planned. Next to the big mystery project (2-3 videos), this will include a video about:

- a pilots worst enemy: MANPADS,
- the Japanese air offensive in later 1941-early 1942 in Malaya and the Philippines,
- F-15EX or F-16 vs A-10 during Desert Storm (both tentative).

I have also four interviews already done that just need to be edited together. These include two on the South Pacific theatre during World War II, and two about the Russian Air Force in the 21st Century.

• PhD

I hesitate to add these things to the production updates as I assume most of you don't really care, hah - but for those that have been following it (thank you for the supportive messages!), I have a big deadline end of the month. It is still +1y of work but the approaching submission is quite crucial so naturally that ties me in a bit as well.

---

Right, that be that! Again, massive thank you to you for supporting the channel and my work. It does mean a lot, especially in busy times like this, to know that my videos and channel is being appreciated and that so many support it so actively!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best.
Chris

Early Access: Learning from Ukraine

After the flurry of videos on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, I held off from publishing more on it. Basically, I felt that except for smaller tactical events, there was relatively little to say about the air domain. 

With the conflict moving through various phases however, I felt it was high time to reflect on what has been going on. Hence, I invited Justin Bronk from RUSI for a chat. He's been a semi-regular since summer last year and in this video, which is now in Early Access with a temporary-not-yet-final-thumbnail (as you can see), we chat about what has been going on regarding air strikes, 'drones' and what NATO should learn from this conflict!

I hope you enjoy :)

Chris

June Update: Upcoming videos and perk changes

Record breaking temperatures, long evenings, everyone under the sun running off to the beaches… welp, that must mean summer is here. Hopefully all is good with you as we are about half-way through 2022. Now, what’s new with the channel.

A lot of things actually, but while I am excited to talk about it, I can’t really share that much information *just* yet. Unlike a certain Teutonic government right now, I don’t like making announcements before everything is confirmed after all. However, there are a few things I can share and that will give you a good idea of where things are headed.

• Interview with Michael Claringbould

I recorded two interviews with Michael Claringbould, author over at Avonmore books, on the South Pacific theater and Japanese aviation up to end of 1943. These videos will trickle into the channel over the coming months and I think a lot of you will enjoy them. Michael, who can read Japanese, is a notable historian who has done a lot of work in this field. His books have helped to shed light on the more poorly understood elements of Japanese aviation during this time and have definitely helped to move beyond the ‘western’ centric analysis of the theater (as sadly also preciously few Japanese historians have texts translated into English).

• Interview with F-35 pilot

It was recorded a week ago and I asked a bunch of your questions as well! This interview will most likely be published after the main ‘Stealth’ aircraft video coming ETA July (ups, was I supposed to mention that one…?). Thank you for submitting questions, we had a hard stop and some questions couldn’t be answered but I know that it will be a fun talk to listen to.

• Changes to Patreon perks

As the community grows with the channel, I felt that reshuffling the perks would do us some good to make sure that we have more opportunities to connect. As such, the current perks are being changed in a way that is to everyone’s advantage. In sum this means:

- AvGeek level: Gain the regular voice-meet up on Discord.

- Enthusiast level: Gains Discord access (make sure to link Discord to Patreon, see the how to guide here: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212052266-How-do-I-connect-Discord-to-Patreon-Patron-).

- Supporter level: Gains Early Access

These changes are being made now and if you are an AvGeek OR Enthusiast and have already linked Discord to Patreon before, you might have noticed that you are already on the server.

• PhD update

Sometimes I get questions from you about the status of my PhD. I don’t often talk about it but as a quick update, I am on the final stretch now (though I am still, by protocol, +1 year to completion) and do have to invest significant time into it. It is tough and I just want to be done with it already. A lot of the time I’d like to invest in the channel is currently flowing into the PhD (hence the slightly less frequent updates and videos) but it will be worth it in the end. Now it’s just a question of prepping for turbulence and push it into afterburner!

Picture: DoD - JTACs in Adazi (Latvia) by Staff Sgt. Jimmie Pike

Early Access: Why Airpower FAILED (Until Desert Storm)

I recently read 'Airpower Reborn' by John A. Olsen from my partnered publisher the Naval Institute Press (U.S: Naval Institute). In it multiple authors write about the transition in Air Doctrine from the strategic bomber focus born in the 1920s, that remained prominent (esp. in the US) until the Vietnam War, which caused a complete revamp of airpower theory culminating in the success Coalition forces experienced during Desert Storm. This really hit home with me, as I've been thinking about making a video about just that for some time and as such got cracking right away.

And here it is, enjoy your early access and let me know what you thought about this video!

Thank you for the support,
Chris

Ask your questions about the F-35

There is a chance, albeit unconfirmed right now, that I will be able to interview a pilot and an engineer on the F-35 for two upcoming videos. I have a list of questions I will ask them but I thought this would be a great opportunity to give you a chance to ask something too. So if you have any questions on the F-35 or the development of it, post them here. 

Important:

• It is likely I won't be able to ask all questions due to time constraints, 
• It is also possible that not every question I ask will get an answer because they touch on aspects that are secret and thus not cleared for us mere mortals.

Chris

Early Access: In Defense of the Bf 110

Here is your early access to the next video. May has been full of work and organisation for upcoming videos, shipping of our book, and for various deadlines (channel and PhD) but I am happy to say that less stressful times are ahead, with more frequent videos sure to follow.

Hope you enjoy, I am looking forward to your feedback
Chris

Early Access: The Fighter Mafia and the F-15 / F-16

How did a small group of pilots and civilians try to influence the design, development and procurement of two famous USAF fighters? I am very happy to talk about this with Dr. Michael Hankins, Historian and Curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We discuss the Fighter Mafia, its opinions, ideals, as well as it's impact and legacy on the F-15, F-16 and USAF/DoD.

Looking forward to all your comments, and thank you for supporting!

Chris

Sea Vixen Manual

Hey all,

Attached are the scans from the Sea Vixen manual detailing the cockpit arrangement, as indicated in the video. Sadly, the scanner had trouble picking up the finer details. I'll try to give this a second pass in the future when I am back.

Chris

Early Access: NATO vs Russia - How To Rate Military Power?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a number of questions on how we rate military capabilities, what we should consider when making a verdict, and what some of the underrepresented aspects might be. To talk about this, I invited Richard Shimooka, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute to explore how we could tackle this question in the future.

*Edit* : I did an editing upsie at 04:49 that flew under my radar horizon. Enjoy looking at mini me for 31sec

Hope you enjoy! Let me know your feedback here or on YouTube
Chris

Early Access: Germany's €100bn - Where did it go?

Germany announced €100 billion for the Armed Forces and an increase to  +2% GDP on military spending one month ago. The question is:Germany announced €100 billion for the Armed Forces and an increase to  +2% GDP on military spending one month ago. The question is where is that money now and is Germany putting their cash where their mouth is? 

Hope you enjoy this analysis, and thank you for the support.

Early Access: Air Defense for Ukraine

After that mad rush earlier this month, here is the promised return of  Early Access. I thought that for this episode, I'd tackle Air Defense  and explain the ins-and-outs as it appears to be one of those issues  that keeps coming back in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.  This episode is going to be released on Thursday, so enjoy watching it  before everyone else :)

Thanks for the support,
Chris

Sneakpeak

The last two weeks, as you will have noticed, have seen some intense activity on the channel. With three videos, I uploaded the number of videos in a week that usually get made in a month. I did enjoy the speed and challenge, but I did need a few days to reset to make sure that the speed does not get in the way of quality, especially as other things (Stukabook, PhD etc) are still happening at the same time. That said, it has also given me another impetus to think about the future content (my list by now includes +150 video ideas) that I want to produce in 2022. With this update, I want to talk to you about what I think the rest of March to roundabout May will look like.

On the one side, I have two finished scripts. Well, finished to the point that they need another editing revision and some polish - but they are 'done' from a meta perspective. That would be my script on Op. Varsity and an spur of the moment research project that ended up as an 'In Defense of the Bf 110'.

However, I admit that right now, I don't really see myself working on these videos. The main reason for this is that a couple of opportunities popped up within a space of only a few weeks, both interviews, collaborative efforts within institutions like the Naval Institute Press, and new videos ideas, that I think are topical and perhaps also more the direction I want to take the channel in. I'll explore these options; the scripts won't run away after all.

I do want to push some more contemporary topics including modern aviation and procurement. This content has both been very popular with viewers, and I often enjoy researching these aspects because, coming from the historian’s perspective, it is fascinating to see how, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Only recently I was once again reminded how CAS and interdiction tactics used by modern air forces, essentially resemble those from the Second World War nearly word for word.

Likewise, there are a lot of experts out there that I think people would enjoy hearing from. My past interview videos were again among the most popular videos of 2021 - and I think this is because the topics were interesting, but also because the experts were talking to fellow aviation nerds. They did not have to produce sound bites, or cram everything into 90sec like on TV - but could explore the topic in detail. Feedback from both them and the audience has been so positive on exactly that front.

Lastly, Inside The Cockpit - although not always the most popular videos, they are great to film, produce and something largely unique. Over the Covid period, they were not easy to film and although it is not over, it looks like more museum trips this year are possible. So hopefully this will bring us all something new and great very soon!

Of course, I would also appreciate your input. Is there any video from the last 12 months or so that springs to mind where you'd say: More of that! Let me know in the comments!

Chris

Early Access: No-Fly Zone

Ok, last one for now I think but this was an important one!

What about that No-Fly Zone in Ukraine? Not only is it an unwise policy decision, but there are very complex questions attached to it from implementation, rules of engagement over to the advantages Russia might have in this scenario. More in my newest video - hope you enjoy, let me know what you thought of it.

Soon we should be able to move back to the 'regular' schedule incl. the usual early access.

Thanks for the support!
Chris

Early Access: Reasons for failure? Russian Air Force in Ukraine

Another busy 48h since the last video! Here is my analysis of the Russian's Air Forces situation in Ukraine, and I also talk to two experts that give their own unique insights into the matter! The video will go live very soon.

Normal proceedings with ordinary early access periods will resume soon! Right now the timelines are just punishing. 

Note: Messed up the iso setting on this one. Mea culpa - it happens :(

Early Access: Did Germany Just Buy the F-35?

What a 24h it has been.

On the 27th February German Chancellor Scholz announced that henceforth, Germany will spend more than 2% of its GDP on defense and made a 180° turn on basically all major issues incl. armed drones. Much of this has still to be signed off but in this video, I look at what these changes *might* look like.

Since I had to put this together in less than 24h, sadly I can not give a longer early access period since it has to come out today. Hence I am pushing it out to all of you immediately!  Another video on Ukraine and the Russian Air Force is slotted for Thursday.

Thanks for your support and let me know your feedback!
Chris

Early Access: Why One Nuke Is Never Enough - Myth of the Overkill

Hey,

Thursday is the day, but for you Thursday is Tuesday! Above you will find your early access to the next episode. This time we talk about Strategic Air Command, nukes (lots of them), a hotshot General, and calculate some kill probabilities. Yeah, it's quite the episode!

What is even better is that it marks the beginning of my partnership with the Naval Institute Press (of the U.S. Naval Institute) giving you all a 25% discount on their book catalogue (they have a huge selection!). Use the code MILAVHIS on checkout and receive 25% off here: https://www.usni.org/press/books 

(Disclaimer: I do not receive a commission fee but the Naval Institute Press sponsors a series of videos this year.)

Let me know what you thought about the video and if you got yourself any of the great books on offer, and thank you for the support!

Chris

Sneakpeak: Myth of the Overkill

Hey,

The next video, coming out next week Thursday, will be all about deterrence, nukes and Strategic Air Command - and I've got a choice to make that you could help me with. 

Above you'll find two pictures of the same animation in the video, with a different icon for the 'nuke delivery'. Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments - hopefully the references are understandable, if not...that's already a good sign that the other icon might be better :)

P.S. I will upload a few pictures from the Sea Vixen's manual for the cockpit, and a accompanying wallpaper soon, so stay tuned for that!

Chris

February Update

It's February already! As always time flies. Here is a bit of an update of what is going on with the Channel.  First off, I've just released a new video. Make sure to watch it here. Sadly, the YouTube algorithm gods have not blessed the last two videos and they have received very poor views although the feedback was very good. If you enjoyed them, please consider sharing them with friends, on social media or on forums.

• Q&A

Thank you for submitting all the great questions for the next Q&A. A final date will be confirmed soon. If you want, you can still submit questions here.

• Videos and Stukabook

The past couple of weeks have been very busy. Much of my time is spent on finishing up my book, which gets closer to the final draft with every day but somehow always kicks up a new task. Finish two, and suddenly one more thing pops up. However, I am confident that we will reach the March shipping ETA, as we are so close. I can almost feel the final print in my hands!  

Next to this I am currently working on two videos as well. The first release, end of February, will be on Nuclear Deterrence and SAC. It's a massive topic and while I can't cover everything, I think it will be a very interesting video to watch. Second video I am working on is on the Messerschmitt Bf 110, a plane that has a bit of a bad reputation but I think deserves a second look. This one is for the beginning of March.

Ask your questions: Live-stream

The first Q&A for this year will come up in February. It will once again be live with the VOD available if you miss it. Please submit your questions by commenting on this post. I already have those posted here, but feel free to resubmit.

Chris

Early Access: German Army Combined Arms

Hey all,

Here is your early access for tomorrow's episode. I had hoped to get this out sooner but due to my delayed travel back from Germany (+2 weeks and an involuntary stopover in Brussels), it will have to be today. The following early access videos will again be released with some time to spare to the actual release :)

Hope you enjoy, looking forward to all your comments!

Chris

Stream announcement this Saturday!

Hey,

First off, Happy New Year! I hope you had a great start into the new year and that you enjoyed some good times with friends and family. 

Before jumping back into this years content, I am hosting my first stream of the year this upcoming Saturday 8th January, at 1800 Zulu! That's 1900 Central Europe, and 1100/1200 Texas time. Looking forward to chatting with you there!

Chris

Season's Greetings

Hey,

Tomorrow is the day - at least for us Germans :) We celebrate Christmas on the 24th, so I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a fantastic and merry Christmas, relaxing holidays, and that all of you stay safe and well on these final days of 2021! 

Thank you for the support and talk soon!
Chris