Air Combat Sim

Authentic Media

Air Combat Simulation Podcast, by Authentic Media, brings content creators, missions builders, experts and enthusiasts to explore the world of combat aircraft simulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    Preserving Living History: Inside the CAF and the Flight of FIFI

    Discover the fascinating world of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and what it takes to keep historic aircraft like FIFI flying. In this episode, Randall Haskin shares insights into the organization’s origins, the challenges of maintaining vintage planes, and how volunteers of all skill levels can get involved. The origin and mission of the CAF, with a focus on FIFI, the iconic B-29 SuperfortressHow the CAF acquires, restores, and maintains World War II aircraftThe importance of volunteer support, including maintenance, flying, and outreach effortsThe financial realities of keeping historic aircraft operational—costs, insurance, and parts sourcingPilot and crew training pathways for vintage aircraft, including skills like tailwheel experienceThe operational structure of CAF’s touring programs and base locationsThe future outlook for flyable warbirds amidst regulatory and insurance challengesPersonal stories from flight experiences and the significance of sharing history through flight00:00 - Introduction and episode overview01:09 - Randall Haskin’s background and connection to FIFI04:40 - History and mission of the CAF07:59 - The significance of FIFI in aviation history11:57 - The story of how FIFI was acquired and her journey to flying status14:05 - The costs of maintaining FIFI and other vintage aircraft15:32 - Operating ride programs and funding efforts17:29 - Recruitment of new volunteers and the importance of training20:02 - Parts sourcing and restoration techniques23:47 - Developing future pilots and mechanics34:22 - Tour schedules and deployment locations36:56 - Volunteer maintenance and crew rotations39:18 - The challenges and opportunities facing warbird preservation41:53 - The importance of professional standards and safety44:30 - Flying FIFI: cockpit experience and flight dynamics54:42 - The personal and emotional significance of sharing aviation history61:19 - Randall’s call sign and closing thoughts ⁠Air Power Tour⁠⁠Air Power Squadron⁠⁠Commemorative Air Force⁠⁠FIFI The B-29 Superfortress - Official CAF Info⁠⁠Volunteer Opportunities with CAF⁠⁠Kermit Weeks' Collection of Warbirds⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠CAF Membership & Volunteer Info⁠Thank you for listening and exploring the dedicated efforts to keep aviation history alive through active restoration, education, and volunteer work! Preserving Living History: Inside the CAF and the Flight of FIFIKey Topics:Timestamps:Resources & Links:Connect with Randall Haskin: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  2. 12/24/2025

    Experience the Lockheed C‑130 Hercules

    In this episode, we explore the C-130J DCS Module, diving into its development, features, and the unique experiences it offers. Scott "Roger" Chafian, Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair, Baltic Dragon join Matt Delaney to discuss the aircraft's history, its tactical capabilities, and the challenges Matt faced during the DCS module's creation. Matt provides a comprehensive look at what it took to make the C-130J a standout module in DCS. The Airplane Simulation Company: https://www.airplanesimulations.com/ Digital Combat Simulator: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/ Brian Sunshine Sinclair: https://www.3-wire.com/ Baltic Dragon: https://www.baltic-dragon.net/ C-130 EXPERIENCE NOTES:Blue Angels “Fat Albert” The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team operates a support C‑130J nicknamed “Fat Albert.” At airshows around the United States, Fat Albert opens the show with a high‑energy routine, demonstrating the Hercules’ STOL capabilities and surprising agility. The aircraft performs steep take‑offs, power climbs, tight turns and tactical descents. Until 2009, JATO (jet‑assisted take‑off) rockets added extra spectacle. Today’s Fat Albert uses modern six‑blade propellers and continues to thrill crowds. Several museums allow visitors to step inside or operate replicas of the Hercules: Hill Aerospace Museum (Utah) – Their “C‑130 Experience” turns a retired fuselage into an interactive classroom. Visitors climb into the cargo bay and cockpit, interact with real controls and experience mission scenarios such as hurricane hunting, Antarctic landings and Fulton recovery. The exhibit reproduces sights, sounds and vibrations, giving a taste of being on a mission Air Mobility Command Museum (Delaware) – Houses a C‑130E that visitors can tour on open‑cockpit days, with veterans providing guided walkthroughs Museum of Aviation (Georgia) – Hosts an annual C‑130 Day where attendees explore a Hercules with former crew explaining systems. These experiences contextualise the aircraft’s history and allow people to appreciate the complexity of its cockpit and the scale of its cargo bay. Several aviation museums around the world display C‑130s and sometimes permit visitors to tour the interior. Notable examples include: Museum Location Display Highlights Hill Aerospace Museum Utah, United States The C‑130 Experience—interactive fuselage exhibit with mission simulations. Air Mobility Command Museum Dover Air Force Base, Delaware C‑130E walk‑through tours on open cockpit days, guided by veterans. Museum of Aviation Warner Robins, Georgia Annual C‑130 Day event allowing visitors inside a Hercules. Pima Air & Space Museum Tucson, Arizona Displays a retired HC‑130 used by the U.S. Coast Guard. Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Shropshire, United Kingdom Houses a former RAF C‑130K. Royal Australian Air Force Museum Point Cook, Australia Displays a C‑130A, illustrating early Hercules service. Many other museums worldwide—such as the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Italian Air Force Museum (Vigna di Valle) and the Egyptian Air Force Museum—exhibit retired C‑130s. Visitors can appreciate the size of the cargo bay, the complexity of the cockpit and the wear from decades of service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Air Combat Simulation Podcast, by Authentic Media, brings content creators, missions builders, experts and enthusiasts to explore the world of combat aircraft simulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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