Best BVR Productions Podcasts (2024)

1
Final Episode & Look Back 53:53

2y ago53:53

53:53

Sticking with our original plan, this is the 26th and final episode of the F-14 Tomcast. We change it up for this episode, with “Jell-O” Aiello of the Fighter Pilot Podcast interviewing hosts “Crunch” Snyder and “Bio” Baranek. We discuss favorite part of the podcast series, missed opportunities, and more. In addition, we present the results of the …

1
F-14 Sunset 1:05:45

2y ago1:05:45

1:05:45

All good things come to an end, and so it was with the Tomcat’s US Navy service. The end came in 2006, when the final Navy F-14 squadron -- VF-31 Tomcatters – shut down their F-14Ds for the last time. There’s a lot more to the story than the Tomcat Sunset ceremony at NAS Oceana and a final flight, such as the final deployment and behind-the-scenes …

1
Op. Iraqi Freedom 1:36:00

2y ago1:36:00

1:36:00

Coalition combat returned to Iraq in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Among US Navy forces were the Bounty Hunters of VF-2, which brought F-14D Tomcats to the fight. This episode goes into detail on the big fighter’s performance in a challenging threat environment. Our guests are former Tomcat pilot “Grumpy” Kimberly and RIO “Boog” Denneny,…

1
Op. Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) 1:11:59

2y ago1:11:59

1:11:59

In response to the 9/11 attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan (and other locations), with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in recent history, and our guest was a key participant. We talk to former F-14 RIO Mike Peterson, callsign “Tung,” about what it was like…

1
Combat Phoenix Shot 1:04:19

2y ago1:04:19

1:04:19

The AIM-54 Phoenix missile was a major part of the F-14 program: it affected the Tomcat’s design and was the weapon that gave the Tomcat its unique and most impressive capabilities. During the Tomcat’s three-plus decades of service with the US Navy, however, American crews had only three combat Phoenix launches, and none of them were successful. Ou…

1
Air Show Demo 1:24:13

2y ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Sure, you’ve seen an air show -- and the lucky ones have seen a Tomcat demonstration, or demo – but you will be amazed at what it took to train for the performance and what it was like to fly a show in the big fighter! Learn about the importance of crew coordination; guidelines for air shows, including distance from the crowd, altitude; the scary m…

1
"Speed & Angels" -- the Movie 1:07:04

2y ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Aviation movie fans are likely familiar with the movie “Speed & Angels,” a documentary that was released in 2008 and still gets high praise for its scenes of fighter aviation as well as its realism. The film follows two upcoming F-14 pilots in training, reveals their life stories and dreams, and continues as they enter the fleet. Our guests are one…

1
"Top Gun" -- the Movie 1:48:45

2y ago1:48:45

1:48:45

One of the stars of the 1986 movie “Top Gun” was the F-14 Tomcat, and we dig deep into what it took to create this memorable film. From the canopy-to-canopy scene, tower fly-by, and low-altitude flights over the desert, filming Top Gun required careful coordination and skillful performance from all involved, including the Navy aviators, camera oper…

1
Adversaries: Tomcats vs Kfirs 1:05:06

2y ago1:05:06

1:05:06

The US Navy maintained a robust force of adversaries to provide air-to-air training for its fighter squadrons in the 1970s and 1980s, proving that it really had learned from its experience in Vietnam. Our guest was a Tomcat pilot who served as an adversary, flying the A-4 Skyhawk and the F-21 Kfir – an Israeli product based on the sleek Mirage 5, w…

1
Aviation Electronics Technicians (ATs) 1:11:57

2y ago1:11:57

1:11:57

The AWG-9 radar was one of the systems that made the Tomcat a remarkable fighter when it was introduced. It had exceptional range and multi-shot capability but required specialized maintenance to operate at full capability. We talk to two former Aviation Electronics Technicians – ATs in Navy rating language – who give us a different perspective on …

1
Tomcats over Kosovo 1:22:36

2+ y ago1:22:36

1:22:36

The Tomcat’s debut as a precision strike-fighter came in 1999 with NATO Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. We talk to a former F-14 RIO who played a key role in the Tomcat’s successful performance and reveals unexpected episodes from combat missions. Our guest, retired Rear Admiral Dell “Snapper” Bull, deployed with VF-14 aboard the USS Theodore Roo…

1
The Air Force F-15 Pilot who Flew the F-14 1:32:12

2+ y ago1:32:12

1:32:12

The F-14 and F-15 were developed only a few years apart, and their intended missions had many overlaps, so a rivalry was only natural. We talk to a USAF F-15C pilot who was assigned to a Navy F-14A squadron for an exchange tour and provides wide-ranging and entertaining comments on squadron environment, training, and other topics – as well as the f…

1
Night Eyes for the Tomcat 1:02:44

2+ y ago1:02:44

1:02:44

US Navy carrier aviation underwent significant changes in the 1990s, with retirement of several types and debate over the future. A team of visionaries realized that the F-14 Tomcat would be much more valuable if it could improve its multi-mission performance and do it quickly – and got to work adapting the Air Force LANTIRN* system to make the Tom…

1
Rig the Barricade! 1:07:23

2+ y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

US Navy aircraft carrier ops are a series of complex and challenging events for the pilot, RIO or other crew, and shipboard personnel. There is a back-up for almost everything, and the ultimate backup is a barricade recovery. We talk to a pilot and RIO about their night barricade recovery while flying with VF-2 aboard the USS Ranger in 1989. Pager …

1
F-14 Tomcats in Desert Storm 1:21:05

2+ y ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Operation Desert Storm, which started in January 1991, was a landmark in modern warfare and the F-14 Tomcat made some important contributions. Former F-14 pilot “Fuzzy” Matheson and RIO “Woodie” Wood, who flew combat missions with VF-84 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, talk about taking the big fighter into combat. Fuzzy and Woodie share fascinat…

1
F-14D Combat Systems 1:44:52

2+ y ago1:44:52

1:44:52

The F-14D Tomcat introduced a host of new combat systems: APG-71 radar, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and more. We interview combat-experienced F-14D RIO “Fun” Mhley to get the scoop on how they increased combat effectiveness of the Tomcat's ultimate version; it was a lot more than just an improved radar! This episode also includes several anno…

1
Photo Reconnaissance Tomcats 1:23:28

2+ y ago1:23:28

1:23:28

The photo reconnaissance mission required a high level of aircrew proficiency, and could be as challenging and exciting as any TACAIR missions. The F-14 performed “recce” using TARPS – a massive pod on the Tomcat’s belly that carried multiple cameras – for much of its career. We interview RIOs from early and later in the TARPS program, “Rooter” Roo…

1
Flying the F-14D "Super Tomcat" 1:21:13

2+ y ago1:21:13

1:21:13

This episode gives you the full story of the F-14D, sometimes known as the Super Tomcat, as only “Jungle” Jones can tell it! The D-model Tomcat brought powerful engines and many other improved systems to the fight, and our guest is enthusiastically reports on their effectiveness. Jungle was an F-14D pilot and Topgun instructor, and takes us into hi…

1
End of Year Bonus - December 2021 38:26

2+ y ago38:26

38:26

Crunch and Bio tell the stories behind their callsigns and answer questions: Fuzzbusters, fuel ladders, switching between the Tomcat and Hornet, and more! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/f-14_tomcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsBy BVR Productions

1
Tomcat Ordnancemen 1:29:59

2+ y ago1:29:59

1:29:59

Hot steel on target, on time. That’s the difference between a strike fighter feared by the enemy and a parade aircraft. The men who enable that mission effectiveness are Aviation Ordnancemen, who proudly call themselves “Ordies.” In this wild episode we interview two Ordies who embody the professionalism and fighting spirit of the rating: Randy Zei…

1
Filming "The Final Countdown" 1:03:16

2+ y ago1:03:16

1:03:16

The first big-screen appearance of the F-14 was in the 1980 sci-fi adventure “The Final Countdown,” which has gained fans and respect as the years go by. We get the full story from a former Tomcat pilot who flew many of the memorable scenes in this Tomcat classic. Al “Shoes” Mullen was a lieutenant in VF-84 who had recently completed the Navy’s TOP…

1
Developing the FAC-A Mission in the F-14 1:12:20

2+ y ago1:12:20

1:12:20

After twenty years of strictly air-to-air missions, the F-14 community embraced air-to-ground, including the challenging role of Forward Air Controller – Airborne (FAC-A). This episode addresses the Tomcat’s performance in FAC-A as well as the big picture of this demanding mission. A former F-14 pilot, retired Captain Paul “PK” Averna was an instru…

1
Flying Iranian F-14's 1:04:11

2+ y ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Most people familiar with the F-14 know Iran was the only non-U.S. country to operate the big fighter, but they likely know little of the Persian Cat experience. This candid interview with a former Iranian Tomcat pilot takes viewers where few have gone: inside the Iranian F-14 program. We hide the identity of our guest for his personal security, bu…

1
Flying the F-14 Tomcat 1:33:17

2+ y ago1:33:17

1:33:17

When introduced, the F-14 Tomcat set new standards for maneuverability and controllability, making it a great dogfighter. In this episode, a renowned F-14 pilot describes those capabilities and goes further, providing valuable insights on topics from flying skills to Navy training programs. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Sam “Slammer” Richardson takes u…

1
The AWG-9 Radar and AIM-54 Phoenix Missile 1:13:02

3y ago1:13:02

1:13:02

The AWG-9 radar and weapons control system was one of the defining features of the F-14A Tomcat. Its multi-target track and missile control capabilities were unique, particularly when paired with the remarkable AIM-54 Phoenix. However, a skilled radar intercept officer (RIO) was required to achieve their peak performance. On this episode, former F-…

1
The F-14 Tomcat Joins the Fleet 1:17:59

3y ago1:17:59

1:17:59

What was it like to fly the F-14A Tomcat in the early days when everything was new and different? Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Marty "Streak" Chanik and Captain “Ler” Brad Poeltler, members of the VF-1 “Wolfpack” for the F-14 second operational deployment (1976-77), share vivid memories and exciting flying stories from how they were initially adm…

1
Flight Testing the New F-14 Tomcat 1:55:06

3y ago1:55:06

1:55:06

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was the U.S. Navy’s frontline fighter for 30 years. A revolutionary design when new, the 'big fighter' remained potent throughout its illustrious career. But aircraft like this don’t come easy, and the Tomcat experienced significant development challenges during flight test. Legendary Grumman test pilot Kurt Schroeder pulls …

1
Welcome to the F-14 Tomcast! 7:06

3y ago7:06

7:06

On this inaugural episode, Fighter Pilot Podcast founder and host, Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello introduces former F-14 pilot Craig "Crunch" Snyder and RIO Dave "Bio" Baranek who will host this podcast. Crunch and Bio then explain a few details of the show. Listener questions can be emailed to questions@f14tomcast.com or phoned in to 877.MACH.101, ext. 3…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

BVR Productions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
F-14 Tomcast

BVR Productions

1
Final Episode & Look Back 53:53

1
F-14 Sunset 1:05:45

1
Op. Iraqi Freedom 1:36:00

1
Op. Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) 1:11:59

1
Combat Phoenix Shot 1:04:19

1
Air Show Demo 1:24:13

1
"Speed & Angels" -- the Movie 1:07:04

1
"Top Gun" -- the Movie 1:48:45

1
Adversaries: Tomcats vs Kfirs 1:05:06

1
Aviation Electronics Technicians (ATs) 1:11:57

1
Tomcats over Kosovo 1:22:36

1
The Air Force F-15 Pilot who Flew the F-14 1:32:12

1
Night Eyes for the Tomcat 1:02:44

1
Rig the Barricade! 1:07:23

1
F-14 Tomcats in Desert Storm 1:21:05

1
F-14D Combat Systems 1:44:52

1
Photo Reconnaissance Tomcats 1:23:28

1
Flying the F-14D "Super Tomcat" 1:21:13

1
End of Year Bonus - December 2021 38:26

1
Tomcat Ordnancemen 1:29:59

1
Filming "The Final Countdown" 1:03:16

1
Developing the FAC-A Mission in the F-14 1:12:20

1
Flying Iranian F-14's 1:04:11

1
Flying the F-14 Tomcat 1:33:17

1
The AWG-9 Radar and AIM-54 Phoenix Missile 1:13:02

1
The F-14 Tomcat Joins the Fleet 1:17:59

1
Flight Testing the New F-14 Tomcat 1:55:06

1
Welcome to the F-14 Tomcast! 7:06

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