E46 – Expendable Tech for F-35 Threat Training

Don’t miss our newsletter! That's where we drop weekly knowledge bombs to help you make sense of defense! In this episode, Mike sits down with Brett “Snappy”Abbamonte, a former Marine Corps F-35 pilot now at Advanced Strategic Insight (ASI) Inc. Snappy is the program manager for ELITE (ExpendableLower-cost Integrated Training Emitter), a compact, cost-effective system designed to mimic high-end surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats. Dive into how this innovative tech is reshaping training,enhancing readiness, and solving a critical warfighter problem—offering a firsthand look at how operators are using ELITE in the field to sharpen their edge. If you're into military training, cutting-edge technology,and boosting warfighter readiness—this episode is a must-listen. Links • Sign up for the newsletter⁠! • Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠! • Mike Benitez on LinkedIn • Brett “Snappy” Abbamonte on LinkedIn • ASI company • ELITE product ---- Follow us on... • LinkedIn • Instagram⁠ • ⁠X⁠ • ⁠Facebook⁠ • ⁠Website⁠ ---- 00:00 start 01:11 intro 03:08 Snappy 04:49 F-35 magnifies a growing problem 07:21 the 3-solution problem 10:31 good-enough solution space 12:12 ELITE 13:51 size and power 15:35 as a target 17:45 customers 20:27 remote controlled 22:00 how to keep it low cost 23:34 creative training 25:09 how the training looks 26:47 RAF Lakenheath 31:19 SBIR experience 38:02 valley of death 38:34 end of year money 40:27 squadron innovation funds 42:14 expendable concept validated 42:50 Marine Corps weapons school example 44:40 expendable allocation 46:14 tools for innovative training 49:30 memory lane 49:45 callsign story 51:40 outro #military #nationaldefense #warfare #nationalsecurity#defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #usmc#innovation #war #strategy #aerospace #china #airpower #f35 #training #readiness #electronicwarfare