InsideAIR
A 'behind the wire' view of the Royal Air Force, its people, technology and operations. Official podcast of the RAF in the UK.
Episodes
Ep 144: Hidden In Plain Sight - RAF Reservists
In this episode we'll hear about a unique presentation of a bronze Employer Recognition Scheme award which took place 20,000 feet above the ground on an easyJet flight from Luton to Jersey The Employer Recognition Scheme is an MOD initiative to encourage and recognise companies which demonstrate an outstanding commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military familie
Ep 143: Only Way in by Parachute – a Doctor's Story
The slogan says, 'no ordinary job'. So, imagine being asked to parachute into a tiny, remote island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean for a lifesaving mission, oh, and you've never jumped out of an aircraft before. In this week's InsideAir, Sqn Ldr Amy speaks with an RAF doctor who did just that. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music
Ep 142: Operation BILOXI in Romania
Operation BILOXI in Romania has seen the Royal Air Force deploy again, all be it to a new airfield, in support of NATO's air policing mission in the region. The four month deployment is at the very heart of the RAF strategy to be ready to fly & fight, showing that the Royal Air Force is always agile, integrated and ready.
Ep 141: InsideAIR Special - Ukrainian Students Graduate RAF Elementary Flying Training
The latest cohort of Ukrainian students has successfully graduated from the RAF Elementary Flying Training programme. Hear what they thought of RAF training in this InsideAIR special. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 140: Salisbury Poisonings and the RAF Regiment's Response
Channel 4's documentary 'Salisbury Poisonings: The Untold Story' explores one of the most significant domestic incidents in recent UK history. InsideAIR speaks with Group Captain Chez who led the UK Defence response to the incident. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 139: The RAF Warfighters Guide to AI
The impact of artificial intelligence is being felt in everyday life, the media and the military, but how is it changing the RAF, its people, technology and operations? InsideAIR speaks to AI expert, Sqn Ldr Ben, to find some answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 138: Exercise Malta March
In this episode, we find out how WWII lessons are shaping today's RAF operations. 35 Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel have spent a week in Malta, exploring historic sites, war graves, and museums connected to WWII's legacy with modern RAF operations. In this special edition of InsideAIR two reservists, Ash & Louise, take over to share the highlights and insights from Exercise Malta March.
Ep 137: Air and Space Combat Power PART 2
The Air and Space Combat Power Visit (ASCPV) gave guests from all branches of the UK's Armed Forces, British Government and military allies and partners globally an insight to how the RAF operates. In the final part this two-part feature, we take a look at Combat Air, Air to Air Refuelling with Voyager, and we hear from Joint Aviation Command, including their innovations with helicopter launched
Ep 136: Air and Space Combat Power PART 1
Hosted by RAF Brize Norton, the Air and Space Combat Power Visit (ASCPV) gave guests from all branches of the UK's Armed Forces, British Government and military allies and partners globally an insight to how the RAF operates. In Part 1 of this two part feature, we hear from the Chief of the Air Staff and personnel from Space Command, Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaiss
Ep 135: AOC 2 Group - Vincemus
It's been two years since Air Vice-Marshal Jason Appleton was appointed as Air Officer Commanding 2 Group. So, before he moves on, the InsideAIR team thought it would be good to find out what 2 Group does and how it enables the RAF to fly, fight and win across the globe. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 134: Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems
In this episode, we're talking Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems or C-UAS. What are they, how does it work and who makes up the team behind it all? InsideAIR's Flt Lt Chris Sully spoke with Sqn Ldr Dan Quayle, the Officer Commanding of Training & Standards at RAF Leeming to find out about their work in the UK and, recently in Belgium and Denmark.
Ep 133: Enabling Cyber within Airbases
In this episode, we're talking Air Cyberspace and the move toward the Airbase Enablement Force (AEF) From keeping our tech up-to-date and in good order, to future planning how we might engage with IT in the years ahead, the Air Cyberspace Services Centre team work behind the scenes around the clock as Flt Lt Chris Sully found out.
Ep 132: Increasing the RAF's IQ
There are some fantastic opportunities to learn and gain academic qualifications available through the Directorate of Defence Studies for the RAF, but they're for other people, not me, right? Wrong … One of the truly unique opportunities the Royal Air Force offers, is the chance to get paid whilst you study and gain academic qualifications. And the great news is that studying with Directorate of
Ep 131: 5 Years 'Behind the Wire'
After 131 episodes and 5,565 minutes of fortnightly content, the official podcast of the RAF is 5 years old. As we celebrate this milestone of the longest running regular podcast in the UK Armed Forces, we'll reveal the most downloaded episodes from each of the past 5 years. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 130: RAF Medical Services Support & Opportunities
In the final episode of 2025, we head to High Wycombe to meet with some of the RAF Medical Services team. We'll hear about the support they provide to 'Fly & Fight' through nursing, paramedics and their Allied Health Professionals. Flt Lt Chris Sully also finds out about the unique career opportunities on offer with the RAF and how you can earn whilst you train. InsideAIR is produced for the Roy
Ep 129: Exercise Southern Sunrise Part 2
In this episode we're heading back to the Falkland Islands on exercise Southern Sunrise with the RAF Regiment reserves. We're back in the South Atlantic for the live firing phase and AS1 Chris Keen also explores the unique opportunities visiting troops can explore when the training is done. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 128: Exercise Southern Sunrise Part 1
In this episode, we're going on exercise with the RAF Regiment Reserves to the South Atlantic. Exercise Southern Sunrise saw members of the RAuxAF Regiment deploy to the Falkland Islands to conduct overseas Annual Continuation Training or ACT. The aim was to cultivate and enhance a 'ready to fight' culture to optimise and integrate the RAuxAF Regt in support of operations, assigned tasks, conting
Ep 127: Veteran Voices
Listening to those who served before can inspire those who serve today. In this episode, Media Officer Flight Lieutenant Mark McKinstry delves into the archive of some of the interviews he recorded with World War II veterans. The RAF's aircraft may have changed but the fighting spirit of its people remains as relevant today as always. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Res
Ep 126: Warfighting Mindset at Lossiemouth
What does it mean to be serving and living on one of the RAF's frontline stations as the world becomes a more unstable place? As global instability grows, what does that mean for us across the Royal Air Force? How do we prepare — professionally and personally — for what may lie ahead? Inside Air's Squadron Leader Peter Lisney spoke with Squadron Leader Jo at Lossiemouth to explore how the stat
Ep 125: Through Adversity to Air HR
In this episode, we'll meet some of the team working behind the scenes to ensure that all Air HR functions are fit for purpose in 2025 and beyond. From simple admin' tasks, through pay and on to more in-depth issues, we all rely on the support of the Air HR teams to help things runs smoothly and to allow us to get on with our jobs. Squadron Leader Peter Lisney has met with some of them to find
Ep 124: RAF On Show at DSEI
The RAF loves its acronyms and initialisms, and these were out in force when InsideAIR went along to the RAF stand at Defence and Security Equipment International in London. Meeting visitors to the stand were the strategists and operators of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), RAF Regiment personnel from the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Wing showing off ORCUS, the new boss of the
Ep 123: RAF in Northern Ireland
How the public perceives the RAF can be pivotal to its effectiveness, whether that's with operations, recruitment or being accepted by the communities around its bases. We asked InsideAIR's Corporal Vic Andrews to find out how the RAF approaches this challenge in Northern Ireland. She spoke with Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Forc
Ep 122: Air Cadets at RIAT
The InsideAIR team has handed the mic over to RAF Air Cadets for a special episode recorded LIVE at RIAT 2025! Join Cadet Flight Sergeants Hannah and Tori as they take you behind the scenes of the airshow – through the eyes of the next generation. Plus, they speak to serving personnel about the role Cadets play in shaping the future of the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF
Ep 121: 78 Squadron - Nobody Unprepared Pt 2
Last time around on InsideAIR, we caught up with some of the 78 Squadron team based at the HQ of NATS in Swanwick, Hampshire. Part 2 picks the story up this week. Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully is back in Swanwick again today to meet more of the 78 Sqn team and to dig deeper into their work with the Air Defence capability, the Distress & Diversion Cell and how they integrate military traffic wit
Ep 120: 78 Squadron - Nobody Unprepared Pt 1
The UK has some of the most congested airspace in the world. Ensuring military and civilian aircraft don't get in the way of each other is just one the reasons why 78 Squadron is co-located at National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully went to the air traffic control centre in Swanwick, to hear about the 'swivel chair interaction' that keeps jet setting holiday makers a sa
Ep 119: 'An RAF Spokesperson Said...'
His job could be described as both getting the RAF in the news and keeping the RAF out of the news – neither are easy. This week's InsideAIR heads to Main Building in the Ministry of Defence to hear from Wing Commander Martin 'Tinny' Tinworth, Chief Press Officer for the Royal Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 118: The Warfighting Chef
Which is the best profession in the Royal Air Force? If you said Pilot, Aircraft Technician, or Regiment Gunner, Chef Warrant Officer Chris Beavis, might disagree. InsideAIR dropped into the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess at RAF Benson to find out why WO Beavis loves being a Chef and to find out what life is like feeding the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Re
Ep 117: Frontline NHS to Frontline RAF
Juggling a Reserve commitment with a busy civilian job is something that's part and parcel of life for the thousands of Reserves currently serving in the RAF. Someone who knows that first hand is the Chief Medical Officer of Scotland Professor Sir Gregor Smith, but far from saying it can be too hard for NHS staff to find the time, he's urging more of them to join the RAF Medical Reserves, sayi
Ep 116: Be Ready to Fly & Fight
In this episode, we'll hear from the team at RAF Marham in Norfolk, about how their 'BeReady' strategy is ensuring that the whole force team is coming together to deliver success and proving they are 'always ready to fly and fight.' The station, which is home to the RAF's F-35B Lightning fleet, is into the second round of its 'BeReady' strategy, a drive to bring together the whole force, with se
Ep 115: Operational Readiness Through Orienteering
In this episode, we catch up with the Air Officer Wales and find out how his passion for the sport of orienteering ties in directly with life in the Royal Air Force. The sport of orienteering is one which helps not just with fitness and mental health wellbeing, but which also connects directly with the objectives of a career in the RAF, through skills such as preparation, flexibility and adaptabi
Ep 114: The Next Battle of Britain
The hope is there won't be another Battle of Britain. However, should the unthinkable happen, what has changed since the last battle, how might an Integrated Air and Missile Defence system help, and how could changing the way we think prepare us for such a conflict. InsideAIR speaks with Dr Sophy Antrobus, Research Fellow and Co-Director of the Freeman Air and Space Institute, to hear an academic
Ep 113: GCAP - 6th Generation Aircraft
In this episode, we're talking about the next generation of aircraft to enter into service with the Royal Air Force. Tempest, GCAP and FCAS.. want to know what it all means for the 6th generation of aircraft planned for service with the RAF? We'll be hearing from Leonardo, Rolls-Royce and the RAF itself, as Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney gets an InsideAIR update. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air F
Ep 112: Puma Retires
Have you ever crewed, been flown in or serviced a Puma? March sees the retirement of this medium support helicopter that has carried troops, supplies and humanitarian aid in operations and exercises around the world since 1971. InsideAIR goes to RAF Benson, to say farewell. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 111: Part 2, Top Guns: Inside the RAF - Behind The Scenes
In the second instalment of our two part feature about Channel 4's documentary on the RAF we rejoin InsideAIR's Air Specialist 1 Emma Kirwan as she goes behind the scenes of Top Guns: Inside the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 110: Top Guns: Inside the RAF - Behind The Scenes
How do you make a TV documentary on a busy, operational and in places, secretive RAF station? Balancing the needs and wishes of the people being filmed, the film crew and ultimately the viewers, is no easy task. InsideAIR's Air Specialist 1 Emma Kirwan spoke to the people behind and in front of the cameras of the second series of Top Guns: Inside the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air F
Ep 109: DE&S - Delivering War Fighting Capability to the RAF
Acquiring new platforms, upgrading current platforms so they remain relevant, and ensuring the support solutions, supplies and spares are in place. This is the unsung role of Defence Equipment and Support. Squadron Leader Peter Lisney talks with DE&S's Director Fixed Wing and Director Rotary Wing, UAS and Air Enablers, to find out how they deliver war fighting capability to the RAF, and hears wha
Ep 108: On Exercise With the RNLI
A joint RAF & RNLI exercise took place recently off the coast of the Isle of Man with a 202 Squadron Jupiter helicopter from RAF Valley playing the lead role. Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully watched the winching operations from the deck of the Port St Mary lifeboat and caught up with both teams to find out what was involved. The exercise took place in mid-December, at the end of the RNLI's bicenten
Ep 107: Pan-Defence Skills and Professions Programme
'When will I be promoted, how much will I be paid, does the job still make me happy?' If you're already serving in the RAF, these career related questions might sound familiar. Squadron Leader Peter Lisney spoke with members of the RAF Career Management team to find out how the new Pan-Defence Skills Framework could play a major role in finding the answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal
Ep 106: Red Arrows Diamond 60
2024 saw the 60th anniversary of the formation of the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. InsideAIR's Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey finds out why they were founded, gets a tour of their famous Hawk Mk T1 aircraft, and meets pilots, groundcrew and their fans as the Red Arrows embark on their summer tour. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Ser
Ep 105: Atlas vs Hercules - A Pilot's View
When the Atlas C.1 A400M entered service with the RAF ten years ago, many asked whether this tactical airlift aircraft would ever be as good as the much loved C-130 Hercules. Who better then to pass judgement than a pilot who has flown both aircraft for almost equal lengths of time. InsideAIR met with Flight Lieutenant Seb Davey to find the answer. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by
Ep 104: Rapid Capability Development for a 5th Gen Air Force
According to the RAF's Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer, 'Commercial' is actually about delivering capability at pace that the war fighter needs. Group Captain Rauri Henderson-Begg and Tom Purser from Commercial X talk to InsideAIR about rapid capability development for a 5th Gen Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services
Ep 103: The RAF Air Historical Branch
In this episode, we'll step behind the scenes at the Air Historical Branch at Northolt to check out the huge variety of work they undertake going back through time and in making sure that today's RAF events are properly captured for the future. Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully spoke with the Head of the Air Historical Branch, Seb Cox, to find out more. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force
Ep 102: From Flyer to Fighter - Flying Training Update
On InsideAIR this week, we get the latest on flying training. As Head of Flying Training for the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, Air Commodore Rob Caine's job is to get as many aircrew as possible through flying training to the front line. He told Squadron Leader Peter Lisney of InsideAIR, how the system has been changing and how augmented reality and psychological skills training are now both playing
Ep 101: The Red Arrows Maple Hawk Tour of Canada
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the Red Arrows, have just returned from a very successful six-week tour of Canada on 'Maple Hawk'. The RAF Waddington based team are celebrating their own 60th anniversary and were invited to help mark the Royal Canadian Air Force's Centennial year. InsideAIR's Flight Lieutenant Mark McKinstry joined them behind the scenes.
Ep 100: 100th Episode Special with CAS - People, Technology and Operations
In this 100th episode special, Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton joins Squadron Leader Peter Lisney to look back at some of the significant events and achievements that have happened for the RAF, its people, technology and operations, since InsideAIR's first episode in January 2021. They also look ahead to what we can expect in the RAF by the time episode 200 is released in 2028. Inside
Ep 99: Poseidon in the Pacific
This summer, two Poseidon MRA.1 (P-8A) Maritime Reconnaissance Attack aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth flew to Hawaii for the world's largest international maritime exercise. Called Exercise Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC for short, it involved 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. InsideAIR went to find out more. InsideAI
Ep 98: 617 Squadron on QRA in Iceland
The RAF normally employs its Typhoon jet fighters for land-based NATO Air Policing missions. However, this year, 617 Squadron's F-35 B Lightnings took on the job for the first time. InsideAIR's Flt Lt Amy Casey went to Iceland to see how they got on. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 97: The Red Arrows to Canada
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have set off to help the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrate its centenary. What does it take to move the aircraft, pilots, engineers, ground and support crew along with several tonnes of equipment across the Atlantic? InsideAIR's Flt Lt Mark McKinstry caught up with them as they prepared to depart. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force
Ep 96: NATO Air and Space Power and the RAF's Contribution
Speaking about the RAF's contribution to NATO air and space power, Air Marshal Johnny Stringer says, "There's no point in having an air show air force; you've got to be ready to turn up and do the difficult stuff". Listen to the full interview with the Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Air Command. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Servic
Ep 95: NATO Enhanced Air Policing with the RAF and Finnish Air Force
The Finnish Air Force has deployed to Romania on its first NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, operating alongside the RAF's 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. InsideAIR sent Air Specialist 1, Victoria Andrews to find out how the operation has been going. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 94: "Ready to Fly and Fight" Chief of the Air Staff
What does it mean to be ready to fly and fight? Where will that fight be? And why is the RAF changing the way it operates? Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton gives InsideAIR the answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 93: Air Intelligence Out of the Shadows
We hear a lot about RAF and general military intelligence, but what do we actually mean when we talk about it? Who's involved, what do they do, how do they do it and what happens to all the information they gather? Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney lifts the veil to get the answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 92: NATO School Oberammergau
For more than 70 years, the small Bavarian town of Oberammergau has been host to a NATO School. With 115 courses attended by 11,000 students annually, InsideAIR spoke with an RAF officer currently serving there to find out what the School delivers for both NATO and the Royal Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 91: Cyberspace Profession in the RAF
Cyberspace is a domain we're hearing more and more about and its importance to every aspect of what we do, day-in and day-out is growing. But when we talk about Cyberspace, what exactly do we mean, how far does it reach into our lives, who are the people who can help us navigate through and, what if you think you might have what it takes to join the RAF Cyberspace team?
Ep 90: ENJJPT - RAF Fast Jet Training in Texas
In this edition of InsideAIR, we're off to Texas for RAF fighter pilot training The RAF sends some of its trainee pilots to the United States to learn to be fighter pilots. InsideAIR's Wing Commander Dylan Eklund headed to the Lone Star State to get the lowdown. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 89: The Future of Aerospace Medicine
While scientists and engineers develop the RAF's sixth generation combat aircraft, a specialist team of aviation and space medicine consultants are working hard to mitigate the effects which flying the aircraft will have on the aircrew's body. InsideAIR's Medical Correspondent , Wg Cdr Sarah Charters, went to the centrifuge at RAF Cranwell to meet the team working on this challenge and to find
Ep 88: No Light, No NVG, No Option But Go In
As the last forces personnel were evacuated from Kabul in August 2021, two German soldiers were accidentally left behind, leading to an incredible rescue mission, led by an RAF Flight Lieutenant. A call from the German Ops centre asked Flt Lt Mark Jenkins to fly back into Kabul. His mission... to rescue the two German soldiers who'd been left behind amidst the chaos. InsideAIR is produced for
Ep 87: Every Reservist a Warfighter
In 2021, the Government published a list of recommendations in the Reserve Forces Review 2030. Less than a year later Russia invaded Ukraine. What happened to RF30? How will RAF Reservists be affected? And what does it mean for the wider RAF? InsideAIR spoke with Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's Commandant General, to find some answers. InsideAIR is produced for the R
Ep 86: Saving Lives in the Air - The Centre of Aerospace Medicine
In today's episode, we take a look around the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine at RAF Henlow. Aircraft rapid decompression and loss of oxygen can be life threatening for aircrew. Knowing what to expect, and how to recognise hypoxia are just some the life-saving scenarios aircrew train for at the Centre. We sent InsideAIR's medical correspondent, Wg Cdr Sarah Charters, to find out more. InsideAIR
Ep 85: AVM Suraya Marshall "Do the right thing, not the easy thing"
Change, culture, leadership, and the benefits of a diverse environment. These are just some of the topics Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall considers as she chats with InsideAIR's Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey about life in the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 84: UK Space Operations
We hear lots about the space domain, but what does that actually mean and how is the UK using it as part of its defence policy? Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is the Commander of UK Space Command, based at High Wycombe, and he spoke with Flt Lt Chris Sully to explain what his team does and what it means for the big picture.
Ep 83: LEGAD and POLAD on Ops - Targeting's Check and Balance
'Could we hit it?', 'Should we hit it?' Before RAF aircraft can strike a target, these questions must be asked, and it's down to the targeting team's Legal Adviser and Policy Adviser to come up with the answers. In this ground-breaking interview for the RAF, we head to the Middle East to speak with 83 Expeditionary Air Group's LEGAD and POLAD. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF M
Ep 82: Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force
In the latest episode, we catch up with the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam. Warrant Officer Subramaniam has been in post as Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force for the best part of a year now. But what does the role actually mean and what does he hope to achieve?
Ep 81: X Flight - Reserve Aircrew
Can you take a civilian airline pilot, make them an RAF Reservist and have them operate a state-of-the-art military ISTAR aircraft? Well, if the aircraft has essentially the same flight deck, why not!InsideAIR met with Group Captain ISTAR Reserves who aims to do this at scale with X-Flight. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 80: Top Ten Episodes of 2023
As InsideAIR reaches its third birthday, our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews takes a look back at your top ten favourite episodes from the past 12 months based on the number of downloads in the first seven days after release. From all the RAF Reservist team behind the podcast, have a very happy Christmas and please stay tuned in 2024!
Ep 79: Protector to the Skies
InsideAIR goes behind the scenes at RAF Waddington as the RAF's latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) makes its maiden flight. The Protector RG Mk1 will offer a huge leap forward in terms of operability and capability as Sqn Ldr Daz Scales discovers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 78: RAF Training Specialisation
The annual RAF Training Specialisation Conference has just taken place at RAF Halton. Military Training Specialists are at the very heart of preparing future forces personnel to be able to deliver the capability to 'fly and fight'. AS1 Emma Kirwan caught up with some of those at the conference to hear about their plans and challenges.
Ep 77: American Football with the RAF Mustangs
RAF Mustangs are back, but this time in the shape of the RAF's American Football team. Our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan went pitch side to find out why the sport is rapidly growing in the British Military and to watch the RAF meet the Army in the final of the Inter-Services Championships. "Fly high, strike fast". InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by
Ep 76: Liz McConaghy - Life on Chinook, Life After Chinook
This is the incredible story of former RAF Chinook Crewman, Liz McConaghy. From pulling the trigger and being shot at, to extracting wounded soldiers from the battlefield, and even a near fatal collision with overhead power cables, Liz's seventeen year career in the back of a Chinook helicopter is one she wouldn't swap for anything. But not all combat injuries are physical, as Liz shared with Ins
Ep 75: Testing Military Aircraft
In this week's InsideAIR, we enter the fascinating world of test pilots, aircrew and engineers. Find out from the RAF's Chief Test Pilot why in this synthetic world of AI, machine learning and simulators, real time test and evaluation in the air is just as important as ever. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 74: Espionage - A Local Threat?
Protecting the RAF's secrets is the life-long responsibility of everyone who wears the uniform. Whether that's online, on a night out or even in your own neighbourhood. In this frank discussion, Air and Space Commander Air Marshal Harvey Smyth explains the threat could be closer than you think. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 73: Move, eat, think and sleep
'Move, eat, think and sleep' is a new initiative to help RAF personnel physically, mentally and emotionally both in work and outside.It's a new initiative by the team of PTI's and Training Development Flight at RAF Coningsby and Sqn Ldr Daz Scales went along to see what it's all about. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 72: The UK, NATO & SHAPE
The UK's National Military Representative to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), is Air Commodore Steve Kilvington. In this episode, he explains to Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney about the criticality of control of the air, the new NATO Force Model and what it's like to work and live within SHAPE in Belgium. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by
Ep 71: The RAF in Scotland
Scotland plays a significant role in the RAF's defence of the United Kingdom with both Typhoon QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) jets and the Poseidon multi-role maritime patrol aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth. Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney talks with Air Officer Scotland, Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson, about the Royal Air Force presence in Scotland, the highlights of Highland life, and why once posted there,
Ep 70: NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission
Since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the RAF's involvement in Air Policing Missions over NATO's Eastern flank have taken on a new significance for both those deployed and the host nations. Before the completion of this year's Op AZOTIZE based in Estonia, InsideAIR spoke with 140 Expeditionary Air Wing's Officer Commanding and a Junior Engineering Officer to see how things had gone. InsideA
Ep 69: Chinook vs Typhoon at RIAT
Which is best, Chinook or Typhoon? That's the question we asked the Chinook and Typhoon display pilots at the Royal International Air Tattoo. We also take a look inside the Techno Tent to hear about STEM from astronaut Major Tim Peake and former Tornado pilot, Mandy Hickson. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
Ep 68: F1 Meets Typhoon
How does being behind the wheel of a Formula One racing car compare with taking the controls of a Typhoon jet fighter? Mercedes F1 driver George Russell found out when he flew with the RAF's Typhoon display pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matt Brighty. InsideAIR watched from behind the scenes and brings you the story. (Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team) InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air F
Ep 67: Career Management Nexus
Imagine a world where you can carry out your RAF career management on your phone! That world is coming with the RAF Career Management Nexus. Air Commodore Nick Brittain is the Assistant Chief of Staff for Career Management and is overseeing the project and other areas. He tells Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney about the changes. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme musi
Ep 66: TT 2023 with Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell
The world-famous Isle of Man TT Races have just finished for 2023 and Brize Norton-based Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell was back with a record in mind - to complete all 10 events. Join InsideAIR as we track Jack's efforts over the two weeks, take a trip around part of the famous course together, go onto the grid with him and hear the thoughts of TT legend (and 23 times TT winner), John McGuinness on
Ep 65: Chief of the Air Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, is approaching the end of his 4-years leading the Royal Air Force It's certainly been a full-on time with many challenges, successes and frustrations as he told Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.
