Aerospace Advantage

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present the Aerospace Advantage, with veteran fighter pilot and Senior Resident Fellow Heather “Lucky” Penney as the host.
Every week, Heather “Lucky” Penney will take listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.

The F-117 Stealth Fighter: it’s one of the biggest game changers in airpower history. Join is to hear from those who were present during the early days of the program, flew the jet, helped employ it, and the particulars surrounding the restoration and display of Smithsonian’s newest black jet.

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The Global Position System (GPS) is deeply engrained in modern life, both civil and military. Join our in-depth discussion with Christina Mancinelli, the Vice President of Global Communications & Navigation at Lockheed Martin, as we learn how the United States is investing in this critical mission to ensure necessary functions continue, even when under attack.

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The effectiveness of Air Force airpower ultimately comes down to how the service presents forces to the combatant commanders. Join us as we chat with Brig Gen Chris Hammond to learn about the Air Force’s new force presentation concept: Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0--a concept that focuses on the wing-echelon as a unit of action.

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Readiness is one of the biggest challenges facing the Air Force as Airmen strive to meet surging demand with an aircraft inventory that is old and small. We chat with Melissa Sutherland, executive vice president and airpower market lead at Booz Allen, to learn more about how AI might help crack this challenge.

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The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is the official think tank of the Air & Space Forces Association, 1201 S. Joyce St., C6 / Second Fl., Arlington, Va., 22202. Copyright 2026