Skynet. Cyborgs… When you think of advanced technology in military applications, odds are Hollywood has you convinced it is to our species’ peril. Never mind entertainment, what is artificial intelligence, really, and how might it be adapted in military aviation?

On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Randel Gordon, Vice Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California joins guest cohost Ken Katz to describe how AI is shaping the way the military trains, fights, works logistics and repairs, and a host of other activities where big data can bring about efficiencies and improved capabilities.

During the listener question portion we learn the distinction between the Navy Fighter Weapons School (aka TOPGUNaka Navy Fighter Weapons School. A US Navy institution that develops and provides graduate-level strike-fighter tactics.) and other Navy and Marine Corps adversary squadrons. Check out Ken’s book, The Supersonic BONE: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber.

Episode artwork adapted by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Opening audio clip from Terminator 2: Judgement Day directed by James Cameron (1991, Paramount)