America's TOP SECRET Cold War MiG Fighter Pilots

Dive deep into the high-risk world of a Cold War fighter pilot as Rob "Z-Man" Zettel shares his incredible journey from flying the F-4 Phantom to flying in America's Top Secret Soviet MiG Squadron, the 4477th Red Eagles. Discover the secretive Red Eagles squadron, where elite pilots like Z-Man trained in Soviet jets to prepare American Fighter Pilots for combat. Experience firsthand accounts of dogfights, secret missions, and the sheer adrenaline of flying some of the most controversial jets in aviation history. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a history buff, this video offers a rare glimpse into a classified chapter of aerial warfare.
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Chapters
00:00 The Element of Risk and Unknowns
15:06 The Mission of the Red Eagles
33:46 The Secrets of the Red Eagles Program
46:14 The Training Process and First Flights
57:39 The Importance of Feedback and Debriefing
01:08:15 Flying the MiG-23 and Experiencing a Hydraulic Failure
01:23:11 The Red Eagles Program and the Navy and Marine Corps Pilots
01:36:11 The Closure of the Red Eagles Program\

[@sedlo]

Z-Man’s book is a day 1 purchase for me!!

[@AfterburnPodcast]

100% I know I am looking forward to it!

[@shaunroberts9361]

This was absolutely OUTSTANDING...

[@10percenttrue]

Loved this. Z is a great writer and fighter pilot!

[@bruces3613]

In 1983 I was in an Arctic recon platoon, Fort Wainwright, Alaska and the reference to the Reagan military refit was really coming to fore. Everything from uniforms to small arms, ground transport, helos and aircraft were new and better.

[@Manbemanbe]

Great interview. Thanks Rain. You know, watching this one made me think, “I wonder what it would’ve been like to pit Red Eagles pilots against high-time Soviet pilots of that period, but with everyone flying MiGs?” It occurred to me that the Eagles might be studying these aircraft in a level of detail that the USSR could never afford. Did they know these planes even better than their original owners? Or might experienced Soviet pilots still have a few tricks up their sleeves?

[@afvet52]

Z-Man´s era was the time frame i loved in the AF! 85-91 F-4 s SP.... Good dudes... got things done... Club! Good times!

[@kenlanier2131]

Great podcast! I worked at the Parchute Survial shop 57 EMS at Nellis 88-92. Back then we always wondered what those fellers did up in Tonapah, but we didnt dare ask :)

[@AfterburnPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it. I can only imagine the curiosity. Thanks for those "insurance cards"

[@williamhcollins2010]

Great interview! I heard about some wild stuff going on at Tonapah but again, No One knew nothing and No One DARED ask!

[@oliverlarsen6768]

What a great episode, there is little knowledge about this program (atleast as far as i know) and this was a great insight! Cannot wait for the book to release, im definetly buying it😃

[@goo_rocket5897]

I’m disspastic so request an audiobook?

[@--Luci--]

Moya zopa

[@indy500tabasco8]

👽👽👽👽🌎👽👽👽👽