E46 – Expendable Tech for F-35 Threat Training

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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 (themerge.co)!
• Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠ (patreon.com/the_merge)!
• Mike Benitez (linkedin.com/in/mike-benitez) on LinkedIn
• Brett “Snappy” Abbamonte (linkedin.com/in/ab21marines) on LinkedIn
• ASI (asi-inc.com) company
• ELITE (asi-inc.com/pages/the-expendable-low-cost-inte…) product

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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

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