E46 – Expendable Tech for F-35 Threat Training
E46 – Expendable Tech for F-35 Threat Training  
Podcast: The Merge
Published On: Sun Feb 16 2025
Description: Don’t miss our newsletter! That's where we drop weekly knowledge bombs to help you make sense of defense!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! • Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠!• Mike Benitez on LinkedIn• Brett “Snappy” Abbamonte on LinkedIn• ASI company• ELITE product ----Follow us on... • LinkedIn• Instagram⁠• ⁠X⁠• ⁠Facebook⁠• ⁠Website⁠----00:00 start01:11 intro03:08 Snappy 04:49 F-35 magnifies a growing problem07:21 the 3-solution problem10:31 good-enough solution space12:12 ELITE13:51 size and power15:35 as a target17:45 customers20:27 remote controlled22:00 how to keep it low cost23:34 creative training25:09 how the training looks26:47 RAF Lakenheath31:19 SBIR experience38:02 valley of death38:34 end of year money40:27 squadron innovation funds42:14 expendable concept validated42:50 Marine Corps weapons school example44:40 expendable allocation46:14 tools for innovative training49:30 memory lane49:45 callsign story51:40 outro#military #nationaldefense #warfare #nationalsecurity#defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #usmc#innovation #war #strategy #aerospace #china #airpower #f35 #training #readiness #electronicwarfare