Historia de la aviación

Could the Allies have won the war without aviation? Discover what went on behind the scenes of the historic, ambitious aerial battle that raged over Normandy.

Explore the story behind the U.S. Air Force's A-10 Warthog—and how it was almost left behind.

In the mid-60's, a Supersonic airliner seemed a logical progression from the proven success of earlier jet transports. An ambitious Anglo-Franco alliance grappled with enormous aerospace obstacles from both sides of the English Channel.

The incredible story of the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces.

While Hitler funds space projects for his war effort, rather than science, German space pioneer Eugen Sanger is a true believer in advancing science and space flight.

For over 35 years, the Sikorsky Blackhawk has been a reliable war horse for the U.S. Armed Forces–charging into hostile territory from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. After decades of upgrades, it remains one of the world's most sophisticated aircraft.

During WWII, Germany explored every option for striking the U.S., including submarines, rockets, and the "Amerika Bomber" program.

Because of Herman Goring’s relationship with Hitler, the Luftwaffe held more sway with Hitler than the Army or the Navy. Yet, Hitler often said it failed him. What caused the Luftwaffe, one of the most powerful air forces in the world, to come crashing down?

With its huge delta wing, the Vulcan was easily one of the most recognizable British bombers ever built. As Britain's frontline nuclear deterrent through the 1950s and early 60s, the Vulcan proved itself to be an effective high and low level penetration bomber.

On a normal Friday night in America, the Soviet satellite Sputnik is thrust into space—altering the Cold War and space travel forever.

In WWII both Britain and Germany raced to develop their fledgling jet engines into war winning technology. Jets had the potential to eclipse the records of the fastest piston engined aircraft. But there were many doubts about this technology, which led to some interesting hybrids.

When atomic energy first becomes available as a power source, U.S. and Soviet engineers dream of a plane that doesn't have to land and refuel.

In the early 1990s, legendary German "ace" pilot, Adolf Galland, shares his personal recollections of the war to a camera crew.

While the B-29 prepares to make its WWII debut, it is a tiny English bomber that catches the attention of Douglas Aircraft: a wooden wonder that slips through the air so quickly that it needs no defensive armament. Perhaps the Douglas team can put together a speedy bomber of their own.

America’s WWII Marine aircraft, the F4U Corsair, is so hard to land on the carrier deck that it becomes known as the “Ensign Eliminator."

This is the story of America's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan during WWII. What factors lead to using such a devastating weapon to end the war in the Pacific?

To counter WWI German airships, Britain develops a hybrid aircraft by welding the fuselages of two planes together. During WWII both Germany and the Allies would build twin-fuselage aircraft.

In the 60’s, when the U.S. Air Force wanted a large, heavy lift transport aircraft, Boeing and Lockheed battled for the lucrative contract. Lockheed won, but Boeing moved foward with their commercial 747 "Jumbo Jet."

At the end of WWII, the Allies were reeling from a battle with Germany and Japan, but they had to quickly retool for the Cold War. New advanced night fighters like the Javelin and Scorpion were desperately needed to keep Soviet nuclear bombers in check.

German data gives Western designers the formula for large airliners like the Boeing 707, Douglas DC8 and Convair Jet Liners.

During WWII, Germany’s incredible “Miniature Fighter Competition” leads to some true aeronautical marvels.

World War II was a test of the industrial might of each nation and the ingenuity of their aircraft designers to build more and superior aircraft. This intense competition would take aviation a giant leap forward and lay the groundwork for the next century of flight.

Just as the Vietnam War is ending, another begins next door. A Khmer Rouge attack on U.S. interests in Cambodia leave American soldiers trapped in harm's way.

In order to bring the fight to the heart of Japan, America needs an aircraft with enormous range and firepower. Unfortunately, getting this plane up in the air is easier said than done. Examine the difficulties engineers and workers face while building the B-29 Superfortress.

With WWII over, Britain looks to develop bombers to counter the nuclear ambitions of the Soviet Union. As they search through innovative foreign technologies, they discover one idea a little closer to home. Pulling its inspiration from nature itself, this new bomber offers stability and grace.

In the late 40s, the Soviets were far behind in jet development. Russian engineers suggested buying engines abroad, but Stalin said no government would be foolish enough to sell. He was wrong.

A two-part story behind the military history of the glider at war.

In 1950, North Korean leader Kim Il Sung orders the North Korean People's Army across the 38th Parallel. Within a day, North Korea's tanks roll to the perimeter of Seoul—forcing the evacuation of the government. Vice Admiral Jerry Miller talks about the early days of the Korean War.

Since fighter planes lack enough fuel to trek deep into enemy territory, engineers found ways for fighters to bring along their supplies.

Volkenrode, an idyllic rural district in WWII Germany, remained untouched by Allied bombs during WWII. But beneath the peaceful veneer of treetops and farmhouses, was a secret Nazi complex. One that housed some of the most advanced research facilities in the entire world.

With the Cold War raging and Britain on the front line, a true supersonic and very fast-climbing interceptor is needed. Fortunately, the RAF has one. Dubbed “The Aluminum Rocket,” the English Electric Lightning always rises to the occasion.

While Britain stands alone, the U.S. government secretly prepares for battle against Nazi Germany. With isolationist sentiment running strong, President Roosevelt asks for a secret plan outlining the resources and materials—including long-range bombers—needed to defeat Hitler.

Austrian brothers and pilots, Wolfgang and Ulrich Hutter, have a passion for engineering and aviation that is harnessed by the Luftwaffe in WWII. As the tides of war change, Wolfgang Hutter is called upon again to develop a weapon to save Germany from the Allies’ relentless night-time attacks.

Navy fighter pilot "Hot Dog" Brown discusses his training and combat missions over Vietnam.

When the British discover Nazis are experimenting with a supersonic rocket-powered aircraft, their engineers take up the same challenge.

The F4U Corsair was an iconic and versatile fighter-bomber in both World War II and Korea. Could a modern jet live up to that reputation? The Vietnam-era A7 Corsair was designed more for an attack role than its legendary namesake, but it was every bit as successful.

When the Soviets clone the B-29, America suddenly faces the possibility that their own weapon could be used against them to deliver a deadly nuclear strike. To counter the threat, the U.S. turns to an equally deadly weapon: a folding fin rocket nicknamed "Mighty Mouse."

Throughout WWII, the Nazis seek a fast bomber that can stay ahead of enemy technology. Enter the Schnellbomber.

The Hawker Hurricane was one of Britain's greatest, most prolific aircraft fighters during World War II.

From the early attempts for the Great War to the visionary offerings to assist in space flight, aircraft designers have turned to unorthodox twin boom concepts as a viable option.

Explore the fascinating lives of aviators whose passion for flight leads them to surprising places and roles.

The Westland's Lysander is a British aircraft designed from lessons learned from the Great War, but it is useless in World War II.

Early in World War II, the Mitsubishi Zero lightweight dogfighter was replaced by heavier, expensive aircraft—like the Grumman Hellcat.

Considered by many to be the world’s first jet fighter, the sleek, fast and heavily-armed German Me 262 is, in fact, a distant second.

The 1960s is a turbulent time for the British Aviation industry as it fights to find its place in the expanding jet airliner business.

As Vietnam heats up, a bomber originally built to obliterate Moscow is sent to destroy Viet Cong sanctuaries. With the B-52 in their arsenal, the U.S. hopes to win in Southeast Asia with superior firepower, but the Air Force faces obstacles from Washington D.C.

The jet age has arrived, the race to create the first civilian jetliner continues, and the Soviet Union plays catch up to produce an atomic weapon. With the mounting nuclear threat, Britain looks to a home-grown solution to build its own nuclear bomber fleet.

As the last of the Century series fighters, the XF-109 was far from conventional. Designed for Mach 2 flight, it was to be the world's first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter. Unfortunately for Bell, it would take them out of the fighter business forever.

A two-part story of the dramatic history of the rear gunner.

In many ways, the Cold War is a battle of technology, with East and West competing to build bigger, faster and more powerful weapons. Both sides work to solve the complex problems standing in their way. Can they master zero-length launches—and landings—to erase the need for long runways?

The U.S. Army Air Force becomes the USAF as America's military struggles for control of the atomic bomb—and the survival of Naval aviation.

After Nazi research facilities are bombed, an advanced “swing wing” jet fighter project is moved to a tunnel in the Bavarian mountains.

The fascinating 2-part story behind the ambitious—yet ill-fated—US Navy carrier-based stealth aircraft.

It was called the ultimate interceptor, an aircraft of such advanced design and promise that it captivated the US Air Force for over a decade. As one of the missing Century series fighters, the XF-103 represented a quantum leap forward in fighter design.

The battle for the night skies over Europe is a treacherous one, with its own set of tactics separate from the combat needs of daytime. An English design soon finds itself a dominant player in the deadly role of night fighter, and before long, Germany has their own creatures of the night.

After WWI, restrictions placed on Germany leave the Nazis few options for military technical innovation, but they discover a loophole: the liquid-powered rocket.

As the US Navy pressed westward across the Pacific during WWII, the Japanese military turned to desperate, but often lethal tactics - the most legendary of which was the Kamikaze.

Young Paul Tibbets gets a taste of flying and is hooked for life—later becoming part of something that would alter the course of history.

Already pushed to the brink by constant bombing, the people of Germany face the potential of even more destruction from America with the arrival of the B-29 on English soil. This threat spurs the Luftwaffe to call for the help of Germany's famed aviation designers.

Since the Wright Brothers' first flight, the canard design proves appealing to aircraft manufacturers—especially as war nears. Germany, Britain, Japan and the United States all have their prototypes ready to go.

With Germany's FW 190 terrorizing the skies of Europe, Britain and America join forces to create the ultimate fighting machine. Two great technological inventions merge: the P-51 Mustang and the supercharged Merlin engine.

Spanning five decades, the Hawker Hunter is Britain's longest-serving jet fighter. From Argentina to Sweden, numerous countries line up to buy this plane that stands up to and competes with faster, newer designs.

In his own words, Vice Admiral Dunn shares his story from Naval Academy Midshipman to Commander of the Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet. After earning his wings in 1953 and flying A-1 Skyraiders, he took part in A-4 Skyhawk bombing runs for Attack Squadron 146 against North Vietnamese targets.

In the summer of 1942, a plan emerged to send the large German Ju86R aircraft on a mission over Britain.

In May 1941, the maiden flight of Britain’s first jet-powered aircraft, the Gloster E.28/39, represents a major technological breakthrough and ushers in a new era. In the years that follow, British designers and engineers struggle to harness the power of this new propulsion system.

In 1969, glamorous solo pilot, Sheila Scott, hopes to break aviation legend Jean Batten's record during the London-to-Sydney Air Race.

Desperate not to lose ground to the invading Allies, the Nazi regime searches for new avenues to hold back their enemies. To clear the skies, a new plane that can strike quickly—faster than any piston-engined plane—leaps off the drawing board and into production.

As war rages across Europe, the Nazis seek to further their exploration of rocket power and create new sophisticated aircraft that will give them dominance of the skies. Alexander Lippisch moves from designing gliders to the first rocket-powered production aircraft: The Komet.

It was advertised as a plane that would change the way people experienced flight. Boeing's SST promised to take passengers around the world in record time by traveling at supersonic speeds—yet not everyone loved the idea.

In 1944, George Miles designed an innovative multi-purpose freighter known as the Aerovan. Despite a successful prototype, a pact between the UK and US would bring a halt to production. Undeterred, George and brother Fred press on after the war to keep their company and the Aerovan alive.

The story of the unprecedented Allied bombing campaign during WWII. At first, they target enemy manufacturers; next, the civilian populations.

The Thunderbolt is a rugged workhorse for the U.S. Air Force in WWII, striking down close to 4,000 enemy aircraft. As a result, Republic Aviation becomes a leader in aircraft manufacturing and design, and the career of its chief engineer, Alexander Kartveli, is ignited.

With aviation ambitions set aside to battle the economic problems of the Great Depression, America finds itself inching toward a world at war desperate to update outdated aircraft.

When the B29 is set to retire after WWII, a novel plastic coating cocoons the superforts in retirement. But the fast-approaching Korean War pulls them back into action.

As the Allies converge on Berlin, the Luftwaffe's "Elephant Planes" brave Russian fighters and launch their last heavy bombing attacks.

In the late 60s, the U.S. looks for a new dogfighter to defeat the Soviets and outshine the new Navy fighter. Enter: "The Fighter Mafia."

In an effort to stop the D-Day invasion, the Nazis develop two wild-looking jet aircraft that fly with the engines mounted on their backs.

After WWII, Britain seeks to enter the race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union for a missile-delivered atomic weapon.

The visionaries who propose space travel are "dreamers" until rocket propulsion makes it a complicated reality.

To American military planners, the promise of intercepting Russian bombers far before they reached the American heartland was simply too appealing to ignore. The long-range Mach 3 "Rapier" was born, and as one of the missing Century Series fighters, the XF-108 interceptor had great promise.

Known as “The Zimmer Skimmer,” the odd Vought XF5U and its strange forerunner, "The Flying Flapjack," break new ground in aerodynamics in the immediate pre-jet era.

Known in Britain as the "Buzz Bomb" or "Doodlebug," the Nazis use 8,000 of these loud V1s on London. Eisenhower considers them a major threat to the D-Day landings.

The Lockheed Constellation, known as the "Connie," was one of the most elegant and aesthetically-pleasing aircraft to ever take flight. The iconic American airliner was the end product of a four-decade long search for the perfect airliner.