Century Of Flight: Embracing The World

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode of Century of Flight explores the history and current developments of civilian air travel. Learn how World War II impacted airliner innovations and how airliners aided the United States Army efforts.Observe progress in the fields of luxury, speed, and distance with the supersonic Concorde and Boeing 707. Investigate problems to the increasing popularity of air travel, and see solutions engineered.

Century of Flight: Angels of Mercy

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, we explore humanitarian missions employing aircraft. Learn about Reverend John Flynn's Flying Doctor Service, military evacuations, and rescue of political refugees. Experience the dark and happy moments of the Uruguay rugby team stranded in the Andes Mountains. Watch Scott O'Grady be transported to the USS Kearsarge in hostile territory.

Century Of Flight: Strike From The Air

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, we see the development of air strikes and bombers during World War I, and how it permanently changed how wars are fought and won. The first planes and airships were used asreconnaissance, but ground strafing and interdiction strategies were soon formulated, followed by advancement of bomber planes. Follow German Zeppelins on their attacks on London, and the Allied Force's Christmas Eve offensive that helped end the war.

Century Of Flight: The Helicopter Story

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode of Century of Flight features the development of the versatile helicopter. See how Leonardo da Vinci's conceptual Flying Screw inspired the first engineering attempts by the likes of Sir George Cayley and Etienne Oehmichen. Observe the horror inflicted by the Bell 209 Huey Cobra during the Vietnam War and by the Hughes Apache Gunships during the Gulf War. Watch emergency rescues, humanitarian aid drops, crop dusting, firefighting, and police patrols performed by helicopters of various designs.

Century Of Flight: To The Moon And Beyond

BBC Worldwide Learning

On this episode of Century of Flightwe see the development of rocket science from Robert Goddard’s advancements in the 1930’s to Russian innovations of the 1990’s. Hear Dwight Eisenhower’s announcement establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and experience the many challenges and tragedies of space travel. See the first photographs of the lunar surface, and view modern footage of the solar system taken from Hubble.

Century Of Flight: To The Farthest Corners Of The Globe

BBC Worldwide Learning

Aviation has made exploration of previously dangerous and prohibitive areas safe and expedient. On this episode of Century of Flight travel with land, sea, and aerial pioneers on the Amazon River, through the Australian Outback, and over the Poles and Mount Everest.

Century Of Flight: The Romance Of The Air

BBC Worldwide Learning

This piece of aviation history documents developments in both commercial aircraft and airlines from 1914 to 1939. Review the beginnings of the world's fascination with air travel; find out how mail services expanded to include private industries; see the push for transatlantic Airship routes, along with their fiery demise.

Century Of Flight: The Trailblazers

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, review the great long-distance flights and the aviators who achieved them, including color re-enactments using restored and replica aircraft. The great transatlantic flights are featured together with those to the Orient and Africa. The conquering of the Pacific is covered, including Amelia Earhart and the mystery of her disappearance. See how these pioneers paved the way for modern airliners.

Century Of Flight: Man Learns To Fly 1900-14

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, we follow the early development of flying machines, from Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter, to the Deperdussin Monoplane. Experience the trialsof early engineers and pilots evolve into military craft and air show aerobatics. Watch the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903, and the first combat mission flown byCaptain Piazza in 1911.

Century Of Flight: Airpower And Navies

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode ofCentury of Flight focuses on Naval Aviation developed during World War II. Experience the terror ofIsoroku Yamamoto's attack on Pearl Harbor, and learn how it prompted advances in aircraft endurance. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of the aircraft carrier, and watch some of the great ships be sunk.Watch allied merchant convoys attacked by German U-boats, and find out how advanced radar systems and anti-submarine weaponry led to German Naval Commander Kyle Donitz declaring the Battle of the Atlantic a loss.

Century Of Flight: Airpower And Armies

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode ofCentury of Flight,we examine the impact of using air power to support ground forcesin war. Learn how the first military aircraft were used for reconnaissance, and how aerial photography developedout of that role. See the evolution of Blitzkrieg, and the technological advances in aviation triggered by Nazi offensive tactics. Watch the first paratroopers land in Norway, and witness the brutal effectiveness of carpet bombing refugees in France.

Century Of Flight: Struggle For The Skies

BBC Worldwide Learning

The struggle for air dominance during World War II is featured in this episode ofCentury of Flight. Experience the technological race between Japanese, Nazi and Allied Forces as they engineer faster planes, more efficient weaponry, and advanced radar systems. See how Russia won the fight over its own skies with sheer numbers. Learn how the United States 8th Air Force overwhelmed the Luftwaffe, leading to Nazi surrender.

Century Of Flight: The Shadow Of The Bomber

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode of Century of Flight examines the development of global power Air Forces between World War I and World War II. Study efforts to disarm Germany and create peace at the Geneva Convention; learn how Hitler secretly formed the Luftwaffe, which carried out terrifying Blitzkriegs. See technological developments in speed and endurance, and of anti-aircraft defenses such as radar.

Century Of Flight: Cold War Skies 1945-89

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode ofCentury of Flightinvestigates the role of aviation during the Cold War era, and the massive technological advances brought about the nuclear arms race. Learn how the United States Nuclear Triad developed. Watch NATO and the Warsaw Pact form. Experience the G forces of supersonic jets, and find out how traditional fighters bested them in ground attacks and air to air combat.

Century Of Flight: The Spectacle Of Flying Post-1945

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode of Century of Flight features the Air Show, originating after World War I as a way for air forces to gain support as independent branches of the military. Racing and aerobatics became popular soon after, and air shows provided a way for pilots to show off their skills and planes. Experience the evolution of the Air Show, from the vast Shuttleworth Collection to the formation flying stunts of the Red Arrows. See a Vickers Wellington Bomber recovered from Loch Ness and a replica of the Wrights Brothers original flying machine.

Century Of Flight: The Bomber As War Winner

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, strategic bombing of World War II is examined. Experience the first attacks on Poland and London by German forces, and see the Blitz raid develop. Observe the devastation of air raids and heavy bombers on civilians and military industrial factories alike. Watch the atomic bomb deployed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and hear condemnation of it and strategic bombing by allied leaders.

Century Of Flight: Naval Aviation 1945-95

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode of Century of Flight focuses on the development of the Aircraft Carrier after World War II. Advances in jet technologies inspired a new breed equipped with steam catapults, and angled flight decks. Watch the evolution of the vessel through several conflicts, including the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Falkland Invasion and Gulf War.

Century Of Flight: Korea To The Gulf War

BBC Worldwide Learning

This episode of Century of Flight focuses on the role of military aviation from the 1950s to the 1990s. Examine successes and failures of air power during the Korean War, Vietnam conflict, and the Gulf War. Learn about the development of smart bombs and anti-aircraft weaponry. Visit the TOPGUN facility, where American fighter pilots are readied for combat.

Century Of Flight: High Above The Trenches

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, we learn how airplanes went from unarmed reconnaissance scouts to custom fighters during World War I. Learn about the pilots that became “aces,” and celebrated as national heroes; discover how inexperienced Americans trained to become a force aiding Allied Forces in victory, and how techniques formulated then are still used today.

Century Of Flight: Madcaps And Oddballs

BBC Worldwide Learning

In this episode of Century of Flight, we experience the madcaps and oddballs of aviation. See massive haulers and tiny racers; watch Birdmen of the 1920’s and 30’s launch themselves from rocks, buildings and cliffs. Experience the many innovations of human powered aircraft, solar powered planes, and aerodynamic designs that have contributed to the development of modern, high tech machines.