History's Greatest Aircraft

Airing on Sky History and Canal+ France, History’s Greatest Aircraft is a series that takes a look at some of the most impressive technical marvels of engineering to have ever taken off into the sky. Each episode delves into a different aircraft that has seen service in armed conflicts to analyse its service history and recount some of its most legendary stories. In getting up close and personal with surviving versions of the original planes, this series provides a fascinating look into the past and how history can influence the futur

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Type: tv

Season: 3

Episode: N/A

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Release: 2022-03-06

Rating: 8

Season 1 - History's Greatest Aircraft
2022-03-06
The troubled beginnings and amazing exploits of legendary British heavy bomber the Lancaster. Featuring a close look at a replica
2022-03-13
A look at the later, clipped wing version flown by Czech refugee pilots in the UK during World War II. Plus, a tour of a restored example.
2022-03-20
The astonishing story of the 109 and its modified variants, best known for its role in the Battle of Britain.
2022-03-27
The story of the prolonged development and the initially troubled operational history of the Boeing B29 Superfortress.
2022-04-03
A look at the Heinkel He 111, one of the most numerous and easily recognised German aircraft of the Second World War. Plus, how it became a guinea pig for future bombers.
2022-04-10
The fascinating story behind the Mosquito, the stunning wooden aircraft that undertook some of the most daring and iconic raids of the Second World War.

Season 2 - History's Greatest Aircraft
2024-08-05
The mighty Flying Fortress takes to the air as we examine the background and development of one of WWIIs most iconic bombers. Serving with both the USAAF and the RAF, we see it in action and fly a surfing example.
2024-08-12
Cruelly called 'the packing case the B17 came in,' the Liberator more than proved its worth over Europe and the Pacific, patterning the B17 to deliver a blow to the axis powers in WWII however it wasn't simply a bomb delivery system.
2024-08-19
Often called 'the forgotten bomber', the mighty North American twin delivered the first blow in the fight back against Japan, in one of the most daring and audacious raids of all time.
2024-08-26
The aircraft capable of delivering the payload of a B17, in a single post war air frame. The many variants of this single piston engined fighter bomber helped dominate the air to ground attack role in Vietnam, earning quite a reputation.
2024-09-02
The definitive combat helicopter saw first blood in South East Asia and has been transport, gunship, smoke ship, command centre, MediVac and dozens of other roles. We hear and see it's hair raising missions and watch it earn its fame.
2024-09-09
The F15 Eagle immediately turned the tide of the first Gulf War to prove its greatness. Our immaculately restored MiG Killer was involved in one of the most bizarre combat incidents during that conflict, and has survived to tell the tale.

Season 3 - History's Greatest Aircraft
2025-02-17
The Grumman Avenger, which was the most important carrier-based torpedo bomber on American and British carriers throughout the Second World War. They were also the biggest and heaviest carrier aircraft of the conflict.
2025-02-24
The Junkers Ju 52, which is considered one of the most famous airplanes in history. It was first designed as an airliner, but was used as a transport, bomber, and air ambulance during the Second World War.
2025-03-03
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a Second World War fighter aircraft produced by the American company Republic Aviation from 1941 until 1945. It was considered a successful high-altitude fighter and also served as the foremost US fighter-bomber in the ground-attack role.
2025-03-10
The Yakovlev Yak-3, a Second World War Soviet fighter that was regarded for its performance at low altitudes and its agility. It was one of the most successful Soviet aircraft designs of the war.
2025-03-17
The Hawker Hurricane was the first RAF aircraft to fly over 300mph. Over half of every enemy aeroplane destroyed in the Battle of Britain was by a Hurricane, not a Spitfire.
2025-03-24
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Regarded as one of the most important aircraft of the Cold War. It was a major part of the United States Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and was also used by many other countries.