History's Greatest Aircraft

In series one, we explore the “return to flight” stories of classic military aircraft, iconic racers and quirky pioneers. The team documents the resurrection and preservation of the world’s greatest warbirds, with unique co-operation with the world-leading Shuttleworth Collection in the UK, the Commemorative Air Force in the US, and the award-winning Cavanaugh Museum in the USA. This series captures and celebrates some of the biggest icons in warcraft history, across 7 high-quality, cinematic and dramatic 45-minute episodes, available to be cherry-picked to bring your preferred selection of aircrafts to life.

History's Greatest Aircraft Season 1 release dates →

1. S1 E6

   E6

   6. The Mosquito: The Wooden Wonder

   4 years ago

   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.

2. S1 E5

   E5

   5. He-111: Germany's Frontline Bomber

   4 years ago

   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.

3. S1 E4

   E4

   4. Boeing B-29: Superfortress

   4 years ago

   The story of the prolonged development and the initially troubled operational history of the Boeing B29 Superfortress.

4. S1 E3

   E3

   3. Me-109: The Luftwaffe's Frontline Fighter

   4 years ago

   The astonishing story of the 109 and its modified variants, best known for its role in the Battle of Britain.

5. E2

   2. The Spitfire: A British Fighter Legend

   4 years ago

   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.

6. S1 E1

   E1

   1. The Lancaster: Britain's Frontline Bomber

   4 years ago

   The troubled beginnings and amazing exploits of legendary British heavy bomber the Lancaster. Featuring a close look at a replica

History's Greatest Aircraft Season 2 release dates →

1. E6

   6. F-15 Eagle

   2 years ago

   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.

2. E5

   5. Bell UH-1 Huey

   2 years ago

   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.

3. E4

   4. A-1 Skyraider

   2 years ago

   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.

4. E3

   3. B-25 Mitchell

   2 years ago

   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.

5. E2

   2. B-24 Liberator

   2 years ago

   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.

6. E1

   1. B-17 Flying Fortress

   2 years ago

   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.

History's Greatest Aircraft Season 3 release dates →

1. E6

   6. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

   1 year ago

   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.

2. E5

   5. Hawker Hurricane

   1 year ago

   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.

3. E4

   4. Yakovlev Yak-3

   1 year ago

   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.

4. E3

   3. Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

   1 year ago

   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.

5. E2

   2. Junkers Ju 52

   1 year ago

   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.

6. E1

   1. Grumman TBF Avenger

   1 year ago

   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.