This show examines and highlights the stories behind the most influential and innovative planes.
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A-1 Skyraider
The consummate carrier jet, the Skyraider, was such a success that the Navy used it for three decades. Air Force engineers considered its design the pinnacle of piston-powered aviation.
P-40 Warhawk
One of the most rugged fighters ever built, the P-40 was the Army Air Force's front-line fighter at the start of WWII. The P-40 is among the top five aircraft in U.S. history in terms of number of aircraft produced.
B-25 Bomber
The B-25, nicknamed "the sweetheart of the forces," was one of the stars of World War II. Known for its adaptability, this bomber was flown by the Air Force, the Navy and the Marines.
F-15 Eagle
The F-15 was developed to be a fighter plane without equal. Born of the need to win in battle against a foe with complete numerical advantage, the F-15 Eagle would need to excel in all areas where its enemy could not.
F-16
The F-16 Falcon was the economical, single-engine successor to the F-15. It has more in common with planes of World War II, excelling in dogfights, but capable of ground war. Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Israel and Norway all invested in F-16 technology.
F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 is one of the most advanced airplanes in the world. One computer chip compensates for wind, waves and ship movement, allowing the F/A-18 to land without touching a single flight control.
F-84 Thunderjet
The F-84 Thunderjet first took to the air in 1946, as the first post-war American fighter. Born in an era of uncertain aircraft design, it nonetheless made a significant contribution to fighter plane efficiency.
F-104 Starfighter
The F-104 Starfighter was a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force fighter arsenal for nearly three decades. Its design was innovative and controversial, but influenced all fighters that followed.
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