Ep 9. Night Fighters

In "Dogfights" season 2 episode 9, titled "Night Fighters," viewers are brought into the world of aerial combat during World War II. This episode focuses on the tactics and technology used by night fighters, a type of aircraft that hunted enemy planes during the cover of darkness.

The episode begins by showcasing the challenges of fighting in the dark. The pilots and crews of night fighters had to rely heavily on their instruments and radar to locate enemy planes. The stakes were high – if they made a mistake, they could easily collide with their target or another friendly plane.

The show presents several accounts of real-life night fighter missions from WWII. We hear from pilots and crew members who recount the adrenaline-filled moments as they swoop through the skies, searching for signs of the enemy. Their stories are interspersed with footage of recreated dogfights, using animations and archive footage.

One pilot describes the frustration of trying to spot an enemy plane in the dark. He recounts how he was circling the skies, straining to see anything that moved. Suddenly, an enemy bomber appeared on his radar. The pilot quickly descended towards the plane, keeping it in his sights. He describes the tension of the moment as he prepares to fire, knowing that he only had a few precious chances to hit his target.

Another story follows a night fighter crew as they attempt to take down a German Ju-88 bomber. The crew had to fly close to the enemy plane in order to lock onto it with their radar. They then fired their guns, aiming for the engines and cockpit. Their tactics proved successful, and they were able to successfully take down the bomber. The show gives viewers a sense of the exhilaration and danger involved in these high-stakes missions.

One unique aspect of nighttime dogfights was the use of "bait" planes. These were planes that would purposely fly into enemy territory, in order to lure out enemy fighters. Once the enemy planes had taken the bait, the night fighters would swoop in. This tactic required a great deal of coordination and bravery from the pilots involved, and the show helpfully explains how it worked.

As the episode progresses, we see how the technology and tactics of night fighting evolved over time. For example, early night fighters had to rely on flares and searchlights to illuminate the skies, but later planes were equipped with more advanced radar technology. The show does a good job of explaining these changes in a way that's both engaging and educational.

Overall, "Dogfights" season 2 episode 9 is a thrilling look at an underexplored aspect of WWII aerial combat. We get a sense of the intense skill and bravery required to hunt enemy planes in the dark, as well as the technological innovations that allowed these missions to take place. Fans of military history and aviation will surely find this episode fascinating.