The Complete History of Air Combat

Watch The Complete History of Air Combat

  • 2000
  • 1 Season

The Complete History of Air Combat is an exhilarating documentary series produced by Total Content Digital that tells the story of the evolution of aerial warfare from the earliest days of aviation to the present day. It details the innovations that led to the creation of military aircraft and the strategies used by pilots to gain both air superiority and the upper hand in combat.

The series is presented in a linear format, beginning with the Wright brothers' first successful flight in 1903 and concluding with modern-day aerial warfare. It charts the major conflicts of the 20th century, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Viewers are taken on an epic journey through the most significant air battles in history, showcasing the innovative strategies and technologies that have shaped air combat.

One of the standout features of the series is the stunning cinematography that captures the awe-inspiring visuals of planes in flight. The series uses a combination of archival footage and interviews with experts, including former pilots and military historians, to provide an in-depth look at the development of air combat. The interviews with pilots are particularly engaging, as they provide real-life accounts of the adrenaline-fueled experiences of flying and fighting in the clouds.

Another aspect of the series that sets it apart from other documentaries is its focus on the evolution of technology. It explores the development of planes from biplanes to jet fighters, the invention of radar, and the rise of unmanned aircraft. The show also examines the importance of innovation in air combat, demonstrating how new technologies, like missiles and guided bombs, have revolutionized the way modern militaries approach aerial battles.

One of the most impressive achievements of The Complete History of Air Combat is its ability to provide a global perspective on air warfare. The series showcases the differing tactics and strategies used by the major powers of the 20th century, including the British, Germans, Americans, Japanese, and Vietnamese. This broad perspective allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex geopolitical issues that have shaped the world we live in today.

Despite its focus on war, The Complete History of Air Combat is not a glorification of violence. Indeed, the series highlights the human cost of air warfare, both in terms of civilian casualties and the emotional toll on pilots. The series also touches on the bravery and courage of individuals on both sides of the conflict, showing that war is never black and white.

Overall, The Complete History of Air Combat is a masterful documentary series that provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the evolution of air warfare. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or technological innovation. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the bravery of the pilots who risk their lives to defend their countries and the innovation that has driven the development of modern air combat.

The Complete History of Air Combat is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (25 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2000.

The Complete History of Air Combat
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Seasons
Air Combat in the 21st Century
24. Air Combat in the 21st Century
January 1, 2000
Although not officially named, the flight test crew of the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) have aptly called the deadly fighter, The Raptor. See the sleek gray champion of Air Combat of the 21st Century. The F22 Raptor, tomorrow's fighter today.
Choppers: Versatility in Action
23. Choppers: Versatility in Action
January 1, 2000
Proving that Choppers are versatility in action the Sikorsky BlackHawk UH-60 improves on the great role of the Huey in Vietnam. You will see them in action with the 101rst Airborne Divisions Air Cavalry in a most realistic battle training exercise in the desert. Enjoy Eagle Watch III.
Where Great Combat Leaders are Made
22. Where Great Combat Leaders are Made
January 1, 2000
Between the wars US Army Aviation Cadets were trained at Kelly and Randoph Fields in Texas. This historic program shows you the making of great air combat leaders and takes us to the point where the pilots get their Silver Wings and Gold Bars of the Second Lieutenant of what was then the US Army Air Corp.
Desert Storm
21. Desert Storm
January 1, 2000
Certain Victory is a testament to the United States Armed Forces unprecedented triumphant victory in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Certain Victory is the most convincing evidence of the American style of war, by style, characterized by the ability to project overwhelming force anywhere in the world.
From Bi-Planes to Helicopters
20. From Bi-Planes to Helicopters
January 1, 2000
From the air balloons of the Civil War to the Apache Army Choppers of Desert Storm, this episode traces the evolution of military air power over the last century and a half. Watch the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a branch of the Army in 1909 and follow along as it comes into its own, being an independent entity in 1947.
Technology Triumphant: Naval Aviation Today
19. Technology Triumphant: Naval Aviation Today
January 1, 2000
The U.S. Carrier Task Force becomes an integral floating base that is instantly responsive and capable of high-speed transit to anywhere in the world. The carrier is the self-contained strike force. Follow its evolution through interviews with real Navy pilots and travel in time from the early fleets of WWII to the technological mastery of today's modern aircraft carriers.
Air Power at Sea: U.S. Naval Battle Group
18. Air Power at Sea: U.S. Naval Battle Group
January 1, 2000
Strap in and get set for the real Top Gun! This episode takes you aboard the U.S. Navy Battle Group and its Top Gun-fighter, the F-14 Tomcat. See the day-to-day operations of a nuclear carrier at sea, and witness an at-sea air defense that is second to none.
Vietnam and the Limits of Strategic Bombing
17. Vietnam and the Limits of Strategic Bombing
January 1, 2000
Take a closer look at the scope of the U.S air power during the Vietnam war. From the bomb showers inflicted by the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, to the crash landings performed by C-123 Providers intended to supply provisions and air lift soldiers and civilians, see how air power changed the war.
Meeting the Soviet Challenge
16. Meeting the Soviet Challenge
January 1, 2000
The post WWII years were a technological boom period. Watch the history of rockets and missiles as the world's first guided missile is created during WWI. Witness the first operational jet bomber, the B-47 as it takes over from its predecessors.
Victory in the Skies: Japan and Germany Defeated
15. Victory in the Skies: Japan and Germany Defeated
January 1, 2000
Just one week after D-Day, France was home to more than 500,000 allied soldiers. Victory in the Skies deals with their incredible advance across Europe in the days following the invasion at Normandy. Air power was the driving force in the Allied push.
Bombs Away: D-Day and Japan
14. Bombs Away: D-Day and Japan
January 1, 2000
Explore the role played by the 101st Airborne Division during Normandy. On June 5, General Dwight Eisenhower delivered a rousing speech intended to boost the morale of the division and help make them pivotal in the success of the invasion.
Maximum Effort: Prelude to Invasion
13. Maximum Effort: Prelude to Invasion
January 1, 2000
For much of WWII, the German Luftwaffe was virtually indestructible, churning out planes at a rate of one every quarter-hour. By 1944, the Allies turned the tide. The "Big Week" kicked off on February 20, 1944.
Strategic Air Power Comes of Age
12. Strategic Air Power Comes of Age
January 1, 2000
Imagine being an Air Force serviceman during WWII. Eager to serve your country, you signed up for battle. You then have just 12 short weeks to master the ins and outs of aircraft warfare - and you're barely old enough to drive a car!
Lull Before the Storm: Between the Wars
11. Lull Before the Storm: Between the Wars
January 1, 2000
Grab a front row seat to some of the world's most momentous events including the Japensese attack on Manchuria and the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party. As the world was undergoing significant changes so was the miltary air power. From the B-9 in the 1930s to the firrst four-engine bomber, the B-17, air might was in a constant battle against itself in the early part of the 21st century.
Air Power  WWII
10. Air Power WWII
January 1, 2000
When America entered World War I, its air power was ranked 14th in the World. By the end of the war, nearly 1,500 planes were ready to attack, completely overtaking Germany, long thought to be the superior in the realm of air power.
Birth of America: Air Power & WWII
10. Birth of America: Air Power & WWII
January 1, 2000
When America entered World War I, its air power was ranked 14th in the World. By the end of the war, nearly 1,500 planes were ready to attack, completely overtaking Germany, long thought to be the superior in the realm of air power.
Attack Carrier: Naval Aviation
9. Attack Carrier: Naval Aviation
January 1, 2000
This episode tackles the exciting story of naval aviations's most powerful weapon system, the Attack Carrier. As one of the weapons that helped win WWII for the Allies, the Attack Carrier was also instrumental in the development of the nuclear age.
War of Korea: On to the Yalu
8. War of Korea: On to the Yalu
January 1, 2000
This episode dramatically details the outbreak of the world's first jet war. On June 24, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded her sister to the south, forcing a war. Within days, America had F-80s knocking out Communist supply lines.
The Berlin Airlift & the Atomic Bomb
7. The Berlin Airlift & the Atomic Bomb
January 1, 2000
On June 24, 1948, the Soviets attempted to blockade the city of Berlin. This episode tells the story of how American General Lucius Clay attempted to feed starving Berliners by air, a feat that had never before been attempted.
The Tide Turns: Allies Strike Back
6. The Tide Turns: Allies Strike Back
January 1, 2000
Follow B-17 Fortresses as they begin their high altitude bombing missions of Nazi-occupied Europe. Over in the Pacific, see P-38 Lightning fighters shoot down Japanese aircraft as the Allies and their air combaters turn the tides of war in their favor.
America Unprepared: WWII Begins
5. America Unprepared: WWII Begins
January 1, 2000
As the Second world War rages, watch how America builds up its air power even before getting dragged into the conflict. As early as 1939, President Roosevelt stepped up the production of military aircraft, leading to decisive victories by American forces.
Air Power & Armies: Strategic Warfare
4. Air Power & Armies: Strategic Warfare
January 1, 2000
From top-secret strategy meetings between German generals before the battle at El Alamein to their shock at the surprise Allied victory in the desert, find out how Allied General Bernard Montgomery and his air troops gained this decisive victory.
Pilots at War
3. Pilots at War
January 1, 2000
Watch as a B-17 Flying Fortress and its crew fights its way over Nazi occupied Europe, battling the enemy's ME-109s and FW-190s. Witness all the fear and excitement of air combat as fighters spit out machine gun fire and brave deadly ground fire.
Fight for the Sky: Air War Over Germany
2. Fight for the Sky: Air War Over Germany
January 1, 2000
Get a bird's eye view of WWII in the air over Germany and see America's finest fighters in action. From P-47 Thunderbolts to P-51 Mustangs, witness the execution of air-to-air combat from the initial Top Command planning to the annihilation of the enemy.
B-24's Liberator: View From the Cockpit
1. B-24's Liberator: View From the Cockpit
January 1, 2000
Over 19,000 of these durable four-engine heavy bombers were commissioned for the war effort - more than any other American aircraft, miltary or civilian. Now you can follow this rugged weapon into actual combat during the Second World War with this rare glimpse of the world's most utilized heavy bomber in action.
Description
Where to Watch The Complete History of Air Combat
The Complete History of Air Combat is available for streaming on the Total Content Digital website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Complete History of Air Combat on demand at Amazon, Tubi TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 1, 2000