Ep 18. Secret Weapons

In Dogfights season 2 episode 18, titled "Secret Weapons," viewers are taken on a journey through the ingenious and often bizarre inventions used during World War II to gain the upper hand in air combat. Using a combination of archival footage, expert interviews, and stunning recreations, the episode explores everything from the first jet fighter to radar-guided missiles.

The episode starts by looking at the early days of the war, where aviation technology was still in its infancy. Pilots flew biplanes and relied on guns mounted on their wings to shoot down enemy aircraft. However, as the war progressed, new inventions and tactics were developed in order to stay one step ahead of the enemy.

One of the first new developments in air combat was the use of radar to detect enemy planes from a distance. Viewers learn how British scientists used radar technology to give their pilots an advantage during the Battle of Britain. Radar allowed pilots to see planes coming from miles away and launch counterattacks before the enemy was even in range.

As the war developed, so did the technology used to combat it. The episode explores the world's first jet fighter, the German Me-262, which was faster and more maneuverable than anything the Allies had at the time. However, the jet still had some limitations, as it was only effective in short bursts due to its limited fuel capacity.

The episode also looks at the development of rocket-propelled aircraft and missiles. The Germans developed the Me-163 Komet, a rocket-powered interceptor, which was incredibly fast and deadly. However, the technology was not without its drawbacks, as the fuel used to power the rockets was highly unstable and often exploded during takeoff or landing.

Viewers also learn about the development of heat-seeking missiles, which could track the heat signatures of enemy planes and guide a missile towards them. This technology was first used during the Korean War, and it proved to be incredibly effective. Pilots had to develop new tactics to avoid being hit by the missiles, including using flares to distract them.

Finally, the episode explores some of the more bizarre inventions used during the war. For example, the Allies developed a fake airfield made of inflated rubber tanks and airplanes in order to deceive the Germans about their true location. They also experimented with using pigeons to guide missiles towards enemy targets.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning aerial and ground footage, as well as interviews with experts and historians. The show does an excellent job of conveying the excitement and danger of air combat, as well as the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who fought it. Overall, "Secret Weapons" is an informative and engaging look at the technology used during World War II and how it changed the face of air combat forever.