NOVA Season 30 Episode 11 Battle of the X-Planes

In season 30 episode 11 of NOVA, titled "Battle of the X-Planes," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the competition between two rival aerospace companies, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Both companies were tasked by the Pentagon to develop a new fighter jet, but with significantly different approaches. Boeing opted for a more conventional design, while Lockheed Martin went for an unconventional design that relied heavily on stealth technology.

The episode explores the complex process of creating and testing fighter jets, highlighting the intense pressure faced by engineers and pilots alike. Cameras follow both teams as they work around the clock to perfect their designs and overcome various obstacles, from ensuring the planes can perform optimally at high altitudes to addressing concerns about wing structure.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness an abundance of thrilling aerial footage, as test pilots push both planes to their limits. Viewers will also learn how the development of these fighter jets was not just a race for technological superiority, but also an economic competition between two massive corporations.

In addition to capturing the trials and tribulations of the development process, "Battle of the X-Planes" also delves into the history of airplane development, including how previous military planes served as inspiration for the two rival designs. The episode also touches upon the geopolitical context of the competition, with tensions running high between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War era.

Ultimately, viewers are left on the edge of their seats as the two planes face off in an intense competition to prove their superiority. Through captivating footage and expert analysis, "Battle of the X-Planes" serves as a thrilling and educational look into the world of aerospace engineering and military competition.