The Amazing World Of Aviation Season 1 Episode 6 The Jet Age

The Amazing World Of Aviation Series is a thrilling exploration of the history behind aviation, with each episode delving deeper into a specific aspect of the industry. In season 1 episode 6, titled The Jet Age, viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most transformative periods in aviation history.

As the episode begins, the narrator explains that the post-World War II era saw an explosion in technological advancements that would forever change the way we travel. The world was no longer content with propeller-driven planes that took hours or days to reach their destination. Instead, scientists and engineers began racing to develop a new type of aircraft – one that would be faster, higher, and more efficient than any that had come before.

From here, the episode dives into the birth of the jet engine, exploring the various scientists and engineers who contributed to its development. The narrator recounts the story of Frank Whittle, the British engineer who is often credited with inventing the jet engine in the late 1930s. Viewers are taken back in time to see Whittle's early designs, and learn about the challenges he faced as he tried to convince military leaders to invest in his new technology.

The episode also covers the development of the first commercial jetliner, the de Havilland Comet. Viewers are treated to footage of the plane's maiden flight, and introduced to the many engineers and designers who worked tirelessly to make the dream of commercial air travel a reality. The narrator examines the impact of the Comet's introduction, noting that it was quickly followed by the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8, which would go on to dominate the skies in the 1950s and 60s.

But the jet age was not without its setbacks. The episode also explores the many tragedies that occurred in the early days of jet travel, including multiple crashes of the de Havilland Comet that were later attributed to design flaws. As viewers see dramatic footage of these crashes, the narrator explains how engineers went back to the drawing board to create more reliable and safer planes.

The second half of the episode focuses on the varied uses of jet aircraft, from military jets like the F-16 to private jets used by the wealthy and powerful. Viewers are treated to footage of these planes in action, watching as they take off and perform aerial maneuvers that would have been impossible just a few decades prior.

The episode wraps up by examining the legacy of the jet age, noting that it forever changed the way we travel and the way we view the world. The narrator explains how the popularity of commercial air travel led to the creation of international airlines and the rapid globalization of the world economy.

Overall, The Amazing World Of Aviation Series season 1 episode 6 – The Jet Age – is a thrilling journey through one of the most transformative periods in aviation history. Filled with fascinating stories and compelling footage, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of flight.