
Planes That Changed the World
A supersonic spy plane that can reach Mach 3 and the very edge of space. A seven-story, flying double-decker that can carry up to 853 people. And the Holy Grail of aircraft design that revolutionized air travel as we know it today. These are the amazing journeys of three planes that changed the world: the SR-71 Blackbird, the DC-3, and the Airbus A380. Each extraordinary plane has an extraordinary story to match, including big gambles, brilliant minds, maverick figures, and life-threatening challenges.
- 2015-2015
- 1 season
- The Smithsonian Network
- Documentary
A supersonic spy plane that can reach Mach 3 and the very edge of space. A seven-story, flying double-decker that can carry up to 853 people. And the Holy Grail of aircraft design that revolutionized air travel as we know it today. These are the amazing journeys of three planes that changed the world: the SR-71 Blackbird, the DC-3, and the Airbus A380. Each extraordinary plane has an extraordinary story to match, including big gambles, brilliant minds, maverick figures, and life-threatening challenges.
Currently not available to stream. Add it to your Watchlist to be notified when it becomes available.
Content not available in your region?ExpressVPNcan help you stay connected wherever you are.Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.
Season 1 Episode Guide
Episode 1
DC-3
46 mins
Wing flaps. A circular fuselage. Swept back wings. A little bit of the historic DC-3 exists in every plane that flies today. This masterpiece of engineering went against all received aviation wisdom when it was created in the 1930s, but the gamble paid off magnificently, and created a revolution. The DC-3 helped boost an economy still reeling from the Depression, played the lead role in the D-Day invasion, and through its versatility, rugged reliability, and economy, changed air travel forever.
You May Also Like
Popular Shows
Hidden Armor, Found Treasures
A Civil War sword, a gunslinger's Colt.45, and an ancient Chinese hand cannon. Under beds and hidden in closets, around the world people are uncovering extraordinary arms, armor, and militaria. Join world famous antiquities expert Greg Martin as he explores their histories, their powers and reveals their value on HIDDEN ARMOR, FOUND TREASURES.
- 2007
- Documentary
Baby Planet
Maternal instinct is one of nature's strongest, it ensures that mothers bond with, care for and protect their babies. Without it, the world's breeding programs for threatened species would face a very different future. In this captivating series, we discover how these breeding programs are helping nature to ensure that endangered species are kept alive.

- 2009
- Documentary
Inside the Food Factory
Host Gregg Wallace explores interesting machines used to make the foods we eat every day.
- 2021
- Documentary
Bible Hunters
Until the 19th century, most Bible-reading Christians believed the Old and New Testaments represented the Divine Word of God, presented in text without error. But when scholars began to question the authority and accuracy of the Holy Scripture, a group of intrepid explorers set out to discover the historical roots of the Bible. What they found would rock the foundations of Christianity. Join archeologist and historian Dr. Jeff Rose as he follows the trail of those who unearthed ancient texts and forever changed how we see this most sacred book.

- 2014
- Documentary
Helicopter Wars
Highlighting the most daring wartime helicopter rescues. Starting with the Vietnam War, where an unarmed helicopter used its rotary blades to cut down the jungle's 40-foot-tall bamboo and create a landing space to rescue over 100 troops under-fire.

- 2009
- Documentary, Action & Adventure
Africa's Predator Zones
Enter Africa's theaters of war and witness the new and clever tactics big cats and big crocs use to catch their prey.

- 2015
- Documentary


