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The Hindenburg, the largest manmade object ever to fly suddenly explodes. The disaster becomes one of the most recognized images of the twentieth century. Fire races through seven million cubic feet of hydrogen from gas cells inside the rigid frame. The new Daimler-Benz diesel engines that sped the Hindenburg across the ocean fall to the ground along with the luxurious passenger compartment and high tech navigation car. In less than one minute the...

Getting on the ground safely takes an army of hidden experts and incredible technology.

On this episode of Century of Flightwe see the development of rocket science from Robert Goddard’s advancements in the 1930’s to Russian innovations of the 1990’s. Hear Dwight Eisenhower’s announcement establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and experience the many challenges and tragedies of space travel. See the first photographs of the lunar surface, and view modern footage of the solar system taken from Hubble.

Jet engines debuted in the waning days of World War II, as a stunning new fighter plane arrived too late to help the Nazi cause. Since then, they have revolutionized transportation and brought the world closer together. This episode of Modern Marvels uses extensive footage, computer animation, and interviews with pilots, scientists, and industry insiders to tell the powerful story of jet engines. From the secret Nazi attempts to develop a revolutionary...

Beginning with a history of humankind's quest for flight, this video then introduces the basic components of an airplane. It also examines how an aircraft flies, the four forces that affect flight, types of propulsion units, and the instruments used to create movement. It's an interesting introduction to the basics of aeronautics technology.

This second video in the Principles of Flight series focuses on the forces of Thrust and Drag and how each can affect flight. Viewers then learn how pilots manuever through these forces using primary and secondary instruments which create movement around the three axes of flight. Key terms such as wing tip vortices, pitch, yaw, and roll are explained in detail, giving a clearer understanding of the mysteries of flight.

Documentary investigating the Boeing 737 which crashed 14 years ago into the highway near the village of Kegworth in Leicestershire.

Emily explores how rockets are built and tested, including NASA's new SLS rocket.

In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers launched the first hot air balloon. Since then Germany, Great Britain, and the United States have experimented with and improved on airships for military and economic purposes. Although still in use for sightseeing, surveillance, and research, the Hindenburg and other crashes ended the airship's role in luxury travel and in the military.