San Antonio College Library

The promise of high-speed trains across the United States is falling off the tracks. But in many countries super-fast trains are full speed ahead. Join us for a real fast ride.

This piece of aviation history documents developments in both commercial aircraft and airlines from 1914 to 1939. Review the beginnings of the world's fascination with air travel; find out how mail services expanded to include private industries; see the push for transatlantic Airship routes, along with their fiery demise.

This episode of Century of Flight explores the history and current developments of civilian air travel. Learn how World War II impacted airliner innovations and how airliners aided the United States Army efforts.Observe progress in the fields of luxury, speed, and distance with the supersonic Concorde and Boeing 707. Investigate problems to the increasing popularity of air travel, and see solutions engineered.

This episode of Century of Flight focuses on the development of the Aircraft Carrier after World War II. Advances in jet technologies inspired a new breed equipped with steam catapults, and angled flight decks. Watch the evolution of the vessel through several conflicts, including the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Falkland Invasion and Gulf War.

The struggle for air dominance during World War II is featured in this episode ofCentury of Flight. Experience the technological race between Japanese, Nazi and Allied Forces as they engineer faster planes, more efficient weaponry, and advanced radar systems. See how Russia won the fight over its own skies with sheer numbers. Learn how the United States 8th Air Force overwhelmed the Luftwaffe, leading to Nazi surrender.

This episode of Century of Flight features the Air Show, originating after World War I as a way for air forces to gain support as independent branches of the military. Racing and aerobatics became popular soon after, and air shows provided a way for pilots to show off their skills and planes. Experience the evolution of the Air Show, from the vast Shuttleworth Collection to the formation flying stunts of the Red Arrows. See a Vickers Wellington Bomber...

In this episode ofCentury of Flight,we examine the impact of using air power to support ground forcesin war. Learn how the first military aircraft were used for reconnaissance, and how aerial photography developedout of that role. See the evolution of Blitzkrieg, and the technological advances in aviation triggered by Nazi offensive tactics. Watch the first paratroopers land in Norway, and witness the brutal effectiveness of carpet bombing refugees...

In this episode of Century Of Flight, the art of flying is pursued by men, women, civilians and military personnel. See how training procedures and individual craft were developed by both enthusiastic hobbyists and experienced pilots. Experience the Experimental Aircraft Association Meeting where the largest aircraft show in the world is held; watch the Balloon Meet in New Mexico, and learn about the trailblazing ballooners that attempted global circumnavigation....

In this episode of Century of Flight, we learn how airplanes went from unarmed reconnaissance scouts to custom fighters during World War I. Learn about the pilots that became “aces,” and celebrated as national heroes; discover how inexperienced Americans trained to become a force aiding Allied Forces in victory, and how techniques formulated then are still used today.