Great Planes

Watch Great Planes

  • 2008
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.0  (59)

Great Planes is a documentary television series that aired from 2008 to 2009 on Military Channel. The show is hosted by a team of aviation experts consisting of Paul Moga, Terry Dietz, and William McFarland, who take viewers on a journey through some of the most iconic military aircraft of all time. Each episode of the show focuses on a specific aircraft, providing detailed information on its history, design, and performance. The hosts use a combination of interviews with aviation experts, archival footage, and live demonstrations to bring these legendary planes to life. One of the standout features of the show is its use of cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI) to showcase the inner workings of the aircraft. Viewers get a close-up look at the mechanics of the planes, from the engineering of the engines and cockpit controls to the aerodynamics of the wings and fuselage. Great Planes also explores the role these aircraft played in military conflicts throughout history. From World War II to the Gulf War, the show covers some of the most significant military operations and the planes that were instrumental in their success. One episode, for example, focuses on the F-4 Phantom II, a twin-engine, all-weather fighter-bomber that served in the Vietnam War. The hosts take viewers on a tour of the plane's advanced weaponry and avionics, including its radar-guided missiles and infrared search-and-track system. Another episode explores the history of the B-17 Flying Fortress, a heavy bomber that saw extensive use in World War II. The hosts recount the plane's design and development and its use in key missions, such as the bombing of Berlin in 1944. Despite its focus on military aircraft, Great Planes also has something to offer aviation enthusiasts of all stripes. The show celebrates the beauty and engineering of these planes, taking viewers on a thrilling journey through the evolution of military aviation. Overall, Great Planes is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in military history or aviation. With its informative and engaging hosts, stunning CGI, and gripping historical footage, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into some of the most iconic planes of all time.

Great Planes
Filter by Source

Seasons
Apache Helicopter
9. Apache Helicopter
July 11, 2012
The AH-64 is not just any helicopter. It is a modern, computerized, fully-armed gunship, that can fly where no fixed-wing aircraft could ever go.
B-1 Lancer
8. B-1 Lancer
June 20, 2012
The Rockwell B-1 Lancer is a world record holder for speed, payload, and distance. This swing-wing bomber has a colorful past that helped pave America's future.
A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog)
7. A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog)
June 13, 2012
The A-10 Thunderbolt is the most lethal Close Air Support fixed wing aircraft ever flown. The Warthog, or tankbuster, may be slow and ugly but it's been called the best friend to boots on the ground.
XB-70 Valkyrie
6. XB-70 Valkyrie
May 30, 2012
Ahead of its time - the XB-70 Valkyrie could travel at three times the speed of sound. Over more than a half century after its first flight, the XB-70 is still one of aviation's most unique achievements.
F105 Thunderchief
5. F105 Thunderchief
May 23, 2012
Known as the one-man Air Force, the F-105 was, at its creation, the biggest single-engine, single-seat fighter aircraft built.
F5 Freedom Fighter
4. F5 Freedom Fighter
May 16, 2012
Small in size but what a big influence. The Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighters defy current trends in fighter aircraft - while other planes were becoming bigger and more complex, the F-5's were agile, easy-maintenance, and low-cost.
AV-8 Harrier
3. AV-8 Harrier
May 9, 2012
Spotlighting the AV-8 Harrier, a tactical-strike aircraft noted for its hovering capabilities.
C130 Hercules
2. C130 Hercules
May 2, 2012
A thorough documentary on the famous C-130 Hercules, also has a bit on the C-130 in a gunship role, commonly known as the AC-130.
B29 Superfortress
1. B29 Superfortress
April 25, 2012
Explore the history and service of B29 Superfortress, a four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing that was flown primarily by the United States Air Forces in late-World War II and through the Korean War.
Description

Great Planes is a documentary television series that aired from 2008 to 2009 on Military Channel. The show is hosted by a team of aviation experts consisting of Paul Moga, Terry Dietz, and William McFarland, who take viewers on a journey through some of the most iconic military aircraft of all time.

Each episode of the show focuses on a specific aircraft, providing detailed information on its history, design, and performance. The hosts use a combination of interviews with aviation experts, archival footage, and live demonstrations to bring these legendary planes to life.

One of the standout features of the show is its use of cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI) to showcase the inner workings of the aircraft. Viewers get a close-up look at the mechanics of the planes, from the engineering of the engines and cockpit controls to the aerodynamics of the wings and fuselage.

Great Planes also explores the role these aircraft played in military conflicts throughout history. From World War II to the Gulf War, the show covers some of the most significant military operations and the planes that were instrumental in their success.

One episode, for example, focuses on the F-4 Phantom II, a twin-engine, all-weather fighter-bomber that served in the Vietnam War. The hosts take viewers on a tour of the plane's advanced weaponry and avionics, including its radar-guided missiles and infrared search-and-track system.

Another episode explores the history of the B-17 Flying Fortress, a heavy bomber that saw extensive use in World War II. The hosts recount the plane's design and development and its use in key missions, such as the bombing of Berlin in 1944.

Despite its focus on military aircraft, Great Planes also has something to offer aviation enthusiasts of all stripes. The show celebrates the beauty and engineering of these planes, taking viewers on a thrilling journey through the evolution of military aviation.

Overall, Great Planes is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in military history or aviation. With its informative and engaging hosts, stunning CGI, and gripping historical footage, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into some of the most iconic planes of all time.

  • Premiere Date
    October 29, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (59)