DC Wings - Strange Planes Series 1 (1990) Part 3 Eyes in the Sky

Strange Planes have odd shapes, interesting tales. From the highly successful series “Wings” on The Discovery Channel comes the six-volume series “Strange Planes.” For aviation buffs, this collection is an insightful look at the history of aircraft, sometimes amusing, sometimes bizarre and at times astonishing, yet always interesting. The efforts of aircraft designers, whether resulting in failure and folly or remarkable achievement, are chronicled into one-hour episodes. The flights of fancy portrayed in the STRANGE PLANES collection represent both the triumphs and the follies of pioneers taking aviation to–and sometimes beyond–the edge of technical feasibility and human imagination. There are a few of the many strange and bizarre forms that aircraft design has taken on the road to the future. Some of these designs were revolutionary in their day but now are not so weird as they seemed. “Strange Planes” portray the fanciful or eccentric plus the blind alleys of aviation. There is a fascinating story behind every one of these radical designs, and each is an entertaining salute to man's ingenuity, and determination to reach for the sky. The “Strange Planes” series was produced in Australia and aired as part of The Discovery Channel's most highly rated series, “Wings,” during its initial airing.

Directed by Luke Swann; Executive Producer Phil Osborn; Network Projects Ltd Production

Part 3 Eyes in the Sky

From a picture taken aloft by Wilbur Wright in 1909 and the first use of an observation aircraft in 1911 to the U2, AWACS and spy satellites, including the SR71 “Blackbird,” regarded by many as the finest plane ever built. It flew from Los Angeles to Washington's Dulles Airport in 62 minutes. From the observation balloons of the Civil War to modern electronic surveillance aircraft, the secret world of spyplanes is examined. Designed specifically for undercover reconnaissance, the U2 serves as the greatest example of strange spy planes. Flying under the radar and out of missile range, the U2 was a boon to American warfare. It flew higher than any plane had before and sported lengthy, graceful wings. “Strange Planes Eyes in the Sky” takes a look at the people behind covert operations and the inventions that hid in the clouds.

Full Version Available Upon Request
Episode Four Shown Here