DC Wings - Strange Planes Series 1 (1990) Part 1 Drones, Midgets, Mutations

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 1 Drones, Midgets, Mutations

From the German SC-1262 and the 1930s drone controlled by wires connected to a telephone and Hitler's ominous V-1 to ultra-lights and one-man rocket packs. A tribute to human ingenuity, this episode recounts the astonishing stories behind some of the most outlandish aviation creations. Included are many varieties of drones - unmanned aircraft, mutants - planes adapted to secondary purposes, and midgets. Drones, Mutants and Midgets can't be judged by appearances alone. Composed of brand-new innovation, these planes represent the best technology has to offer. Drones refers to unmanned aircraft and encompasses everything from radio-controlled air vehicles to aerial torpedo “bugs.” Mutants are planes that fulfill secondary purposes. Pint-sized experimentals like midgets are also remembered. Despite their unusual fa?ades, these strange planes have carved out a special place in history.

Full Version Available Upon Request
Episode Four Shown Here