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Thunderbirds Of World War II 2-Pack: Stuka/ Spitfire/ Hurricane/ Boeing B-17 (2001)
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Disc 1
Hurricane - The Silent Hero:
The Hawker Hurricane's importance to RAF Fighter Command, particularly during the crucial Battle of Britain, has often been downplayed, if not outright ignored, in favor of its contemporary - the Spitfire.
The Hurricane does, however, deserve a vast amount of credit for the role it played in the Second World War, not only during the Battle of Britain, but during numerous battles.This reliable fighter saw action in Europe, North Africa and the Far East, and its lack of a glamour image did not make it less valuable to the Allied war effort.
This program dramatically gives the Hurricane the remembrance it deserves.
B-17 - The Flying Fortress:
The B-17 saw the light of day on July 17, 1935, completely funded by its manufacturer.Boeing Aircraft was perhaps the only U.S. company that believed the country needed a long-range bomber.
This program presents one of the most fascinating stories in military aviation.Unique footage is used to follow the fascinating development of the B-17 from the drawing board of designer Edward C. Wells, through testing, to the theatres of war in Europe.Witness the story of the famed Memphis Belle, successful in completing twenty-five missions over Nazi occupations.And then see the B-17 in action over the Pacific.Of its day, the B-17 beat any competition hands down and is considered the most successful bomber of World War II.
Disc 2
Spitfire - Meeting the Threat:
The Spitfire was developed by Supermarine Aircraft Company's chief designer Reginald J. Mitchell and was based on his expertise of racing seaplanes.It had all the hallmarks of a machine built for war - strength, speed and an almost brutal impression of power, while holding an air of grace and beauty.
The Supermarine Spitfire proved its prowess in the air in hundreds of battles between 1939 and 1945, though it was during the Battle of Britain that it became a legend.This program maps out the Spitfire's early development, from the mid 1930s to the dogfights in the skies over southern England against the infamous German Messerschmitt 109.With its many successes and failures, see the complete and dramatic history of this outstanding fighter plane.
Stuka - Whistling Death:
The Stuka was thought invincible by Germany's Luftwaffe after its initial success in Poland and France, where its "whistling" siren announced destruction approaching while in its unique, steep dive at more than 300 mph.These Junker Ju-87s became known by the abbreviation of the German "Sturzkampfflugzeug" - the dive bomber.It's invincibility was soon disproved by the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain, and by 1940, the Stuka was withdrawn from operations.
The Stuka still served the Germans well for years to come.This was an aircraft that achieved far more success than its construction would have indicated, showing the impact of audacious tactics and advanced pilot training.
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