Classic Air Warriors

True to its name, the P-38 Lightning struck with speed, power, and deadly might, dominating the air over Europe and the Pacific during World War II. The U.S. military’s need for a faster, higher-climbing warplane led to the P-38’s revolutionary two-engine, twin-tail design. Through rarely seen war footage, witness the sleek fighter battle it out over the skies of Europe and Africa.

The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the greatest air-to-air fighters in history, entering into combat over the skies of Dunkirk, London, and Malta when Britain needed it most. But before earning its reputation as the defense of the free world, the Spitfire experienced its share of turbulence against the mighty Luftwaffe. Thanks to a radical idea for an elliptical-shaped wing, a Rolls Royce engine, and ace pilots, this is the story of how it ultimately prevailed and helped free the world of tyranny.

In 1941, Japan’s Mitsubishi A6M Zero seemed unstoppable, racking up victory after victory in the Pacific. But just a few years later, the premier fleet of dogfighters became relegated to the role of manned bombs on kamikaze missions. Explore the revelatory engineering design that made the Zero so quick, agile, and lethal. See how America responded by pitting muscle against agility, building bigger, faster, more rugged fighters that finally took control of the skies over the Pacific.