Air Warriors

Feel the need for speed in this US Navy fighter, which was the real star of 1986’s Top Gun. Trace the F-14 Tomcat’s ascent to warplane supremacy, from combat runs during the Vietnam War to key missions in the Middle Eastern conflicts of the ’90s.

Dip into the career of this flying boat, which was a mainstay of countries around the globe during WW II. Witness the PBY Catalina’s water-landing prowess, review its flight record, and celebrate its current role on the firefighting front lines.

Experience the thunder of this 1930s heavy bomber, which helped cripple Germany’s war industry and bring about Allied victory in WW II. Explore the B-17’s reputation for toughness and learn how it became the third most produced bomber of all time.

Buzz around a versatile wooden aircraft that served as a bomber, fighter, and reconnaissance plane during WW II. Weigh up the Mosquito’s astounding munitions capacity and its powerful engines, which could go almost 2,000 miles without a fill-up.

Break the sound barrier in the US Air Force’s first supersonic fighter-bomber. Take a look at the F-100 Super Sabre’s illustrious career, including its stint on the front lines of the Vietnam War and its prominent role in NATO’s air forces.

Suit up for a ride in the B-1 Lancer, a.k.a. the Bone, one of the US Air Force’s most potent strategic bombers. Look at the conventional weapons it has deployed in war zones around the world and learn how it turns unguided missiles into smart bombs.

Get insight into the engineering and development process behind this first-generation jet flown by Britain’s Royal Air Force. Discover the tech issues that marred the Hawker Hunter’s 30-year career as the UK’s premier military plane.

Tour the world-class, king-size troop transport that was vital to the Allies’ success in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and Burma. Learn why flying the C-47 Skytrain over the notorious Hump in the Himalayas set the stage for victory across Asia.

Get chills as the infamous Jericho trumpet dive sirens sound on these deadly Luftwaffe bombers. Follow the Stuka’s wartime career, from its attacks on Poland in 1939 to the London Blitz to the final months before the Nazis surrendered in 1945.

Observe one of the most popular members of the Bell Huey family of military helicopters. Study the AH-1 Cobra’s service record in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and the Middle East and see why it became the core of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet.