Military Aviation History

Military Aviation History

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Military Aviation History episodes

  • A short history of AWACS

    Find the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlFzkRYQBZo

    AWACS: The Eyes in the Sky – A History of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft From the earliest airborne radar tests in WWII to today's cutting-edge E-7 Wedgetail, this documentary traces the evolution of airborne early warning systems—platforms that have quietly revolutionized modern air combat. Often operating in the background, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft provide critical battlespace awareness, guide fighters into position, and serve as airborne command posts in high-intensity conflicts. This video explores the platforms, technologies, and doctrines that have defined this vital but underappreciated capability.

    18 min
  • A Compatible Force - ADF Helicopters

    Find the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFU4NWL0ixk

    Australia's helicopter fleet is undergoing a striking reset—bringing in Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, and Seahawk platforms that are, in some cases, older than the aircraft they replace. So why make that choice? Greg Furguson breaks down the strategic logic behind the ADF's move toward proven, interoperable systems aligned with the US military. From advanced weapons and sensor integration to future upgrades like next-generation engines and autonomous capabilities, we examine how standardisation, reduced risk, and coalition compatibility are shaping Australia's rotary-wing future—and what it means for capability, cost, and operational effectiveness in the decades ahead.

    9 min
  • Battle of the Aces

    See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0qhnTQ9sYk

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    During World War II, two ace pilots emerged who were considered unmatched for their skill and combat record. They were Erich Hartmann - highest scoring ace of all time - and Hans-Joachim Marseille - the top ace in the North African campaign. A common debate is whether Marseille - despite having half the number of victories as Hartmann - was technically a better pilot. We take a look at this claim.

    21 min
  • The Legendary AC-130 Gunship

    See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk4lbPPPaK4

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    We look at the history of the AC-130 gunship, from its humble beginnings as a C-130 Hercules transport in 1954 to becoming the ultimate aerial powerhouse in modern warfare. We look at how this aircraft evolved through WWII-inspired designs, Vietnam War innovations like the AC-47 Spooky, and groundbreaking upgrades in Project Gunship II, leading to the AC-130 Spectre's unique dominance in the sky, including the Tet Offensive, Gulf War's Highway of Death, and operations in Afghanistan. We cover the variants like the AC-130H, AC-130U Spooky II, AC-130W Stinger II, and the AC-130J Ghostrider, still sporting the 105mm howitzer, 40mm Bofors, and now delivering precision-guided missiles.

    19 min
  • 70 Years of the Phantom

    See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo7Skkvs1ts

    Become a member here https://peacemaker.fashion/

    July 25, 2025, marks 70 years since the U.S. Navy first ordered the prototype that would become the F-4 Phantom. Born from a Cold War demand for a high-performance, carrier-capable interceptor, the Phantom would evolve into one of the most iconic and versatile combat aircraft of the jet age. From its maiden flight in 1958 to its continued service in select air forces in 2025, the Phantom's longevity is unmatched in the realm of supersonic multirole fighters. This documentary traces the Phantom's development, combat debut, and global deployment across five decades

    9 min
  • F-4X Super Phantom

    See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqFumSrkefg

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    In the early 1970s, General Dynamics and the Israeli Air Force quietly collaborated on one of the most ambitious upgrade programs for the venerable F-4 Phantom. Born out of a need for a high-speed reconnaissance platform that could counter the growing threat of Soviet MiG-25 Foxbats, the result was the F-4X—a "Super Phantom" capable of reaching speeds rivaling Mach 3. This documentary explores the little-known history of the F-4X and its reconnaissance counterpart, the RF-4X, including the political, technical, and strategic considerations that shaped—and ultimately doomed—the project.

    12 min
  • SR-71 Over Vietnam

    Find the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz008M8lk8Y

    Become a member here https://peacemaker.fashion

    Following the U-2 spy plane came the development of the A-12 and SR-71 - for the CIA and USAF respectively.These aircraft would first see service over Vietnam, where their stealth tech and high performance capabilities would be pushed to their limits.

    9 min
  • Orion in Australian Service

    See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIbgW_VzEtM

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    The Orion's increased range, speed and reliability enabled it to operate more widely with shorter response times than the Neptune. This was ideal for Australia to meet her obligations to monitor large expanses of the strategically important south-western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. The Orion was also crucial for the patrolling Australia's 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone and while maintaining a Search and Rescue standby commitment.

    9 min
  • A4 Skyhawks in Australian Service

    Find the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOgyefB9IfM

    Membership here https://peacemaker.fashion/

    The A-4 Skyhawk was one of the most recognisable fighter aircraft from the Vietnam era. A small, agile, carrier-ready design, it could fill a variety of roles. Although it has been largely forgotten, these aircraft once operated in Australian service.

    11 min

About Military Aviation History

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From the archive of the Australian Military Aviation History video collection comes the audio-only versions of our popular documentaries.

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