Watch
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Discovery

Mighty Planes

  • 2012 – 2017
  • Ended
  • Documentary
  • ~1h / ep
  • 4 seasons
  • 5.3/10

Mighty Planes explores the art and science of aviation, on planes that soar to faraway places on astounding missions. From preparation, loading and take off, through the journey and to the landing and unloading, viewers will experience the high-stakes and high-stress jobs through the eyes and lives of the characters that make it all happen. Featuring the genius of flight technology with the aid of high-end CGI, shot in HD, and recorded in 5.1 surround sound, MIGHTY PLANES captures all the action as it happens.

Latest: Season 4 · 2017

View all seasons
  1. E1. Boeing 747-8F

    Oct 1, 2017 · 60m

    Transporting the gear of Formula E's 10 electric-powered racing teams to cities around the world across more than 50,000 total kilometres in the greenest way imaginable is no easy task; for air transport, DHL uses Boeing 747 or 777 aircraft.

  2. E2. Stargazer L-1011

    Oct 8, 2017 · 60m

    The Stargazer launches Pegasus rockets, delivering specialized weather satellites designed to detect the magnitude and intensity of hurricanes.

  3. E3. C2A Greyhound

    Oct 15, 2017 · 60m

    The C-2 Greyhound's design allows it a flexibility and access that few other fixed wing craft possess; for the U.S. Navy, it provides critical logistics support, flying 1,000 miles in a matter of hours and transporting high-priority cargo.

  4. E4. Ilyushin IL-76

    Oct 22, 2017 · 60m

    Baffinland Mines needs to get equipment to a remote mine in Nunavet to support shipping operations for the summer and have hired one of Volga-Dnepr's Ilyushin-76.

  5. E5. Airbus A400M

    Oct 29, 2017 · 60m

    The German Air Force is overhauling their entire fleet of outdated cargo planes, and replacing them with Airbus' latest state-of-the-art military aircraft, the A400M, which can haul massive loads.

  6. E6. Twin Otter

    Nov 5, 2017 · 60m

    Canada's northwest territories are rich in gold and diamonds, but running a mining operation in extreme Arctic conditions with very few roads can be tremendously challenging. Enter the Twin Otter, the rugged aircraft of choice in remote Canadian communities. Powered by two turboprop engines, the Twin Otter maneuvers like a bird and is capable of landing just about anywhere--on land, sea, and snow. Follow this mighty plane as she handles icy skies and frozen-lake runways on a series of critical missions.