Air Warriors

Watch Air Warriors

  • TV-PG
  • 2014
  • 11 Seasons
  • 7.5  (169)

Air Warriors is a thrilling documentary series produced by the Smithsonian Channel that takes viewers into the world of aviation, exploring the most advanced military aircraft in the world. Hosted by aviation experts Tristan Wickersham and Brady Cummins, the show provides an inside look at the technology, engineering, and design behind some of the most famous warplanes in the world.

Each episode of Air Warriors focuses on a particular aircraft, from the iconic Spitfire fighter of World War II to the latest generation of stealth bombers. The show combines expert interviews, historical footage, and detailed computer-generated animations to provide an in-depth exploration of the aircraft from all angles, revealing how they operate, how they were used on the battlefield, and how they have contributed to military strategies and conflicts throughout history.

One of the key features of Air Warriors is the use of advanced computer graphics to bring the aircraft to life. The show's creators have access to detailed blueprints, technical drawings, and historical records, and they use this information to create 3D models of the aircraft that are incredibly accurate and detailed. Viewers can see the planes from every angle, even from inside the cockpit, and witness the complex engineering and functionality that make them so effective in combat.

In addition to exploring the technical aspects of the aircraft, Air Warriors also delves into the human stories behind them. The show profiles the pilots and engineers who created and operated the planes, providing a personal account of how they were used in real-world situations. The series also explores the cultural impact of the planes, highlighting how they have become icons of aviation and symbols of national pride.

The first season of Air Warriors features episodes on a range of aircraft, from the F-15 Eagle fighter jet to the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. One of the standout episodes of the season is the exploration of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which provides an in-depth look at how this iconic plane has been used in conflicts throughout the world. The episode includes interviews with pilots who flew the B-52 in Vietnam, Gulf War, and Afghanistan, and highlights the critical role the plane has played in American military dominance.

Another standout episode is the exploration of the F-22 Raptor fighter, which is widely regarded as one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. Viewers are taken into the cockpit of the plane and shown how it operates, how it uses advanced radar and stealth technology to evade detection, and how it can engage multiple targets simultaneously. The episode also explores the controversial decision to cancel production of the F-22 and the impact this has had on American military capabilities.

Other episodes of the series explore the history of the Harrier jump jet, the stealthy B-2 bomber, and the deadly A-10 Warthog attack plane. Each episode is packed with fascinating facts, detailed analysis, and gripping footage that will appeal to aviation enthusiasts and military history buffs alike.

Overall, Air Warriors is a gripping and informative documentary series that offers unparalleled insight into the world of advanced military aviation. With its expert hosts, stunning computer graphics, and detailed examinations of some of the most iconic aircraft in history, the show is a must-watch for anyone interested in the science, engineering, and history behind military aircraft.

Air Warriors is a series that ran for 11 seasons (56 episodes) between November 9, 2014 and on Smithsonian CHANNEL

Air Warriors
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Seasons
AH-1 Cobra
10. AH-1 Cobra
July 23, 2023
A look at the US military's ultimate flying war machines and the airplanes used by American forces through the years as pilots and other team members look back on their experiences.
Stuka Dive Bomber
9. Stuka Dive Bomber
July 16, 2023
A look at the US military's ultimate flying war machines and the airplanes used by American forces through the years as pilots and other team members look back on their experiences.
C-47 Skytrain
8. C-47 Skytrain
July 9, 2023
A look at the US military's ultimate flying war machines and the airplanes used by American forces through the years as pilots and other team members look back on their experiences.
Hawker Hunter
7. Hawker Hunter
July 2, 2023
The inside story of Britain's flagship super jet of the Cold War era, the Hawker Hunter, and its most thrilling flights during the late 20th century.
B-1 Lancer
6. B-1 Lancer
June 25, 2023
A look at the US military's ultimate flying war machines and the airplanes used by American forces through the years as pilots and other team members look back on their experiences.
F-100 Super Sabre
5. F-100 Super Sabre
June 18, 2023
Inside stories of the most iconic military aircraft of the last 60 plus years.
De Haviland Mosquito
4. De Haviland Mosquito
June 11, 2023
The story of the de Havilland Mosquito, the wooden RAF aircraft that acted as a bomber, fighter, and reconnaissance plane during World War II.
B-17 Flying Fortress
3. B-17 Flying Fortress
June 4, 2023
The history of the B-17 reveals how the aircraft evolved into the USAF's most lethal bomber in WWII's European and Pacific campaigns.
PBY Catalina
2. PBY Catalina
May 28, 2023
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was a seaplane produced in the 1930s and 1940s and one of World War II's most versatile and effective multi-role aircraft, used primarily for air-sea rescue operations, cargo transport, convoy bombing, and anti-submarine warfare. Catalinas served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in many other nations' air forces and navies. This episode reviews PBY's use rescuing sailors from the USS Indianapolis, searching for the German battleship Bismarck, and attacking Japanese shipping in the Pacific.
F-14 Tomcat
1. F-14 Tomcat
May 21, 2023
The true story of the F-14 Tomcat, the military aircraft made famous in
Description
Where to Watch Air Warriors
Air Warriors is available for streaming on the Smithsonian CHANNEL website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Air Warriors on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 9, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (169)