Ep 13. Edwards Air Force Base

Modern Marvels is a television show that explores the history and technology behind some of the most significant modern landmarks, inventions, and infrastructure. The twelfth season of the show includes the thirteenth episode, which is dedicated to Edwards Air Force Base.

Located in California's Mojave Desert, Edwards Air Force Base is much more than just an airfield. It is a testing and research hub for some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, both military and civilian. The episode opens with a brief overview of the history of aviation, including how the world's first flight took place in 1903, and how the aviation industry has grown and transformed since then.

The episode then dives into the history of Edwards Air Force Base, explaining how it was established in 1933 as Muroc Army Airfield. It became a testing ground for experimental aircraft during the Second World War, but its significance grew even more in the post-war period. The United States Air Force chose Edwards as the base for its Flight Test Center in 1951, which meant that it became the center of aviation research and development for the country. The episode explains how the base was chosen and what factors influenced the decision.

The episode also shows how the base has contributed to some of the most significant moments in aviation history. For example, it was where the X-1 rocket plane, piloted by Chuck Yeager, broke the sound barrier for the first time in 1947. The episode includes interviews with Yeager, as well as other pilots who have flown experimental aircraft at Edwards.

In addition, the episode explores some of the technology that has been developed at Edwards Air Force Base. This includes the development of supersonic flight, which allows aircraft to travel faster than the speed of sound. The episode explains how this technology was developed and how it has been used in aviation since then. It also explores the concept of stealth technology, which allows aircraft to be more difficult to detect by radar. Edwards Air Force Base was a key site for the development of stealth technology, which was first used in combat during the 1991 Gulf War.

The episode also examines the future of aviation and spaceflight, and how Edwards Air Force Base is contributing to the development of new technology. This includes the exploration of hypersonic flight, which could allow aircraft to travel at speeds of up to Mach 20. The episode explains how this technology works, and how it could transform aviation in the future.

Overall, the Modern Marvels episode dedicated to Edwards Air Force Base is an in-depth exploration of the history and technology behind one of the most significant aviation research centers in the world. It showcases the achievements of the base and gives an insight into the cutting-edge research being conducted there. It is a fascinating look at how aviation has evolved over the years, and how it is likely to change in the future.