Century of Flight 1903 - 2003

Century of Flight 1903 - 2003

2006 · 106 min

In this fascinating documentary we follow the meteoric career of the aircraft. What started as a picket fence that could barely move one man a hundred meters through the air, grew within a century into a slender machine that spans the entire earth at supersonic speeds. This documentary shows beautifully filmed color images of restored aircraft from different periods. The wonder of flying is captured in recordings made with mini cameras on board, in interviews with pilots and in top material from aviation archives. The development of engines, from rotary engines to turbofans, is discussed, as well as the aerodynamics that took flying humans further and higher until the first steps were taken on the moon in 1969. Two world wars accelerated the development of the aircraft into a weapon with which complete battles were decided.

Directed by Bruce Vigar

Your Rating

Make it a double feature

3h 36m together

Century of Flight 1903 - 2003

A History of Flight

Both from Bruce Vigar.

More from Bruce VigarSee all →

A History of Flight

A History of Flight · 2006

A History of Flight

MovieDocumentary

Orville Wright's achievement of flying a powered aircraft for the first time in 1903 was the fulfillment of man's dream of taking to the skies. Narrated by Tom Baker, this fascinating film charts the rapid progress of the aeroplane from a contraption that could barely carry the weight of a man over a few hundred yards to a sleek machine capable of spanning the globe at supersonic speed.

Nuremberg: The Real Story

Nuremberg: The Real Story · 2025

Nuremberg: The Real Story

MovieDocumentaryWar

Nuremberg: The Real Story revisits the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were brought to justice and the foundations of modern international law were laid. Alongside the courtroom drama, it uncovers the little-known story of American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with judging whether the defendants were fit to stand trial. His fraught encounters with Hermann Göring, Hitler’s right-hand man, became a battle of wits that exposed unsettling truths about power and psychology.

Bomber Boys

Bomber Boys · 2024

Embark on a gripping journey with this documentary, which shines a spotlight on the courageous individuals who manned the Lancaster Bombers and Flying Fortresses during World War II. Delve into their harrowing experiences, exploring the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made while soaring through the skies in these iconic aircraft.

Story of the Spitfire

Story of the Spitfire · 2001

Story of the Spitfire

MovieDocumentaryWar

The story of Britain's legendary WWII fighter plane.

D-Day: 80th Anniversary

D-Day: 80th Anniversary · 2024

D-Day: 80th Anniversary

MovieDocumentaryHistory

On June 6, 1944, the Allied Forces executed Operation Overlord, the largest seaborne invasion in history, storming the beaches of Normandy. This pivotal event, known as D-Day, liberated France and Western Europe. A new documentary features interviews with historians, experts, and eyewitnesses, providing detailed insights into the events leading up to this crucial day that played a vital role in bringing an end to World War II.

1917: The Real Story

1917: The Real Story · 2020

1917: The Real Story

MovieDocumentary

'1917: The Real Story' documents the true story behind the international blockbuster film '1917' - providing an insight into the real-life characters, and what became of them.

VE Day: Forever in their Debt

VE Day: Forever in their Debt · 2020

VE Day: Forever in their Debt

MovieDocumentary

"Friday 8 May 2020 will mark the 75th anniversary of the formal end of the Second World War in Europe. “V-E Day – Forever in their Debt” tells the stories of those who experienced the end of the war in all its many forms. It features a wide range of interviews from children who remember the street parties, to the servicemen who remember not having to buy a single drink that day, then there are the POWs for whom a hot bath was all they wanted after years of captivity. The programme is richly illustrated with archive including a colour film showing the celebrations in London. Other archive films show a grumpy Montgomery taking the surrender of German land forces in northern Germany on May 4."

V-Force: Battle For The Skies - Vulcan, Valiant, Victor

V-Force: Battle For The Skies - Vulcan, Valiant, Victor · 2018

V-Force: Battle For The Skies - Vulcan, Valiant, Victor

MovieDocumentary

The story behind the aircraft that formed the frontline of Britain's defence during the cold war period - the Vulcan, Valiant, and Victor.

The Ultimate History of the F16 Fighter

The Ultimate History of the F16 Fighter · 2004

The Ultimate History of the F16 Fighter

MovieDocumentary

When it first flew, it was considered way ahead of its time in flight control, avionics integration and cockpit features. But today's processors are a hundred times more powerful than those available in the 1970's and yet, the F-16 has been able to adapt to the new technologies as they come on stream. In fact, the F-16 is so successful that it is envisaged being in service until well into the 21st century. This programme features unique footage of F16 flight tests as well as presenting its combat record, especially during the two wars in Iraq. It finishes with a superb display sequence by a Belgian Air Force F-16.

The Odyssey: The Real Story

The Odyssey: The Real Story · 2026

The Odyssey: The Real Story

MovieDocumentary

After the fall of Troy, warrior-king Odysseus begins a perilous voyage home, only to be thrown into a decade of wandering across a world ruled by gods and monsters. He outwits cyclopes, resists enchantresses, and descends into the realm of the dead, while his family fights to survive in his absence.

Voices of the Battle of Britain

Voices of the Battle of Britain · 2015

Voices of the Battle of Britain

MovieDocumentaryWar

Based on the book of the same title by best-selling author Henry Buckton, this film is enhanced by a fascinating series of interviews with a wide variety of people who played a vital role in Britain’s ‘finest hour’. Included are the captivating accounts of six fighter pilots who risked their lives day after day to combat the Luftwaffe, which was at that time greatly more experienced in aerial warfare. Their memories are enhanced by the recollections of a gunner, two members of the 400,000-strong ground crew who kept as many aircraft flying as possible, a barrage balloon operator and men who helped to build Spitfires.

Century of Motoring

Century of Motoring · 1999

Century of Motoring

MovieDocumentaryHistory

Century of Motoring tells the story of the last 100 years by featuring particular cars that represent the different motoring genres. The featured cars are those that set a new benchmark against which all others were judged. And all those cars have been newly filmed in colour especially for this programme.

Spitfire: Defender of the Skies

Spitfire: Defender of the Skies · 2006

Spitfire: Defender of the Skies

MovieDocumentary

Forgotten Bombers of the RAF

Forgotten Bombers of the RAF · 2001

Forgotten Bombers of the RAF

MovieDocumentaryWar

Today, the Avro Lancaster is undoubtedly the most famous bomber employed by the RAF during the Second World War - but there were many other bombers which deserved to be remembered. This programme tells the story of those wartime British bombers that have been largely 'forgotten' either because they have been overlooked in favour of the Lancaster and other four-engine 'Heavies' or because there has been very little film footage found (until now) of their service careers. Aircraft such as the Avro Anson, Fairey Battle, Handley Page Harrow, Bristol Bombay, Vickers Wellesley, Handley Page Hampden, Vickers Wellington, Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, Handley Page Halifax, Short Stirling, Bristol Blenheim, Martin Maryland, Martin Baltimore, Vultee Vengeance, Lockheed Hudson and Ventura, Consolidated Liberator and Boeing Flying Fortress are all featured in RAF service on this unique DVD.

Battle of Britain - View From The Cockpit

Battle of Britain - View From The Cockpit · 2010

Battle of Britain - View From The Cockpit

MovieDocumentary

Blast yourself back to the terrifying summer of 1940. Experience all the decisive moments of the fighting as valiant pilots from the 'Battle of Britain' deliver first-hand accounts of their exploits. A combination of interviews and memorable footage affords you a unique view from the cockpit, as the fly boys who protected our shores from Nazi invasion recall the mightiest aerial battle in history. The 'Battle of Britain' shaped the future of our glorious nation, pitting the excellence of the German Luftwaffe against a small, inexperienced group of men flying largely untested aircraft of the RAF's Fighter Command.

All Quiet on the Western Front: The True Story

All Quiet on the Western Front: The True Story · 2025

All Quiet on the Western Front: The True Story

MovieDocumentary

Discover the riveting true events of World War II that inspired the gripping Netflix TV series. Delve into the historical backdrop and real-life experiences that shaped the narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into the origins of this acclaimed show.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter