Over the last half century, the U-2 Dragon Lady has become one of the most reliable aerial reconnaissance platforms in the sky today. But its history has been turbulent, marked by Cold War scandals that sent relations with the Soviet Union into a nosedive. This spy plane was so secret, it was commissioned not by the Air Force, but by the CIA. See how this plane and its pilots have been pushed to the limit in order to stay off of enemy radar and save the lives of soldiers around the world.

Witness some of the most spectacular battles in the air, from World War II to Vietnam to Desert Storm. We celebrate both the remarkable aircraft involved, including the F-15 Eagle, the F-4 Phantom, the F6F Hellcat, and the P-38 Lightning, and give firsthand accounts from some of the bold fighter pilots who looked death in the face and won.

Meet America's top choppers--the Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, and Osprey--and see what makes each so unique.

Discover the stories of gunship triumphs in Iraq and Afghanistan, told by the brave pilots who flew the missions.

The F-18 Super Hornet is the backbone of the US Navy aircraft carrier strike force, and is flown by the Royal Australian Air Force. Exceptional carrier access and cockpit footage reveal its abilities.

Inside stories of the most iconic military aircraft from WWII.

Inside stories of the most iconic military aircraft from the Cold War.

Inside stories of the most iconic military aircraft of the 21st century.

Learn how the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter jet played a pivotal role in carrying the Allies to victory in World War II and the Pacific War.

The stealthy PBY Catalina, an amphibious combat aircraft designed to patrol the seas and skies, has been an asset to military operations and harrowing rescue missions for nearly a century.

Go inside the cockpit of the nimble Little Bird, a small but mighty attack helicopter on the front lines of many U.S. military operations, including the Vietnam War, Iraq War and many more.

The B-52 Stratofortress is affectionately known as the B.U.F.F., or Big, Ugly, Fat Fellow. Whatever you call it, the B-52 is one imposing beast of a bomber, stretching 159 feet, capable of flying nearly 9,000 miles in a single trip, and able to carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons at a time. Join us as we crown the Air Force's longest serving heavyweight champ, a global reach aircraft that has, for more than a half a century, led the way in every major U.S. bombing campaign, from Korea to Vietnam to Iraq and beyond.

Get an inside look at the USAF's go-to fighter jet, the F-15 Eagle, and discover the secrets of its unprecedented success.

Aviation historians and veterans detail how the high-speed dives and pinpoint accuracy of the Ju-87 Stukas became a Nazi terror weapon and symbol of German power during World War II.

Take flight on the plane that revolutionized the U.S. Air Force's transport program: the C-17.

It is supposed to be the jet for the 21st century—a combination of super-cruise, supermanueverability, sensor fusion and stealth all in one package. Through a combination of delays, cost-overruns, wide dispersement of manufacturers and a changing combat landscape, it never really took off….both literally and metaphorically. While many stood by its creation for years, it finally fell victim to its own hype. This episode of AIR WARRIORS profiles the F-22 Raptor, the history of stealth fighters and where fighter jets are heading next.

Discover how the F-86 Sabre went from an untested, new aircraft to the deadliest fighter of its time.

Learn the history of the F-111 bomber jet, a Vietnam-era flop that turned that turned into an essential piece of U.S. military hardware in Libya and the Gulf War.

Tomorrow's wars will be won and lost using electronic warfare aircraft, and the U.S. is counting on two warplanes to win them.

For decades, the Black Hawk has played a role in nearly every American conflict and is used all over the globe. But how did the UH-60 become the Army's go-to bird? This is the inside story of how the military workhorse got off the ground and became a multi-mission lifesaver. See how its pilots and engineers learned from setbacks and tragedies and expanded Black Hawk's capabilities to improve getting soldiers into and out of the heat of the battle.

Learn how the British bomber Lancaster brought distinct power and strength against Nazi Germany and was pivotal to the Allied victory in World War II.

Follow the journey of the U.S. Marine's V-22 Osprey, from early failures to war and humanitarian mission triumphs.

Drones have evolved to fly higher, longer, and more covertly than any manned airplane ever has.

It looks like a lumbering giant but the CH-47 Chinook is fast, agile, and has been the Army's go-to chopper for decades.

Quite simply, the KC-135 Stratotanker is the backbone of American air power. This aerial refueler has allowed America's military aircraft to reach across the globe for the past 60 years, carrying up to 200,000 pounds of fuel with a transfer rate of 1,000 gallons per minute. Join us as we celebrate an aircraft that's always on call, always ready to adapt to unexpected situations, and always carrying enough fuel to feed thirsty U.S. fighter jets and keep them flying around the clock.