Planes That Never Flew

Planes That Never Flew is a Discovery Channel documentary series about experimental aircraft projects that never flew. Over four one-hour episodes, the series examined the history behind aborted projects to build two jet fighters, a supersonic transport, and a nuclear-powered long range bomber.

Documentary

Seasons

1. The Last Rocket Fighter

Air Date: 2003-04-04

The British-designed Saunders-Roe SR177, an advanced rocket plane that, though capable of climbing to the very edge of space, fell victim to sabotage by a rival aircraft company.

2. The American SST

Air Date: 2003-04-11

A documentary on the SST, America's answer to Concorde in the competition between Europe and the United States to build a supersonic airliner.

3. America's First Jet Fighter

Air Date: 2003-04-18

The history of 1950s icon the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, designed by engineer Clarence `Kelly' Johnson, who had previously failed in an attempt to create a supersonic fighter.

4. The Atomic Bomber

Air Date: 2003-04-25

The story behind plans for an atomic bomber that failed to progress from the drawing board.

Select an episode to start watching

Rating

5.0/10

Release Date

2003-04-04

Episodes

4 (1 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Production Companies

Southern Star