It has only been in the last 60 years that science has unraveled the secrets of metal at the atomic level, learning how it can be strong enough to build empires but soft enough to be crumbled in the hand. In this program, materials scientist Dr. Mark Miodownik explains the history, production, and uses of metal.

Sand and clay, transformed by fire, become glass, earthenware, porcelain, or concrete - all types of ceramics. In this program, materials scientist Dr. Mark Miodownik delves into the history, production, and use of ceramics, and the large role they play in the creation of the 21st-century world.

This episode of Century of Flight focuses on the development of the Aircraft Carrier after World War II. Advances in jet technologies inspired a new breed equipped with steam catapults, and angled flight decks. Watch the evolution of the vessel through several conflicts, including the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Falkland Invasion and Gulf War.

This episode of Century of Flight explores the history and current developments of civilian air travel. Learn how World War II impacted airliner innovations and how airliners aided the United States Army efforts.Observe progress in the fields of luxury, speed, and distance with the supersonic Concorde and Boeing 707. Investigate problems to the increasing popularity of air travel, and see solutions engineered.

Follow the evolution of the parachute in this episode of Century of Flight, from the first jump off a hot air balloon in 1797, to covert HALO operations of the late 1990s. Watch an array of teams and enthusiasts jump from cliffs, planes, helicopters, balloons, and buildings. Learn how the parachute changed how militaries supply ground troops and invade countries. See how parachutes are used as braking systems for high-speed vehicles, and how they...

In this episode of Century of Flight, strategic bombing of World War II is examined. Experience the first attacks on Poland and London by German forces, and see the Blitz raid develop. Observe the devastation of air raids and heavy bombers on civilians and military industrial factories alike. Watch the atomic bomb deployed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and hear condemnation of it and strategic bombing by allied leaders.

This episode of Century of Flight focuses on the role of military aviation from the 1950s to the 1990s. Examine successes and failures of air power during the Korean War, Vietnam conflict, and the Gulf War. Learn about the development of smart bombs and anti-aircraft weaponry. Visit the TOPGUN facility, where American fighter pilots are readied for combat.

This episode of Century of Flight features the Air Show, originating after World War I as a way for air forces to gain support as independent branches of the military. Racing and aerobatics became popular soon after, and air shows provided a way for pilots to show off their skills and planes. Experience the evolution of the Air Show, from the vast Shuttleworth Collection to the formation flying stunts of the Red Arrows. See a Vickers Wellington Bomber...

In this episode of Century of Flight, we follow the early development of flying machines, from Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter, to the Deperdussin Monoplane. Experience the trialsof early engineers and pilots evolve into military craft and air show aerobatics. Watch the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903, and the first combat mission flown byCaptain Piazza in 1911.

This episode of Century of Flight examines the development of global power Air Forces between World War I and World War II. Study efforts to disarm Germany and create peace at the Geneva Convention; learn how Hitler secretly formed the Luftwaffe, which carried out terrifying Blitzkriegs. See technological developments in speed and endurance, and of anti-aircraft defenses such as radar.