INTO THE SKIES

The machines that take us farther, higher, and faster

An episode from the series SPEED

Synopsis

The third installment recounts the evolution of aviation from the Wright brothers' propeller planes to Frank Whittle's jet engine invention. The De Havilland Comet, the first commercial jet, made air travel faster, but initially only for the affluent.

The development of Boeing's 747 made flying affordable for the masses while the Bell X-1 broke the sound barrier, leading to the Concorde's supersonic travel. Despite its retirement, supersonic flight is on the brink of a return.