Defenders of the Sky: The Great British Airfield – Season 1
Episodes
Farnborough
Join Jules Hudson at Farnborough, the birthplace of British aviation. No other single location in the world has contributed quite as much to the evolution of aeronautical science over such a long period of time. From the UK's first flight to the jet engine and the extraordinary effort spent on preserving our aviation heritage.
Biggin Hill
Join Jules Hudson at Biggin Hill where the unique geography ensured the creation of an airfield back in 1917. He discovers the importance of radar, meets with aviation icons and finds out how powerful the guns on a Spitfire and Hurricane really were. A century later, it's still a very busy place.
Duxford
Join Jules Hudson at Duxford, home of Douglas Bader's Big Wing during the Battle of Britain. During WW2 the aerodrome became a fighter airfield for the USA Army Air Forces bringing in celebrities, glamour and thousands of GIs. Jules takes to the skies in on of Britain's aviation icons - the Supermarine Spitfire.
Stow Maries
Join Jules Hudson at Stow Maries, Europe's largest surviving WW1 aerodrome. Throughout WW1 Stow Maries witnessed the sheer bravery of pilots and their wooden flying machines, watching the force grow to become the world's largest independent air force, the RAF. Jules explores the stories of Britain's first pilot heroes, phenomenal technological advancements and the birth of aerial warfare.
Coningsby
Join Jules Hudson at RAF Coningsby, a frontline station in the defence of the UK for over 70 years. Coningsby has been home to many fighter squadrons including the famous 617 Squadron known as the Dambusters, while today it is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial flight and a fleet of Typhoons.
Hurn
Join Jules Hudson at Hurn, where he finds out how the once WW2 RAF airfield has turned into a commercial airport. RAF Hurn was home to a range of aircraft, including Spitfires, Gliders and Typhoons before being transferred into the hands of Civil Aviation. Jules is towed into the sky in a Glider and takes to the tracks in a Churchill Tank.
Bentwaters
Join Jules Hudson at Bentwaters, a former RAF base with its history deep in the Cold War era. It was the last airfield to be activated during WW2, and played a key role in the defence of Western Europe for 4 decades. Jules finds out about the cold war and takes flight in the RAF's first fighter jet.
Calshot
Join Jules Hudson at Calshot, where he explores the former seaplane and flying boat station. He discovers its history from the first flying boat in 1913 to the airspeed race of the Schneider Trophy to the last veteran flying the skies above the UK today.
Tangmere
Join Jules Hudson at Tangmere, a former RAF base famous for its role during the Battle of Britain. But its history also tells another story that was shrouded in secrecy, the covert missions of Britain's Special Operations Executives. Jules discovers what it took to become an agent, and how dangerous it was.
Yeovilton
Join Jules Hudson at RNAS Yeovilton, home of the Fleet Air Arm and Europe's largest Naval Aviation Collection. It has more than 100 aircraft involved in frontline operations and training units. Jules goes from old to new, from the 40 year old Sea King to the new Merlin and the Wildcat Helicopters.