The Century of Flight

Episode Synopsis

How parachuting has evolved over the century. Parachute formation team in action and military para drop. The early days - from Garnerin’s first parachute descent in a balloon in 1797 to the first parachute jump from an aircraft in 1912. The parachute goes to war - use by balloon observers during World War I but aircraft crews had to do without until German pilots were given them in 1918. Parachuting into battle - formation of Russian and German paratroop formations in late 1930s, German airborne operations 1939-41, Anglo-US airborne operations 1941-45. Some colour and maps included. Military parachuting post 1945 - operations will include Korea, French Indo-China and Algeria, Suez 1956, SAS jungle parachuting Malaya 1950s, Belgian Paras in the Congo 1964, French hostage rescue Kolwezi 1979, and paratroop training. Some colour. Sport parachuting post 1945 - including display teams and free-fall parachuting, ledge jumping and paraboarding. All colour.