Royal Air Force At War

This season of the RAF Collection covers the RAF's early jets, the jets used in the Cold War, forgotten bombers, and seaplanes and flying boats.

During WWII, the RAF Production Unit filmed the RAF in action in every theatre of operations. Cameramen risked their lives alongside pilots and aircrew to bring back some of the most vivid and memorable combat footage of the war. From 1943 onwards, this film was used to produce regular newsreels - known as the GENS and GAFs - that were shown on RAF bases around the world. This unique two disc DVD collection features the complete set of these newsreels, mastered from superior 35mm prints.

Compiled from the Imperial War Museum Official Collection, this film collects rare and previously unseen film material shot by official cameramen on behalf of the RAF before the formation of the RAF Film Production Unit in September 1941. It tells the story of the RAF in the early years of the Second World War through the "phoney war", the Blitzkfreig and the Battle of Britain, capturing everyday life for those who served as wel as the RAF's frontline aircraft of the period. Other highlights include a fillmed account of a Blenheim raid on Northern France, a Sunderland flying boat sortie over Norway and Winston Churchill inspecting the new American aircraft for the RADF including the B-17, Douglas Boston and P-40.

The Royal Air Force emerged from the aviation branches of the British Army and Royal Navy during World War I. Despite her successes, her existence came into question after the war. But during the Second World War she put all doubts to rest with her actions. This documentary contains rare archive material, new images and conversations with experts in the inspired history of the British Air Force. We see how the first fighter pilots fought in the air with primitive aircraft made of wood and canvas, and we experience the heroic air battles between the Spitfires and Hurricanes and the feared Bf 109s of the Luftwaffe. Experience the massive air raids on Nazi Germany and follow the jet age from the first Meteors to the spectacular tornado actions of Desert Storm.

Packed with rare and never before available footage, this title profiles the aircraft that made the Royal Air Force of the Cold War era such a formidable fighting force - the incredible V-Bombers, the Lightning Interceptor, the Canberra, Hawker Hunter, Phantom and later the Harrier. Highlights include the last taxi of Vulcan XH558 before it went into refurbishment, new footage of Vulcans and Valiants in America, stunning Lightning Firebird aerobatic team displays, 74 squadron taking delivery of the first operational Lightnings, air-to-air film of Vulcans testing and launching Skybolt, two Lightnings air-to-air refuelling simultaneously, newly found material of RAF Transport Command Comets, a Phantom QRA, early Harrier operations in Germany and air-to-air and in-cockpit footage of Jet Provosts training new pilots in the 1960s. There are also exclusive interviews with Valiant, Vulcan, Harrier, Lightning, Victor and Buccaneer pilots and crew.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is among the most gloried air forces in the history of air combat, and the oldest independent air force in the world. Made with the full support and cooperation of the Royal Air Force, Battle for the Skies is the definitive film history of the RAF from the early days of the Air Battalion and the Royal Flying Corps right up to its role in the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars. This 90th anniversary edition is one of the most detailed and visually compelling aviation series ever made.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is among the most gloried air forces in the history of air combat, and the oldest independent air force in the world. Made with the full support and cooperation of the Royal Air Force, Battle for the Skies is the definitive film history of the RAF from the early days of the Air Battalion and the Royal Flying Corps right up to its role in the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars. This 90th anniversary edition is one of the most detailed and visually compelling aviation series ever made.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is among the most gloried air forces in the history of air combat, and the oldest independent air force in the world. Made with the full support and cooperation of the Royal Air Force, Battle for the Skies is the definitive film history of the RAF from the early days of the Air Battalion and the Royal Flying Corps right up to its role in the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars. This 90th anniversary edition is one of the most detailed and visually compelling aviation series ever made.

Eric Portman narrates this 1945 retrospective account from the RAF Film Production Unit, celebrating the RAF's role in tghe Normandy campaign, with outstanding footage of RAF Typhoons's blitzing targets with salvos of rockets and cannon fire.