The F-35 is the latest plane to join the ranks of the RAF. What is so special about it is that it is a single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft designed for many missions with advanced, integrated sensors built into every aircraft. Missions that were traditionally performed by small numbers of specialized aircraft, such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic attack missions, can therefore now be executed by only F-35s – changing the game for aircraft forces across the world. Nor is this the only technological advance in the RAF that boggles the mind with its innovation. From the Martin-Baker ejector seats that have saved thousands of lives over the years to an intriguing Rockwell Collins aviator helmet, to the incomparable F-35 flight simulator itself, it is clear that the future of the British military is going to be pretty extraordinary. In this episode, Dan Snow steps into an event in central London to check out the future of Britain’s military aviation and to marvel at the weird and wonderful objects on display at a RAF event in central London. Join him for a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating technology keeping our country safe and secure now and for years to come.
Most history is hierarchical: it’s about popes, presidents and prime ministers. A very small section of society has wielded very great power. But what if that’s simply because they are responsible for creating the historical archives? What if we are missing out on understanding equally powerful b...
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was also the longest serving Labour Prime Minister, spoke to Dan about the nature of political power - within party politics, government policy and Britain's role in the world stage. He also discusses the major challenges Britain faces in a changing world ...
Avi Shlaim is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at St Antony's College, Oxford. Here he discusses his life - from his birth in Baghdad, to studying in Britain and his ongoing historical research.
