Before manned aircraft took to the skies in the early 1900s, hot-air balloons were used in war. In most situations, these big balloons offered a high vantage point so that scouts could pinpoint enemy troop movements. Then, as airplanes took to the skies in greater numbers, aerial machines slowly became offensive weapons.
In the earliest days, pilots literally chucked bombs right out of the cockpits hoping to hit targets below. These days, planes are much more sophisticated. Do you really know much about the most famous air battles in history?
In 1911, famed French General Ferdinand Foch was quoted as saying, “Airplanes are interesting toys, but of no military value.” Just a few years later, as World War I tore Europe to bloody shreds, he changed his mind. Tens of thousands of (terrifyingly rickety) warplanes took part in many WWI battles, slowly but surely changing the nature of warfare. Can you name any of the big WWI battles involving airplanes?
As technologies evolved, more and more battles hinged on air power. In the Second World War, massive bombing campaigns leveled entire cities. And fast fighters attempted to thwart those devastating attacks.
Soar into this famous air battles quiz now! We’ll see if you’re a RAF pilot for the ages or if you’re a failed Luftwaffe loser!
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