The Hercules is the most flexible airlifter in the world. It has been for over half a century, first flying on Aug 23, 1954. With more than 70 variants used by over 70 countries, the C130J or "Super" Herc is the newest model in the longest continuous production run of any plane in aircraft history. This medium-range bird is the tactical cargo and personnel transporter for the U.S. Air Force, and serves multi-mission capabilities. Its many jobs include: special operations; search and rescue; aerial refueling; medevac; natural disaster relief missions; fire fighter; maritime surveillance; and hurricane hunter. In this two-hour special, MIGHTY PLANES takes flight with the delivery of a brand-new C130J fresh off the Lockheed Martin production to the Little Rock Air Force base in Arkansas. Then, meet Tim Nguyen, a Lockheed Martin Aviation Engineer who has dedicated his life to protecting the mighty Hercules from attack. He journeys to Little Rock to visit the very C-130A Herc that saved his life 40 years ago during the fall of Saigon.

Thrilling millions of Americans every year with their death-defying aerial maneuvers and pinpoint precision, the Blue Angels are one of the best military display teams on Earth. Get ready for an up-close look at the six F/A-18 Hornets that make up the fleet. Meet the top guns who fly them, and the maintenance and support crews working nonstop to make each show a triumph. The stakes are high when you're flying just inches apart at 700 miles per hour, a mere 15,000 feet above the crowd. Only the Blue Angels team can pull this off.

Unlock the secrets of the cosmos aboard the world's only flying space observatory, the SOFIA, a converted Boeing 747 jumbo jetliner.

Enter the eye of the storm in this battle-tested hurricane hunter, NOAA's P-3 'Kermit.'

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's hurricane hunting WP-3D Orion aircraft fly where other planes refuse to venture.

Follow the dangerous job of air-to-air refueling with the Omega, the flying gas station seen at top speeds and great heights.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the most versatile cargo plane in the US Air Force fleet. Meet the ultimate flexible flyer, strong as a weightlifter and nimble as a gymnast.

Take a luxurious ride aboard Donald Trump's massive private jet and meet the pilot entrusted with his life.