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Raptor Force
Introduction

NATURE takes flight on an exhilarating ride with elite winged predators in Raptor Force.

Humans have had a unique relationship with raptors, nature’s aerial killing machines, for more than four thousand years, first through the ancient sport of falconry, and, more recently, as scientists and engineers have turned to these mighty birds — from golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures, to great gray owls and the peregrine falcon — as the inspiration for the latest in aircraft design. Using the tricks and tactics of raptors as their model, engineers have devised fighter jets with unprecedented maneuverability and stealth.

In Raptor Force, you’ll learn the secrets of these astonishing aerialists, and how they’ve mastered, more than any other type of bird, the art of soaring. And with the help of engineer and falconer Rob MacIntyre’s ingenious miniature television station — a camera, transmitter, and battery small enough to be harnessed onto the backs of raptors — you’ll see for yourself what it’s like to fly with these deadly aces.

Online content for Raptor Force was originally posted February 2007.

To order a copy of Raptor Force, please visit the NATURE Shop.

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18 comments

#1

I love eagles. They are my favorite animals in the entire world. They are like so totally smart homie and they are leaders. They don’t eat any meat that they don’t kill. To me homie’ that is like so firme.
Well thats it for today. Alratoz.

#2

[...] on PBS (U.S.) : Raptor Force Nature . Raptor Force - Introduction - Eagles, Hawks, Owls, and Falcons | PBS [...]

#3

I never knew that flight engineers actially studied the flight caracteristics of raptors and applied them to their own flying machines. i want to order that video and send it to my retired airforce brother who actially invented something to improve flight simulators.

#4

Will the nature episode Raptor Force be shown in Kansas City, Missouri? If so, when? and on which station?

#5

I LOVE raptors! They are truly Magnificent! I’m always awed by their beauty and first class nobility
They are my favorite birds!!!

#6

My wife and I are members and supporters of the Carolina Raptor Center located in Charlotte, NC which is one of the leading raptor reabilitation centers in the United States http://www.carolinaraporcenter.org. Raptor Force is the best documentary is best I’ve ever seen on Raptors. Keep it up PBS for showing such great videos on Raptors. I would encourage everyone to support your local Raptor reabilitation center and and write your congressman to make sure these beautiful birds are forever protected by law.

#7

The Carolina Raptor Center’s correct website address is: http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org

#8

Right now is a very important time for the research between Raptor Migration and Wind Mills in Pennsylvania. Last year on Sept 19, Hawk Mt Sanctuary countedover 3,700 Broadwing hawks migrating. The resulting height and location via the research o bird counting will hopefully determine the location of wind mills. Get involved in local counts, I think these next few year will be crucial.

I would love PBS to cover this story, maybe even help with the research.

This is video is great, thank you for an excellent job; Im definatley getting it.

#9

i love animals i loved them since i was a babby that is why i want to be a verteian!!!

#10

The show was awe inspiring. Both the photography and the education kept me glued to my seat, and wanting more after it was over. Thank You…..

#11

last night 9/24 my son and i watched raptor force. it was EXCELLENT! since his 5th grade class is studying raptors, i would like you to air it again in the very near future at night when the kids could watch it, i would like to tell his teacher to have the kids watch it. it would be great if you could do that. i will be checking wliw listings to see when it is on so i can tell the teacher, thanks so much. janet rupp

#12

golden eagles do eat carrion in the winter…ive witnessed this many times in my homeland..homie

#13

This was by far the best documentary I have seen on “raptors” I was totally in awe of the falcon, hawk and eagle cams… great job!

#14

It was so cool to watch such magnificent birds in
flight and what they can do is just amazing.

#15

loed your show on raptors keep up the great shows

#16

I watched Raptor Force and it was magnificant. Is it possible that it will be scheduled in the near future as I would like my family to see it, especially my husband who loves planes and falcons.

#17

When will the next Raptor force be shown?

#18

An amazing blend of natures best and man made best. A truly awesome display of aerobatic flight both natural and high-tech.

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