The Berlin Airlift That Shouldn’t Have Worked

In 1948, West Berlin was cut off by the Soviets. With food, fuel, and power disappearing fast, the Western Allies launched the Berlin Airlift, a 15 month operation that delivered more than 2.3 million tons of supplies and kept nearly 2 million people alive. This documentary explores how Operation Vittles worked, why it was so difficult, and how Tempelhof became the lifeline of a city under siege. From the C-47 and C-54 transport planes to the famous Raisin Bombers, this is the story of aviation, logistics, and resilience under pressure. Featuring rare historical footage and firsthand accounts. Chapters: 00:00 Tempelhof and Berlin Cut Off 03:41 Berlin in Ruins After WWII 06:55 The Soviet Blockade Begins 09:41 C-47 Cargo Limits and the First Airlift 12:06 C-54s and the Raisin Bombers 15:43 How Tunner Built the Airlift System 18:30 Tempelhof, Gatow, and Tegel Airport 23:58 Radar Control, Weather, and Safe Landings 27:03 Unloading, Little Vittles, and the Cost of the Airlift #BerlinAirlift #Tempelhof #ColdWar #HistoryDocumentary #AviationHistory #WWII #OperationVittles #RareFootage