AllMovie

Strange Planes: Parasites takes a closer look at these odd aviation marvels. Nicknamed for their ability to hitch a ride, parasites represent enormous technological breakthroughs. Used for everything from faster mail service to extra escorts, parasites have evolved. Being able to ride on a mother craft extended these planes' potential. In the beginning, Curtis fighters hid inside dirigibles. Later, parasite aircraft launched out of giant bombers to protect the plane. Now, the space shuttle itself counts as a parasite. Strange Planes offers a detailed history of these life-saving inventions.