Ep 3. Hidden Figures

Combat Ships is a thrilling documentary series that takes viewers inside the world of naval warfare, exploring the history, design, and battles of some of the most powerful and advanced warships in the world. In season 4, episode 3, titled Hidden Figures, we delve into the fascinating art of naval camouflage and deception.

The episode kicks off with a brief history lesson about the importance of disguising ships during wartime, from the early days of wooden sailing vessels using paint and canvas to modern-day technology like digital camouflage and stealth technology. We learn that a well-disguised ship can make all the difference in a battle at sea, allowing it to avoid detection or surprise the enemy.

The first segment of the episode focuses on the use of dazzle camouflage during World War I, a technique that involved painting ships with bold and graphic designs in order to deceive enemy ships about their size, speed, and direction. We meet historian and artist Norman Wilkinson, who developed the dazzle designs and worked with a team of artists to create over 2,000 unique patterns that were used on warships of various sizes and shapes. We see stunning archival footage of these ships in action, as well as interviews with experts who explain the science behind the dazzle effect and its effectiveness in confusing the enemy.

Next, we move on to the use of radar and other electronic warfare tools in modern naval warfare. We learn about the development of electronic countermeasures (ECM) and electronic support measures (ESM), which help ships detect and deceive enemy radars and other electronic sensors. We also hear from experts about the importance of reducing a ship's radar cross-section (RCS) through advanced hull designs, stealth coatings, and other measures. We see impressive CGI animations and graphics that illustrate how these technologies work in practice, as well as interviews with naval officers who explain how they use these tools in real-world scenarios.

The episode then takes us to the modern-day battlefield, where we learn about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other surveillance tools to gather intel on enemy ships. We see footage of sophisticated UAVs like the MQ-4C Triton and the RQ-4 Global Hawk in action, as well as other tools like sonar buoys and acoustic sensors that can detect and track submarines. We also learn about the importance of speed and maneuverability in naval warfare, as ships must be able to outmaneuver and outrun their enemies in order to survive.

Finally, the episode ends with a look at the future of naval warfare and the cutting-edge technologies that will change the game in the years to come. We learn about the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and other unmanned systems that can aid in everything from surveillance to mine sweeping, as well as new materials and sensors that will make ships even harder to detect. We also hear from naval engineers and designers about the challenges they face in creating these advanced ships and the importance of keeping up with rapidly evolving technology.

Overall, Hidden Figures is a fascinating episode that explores the complex world of naval camouflage, deception, and advanced technology. With its mix of history, science, and real-world examples, it's sure to captivate both military buffs and casual viewers alike.