Watch Combat Tech

Combat Tech is a series that aired on the Military Channel in 2012, and it explores how technology and innovation have impacted the modern battlefield. It takes a deep dive on the evolution of military technology from the simple weapons of the past to the smart and sophisticated gadgetry of the present. The show features experts in the field of military technology, including historians, engineers, and military personnel.

The series begins with a discussion of the history of military technology, starting with the first neolithic weapons and progressing through the medieval period to modern warfare. Viewers get to learn about the greatest innovators in the history of military technology, such as Leonardo da Vinci, John Browning, and Samuel Colt. The focus then shifts to the modern era, where the show showcases warfighting technologies that have transformed warfare into a high-tech, precision-aimed activity. From this point on, each episode hones in on specific technologies that have revolutionized the battlefield and how they impacted the outcome of major battles.

The series is divided into six episodes, each of which tackles a specific topic. The first episode, "Robots," features the emergence of unmanned ground vehicles and their impact on modern warfare. The episode chronicles the development of early robots, such as the QinetiQ Talon and Foster-Miller TALON, to the sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles like the Predator and Reaper drones. The second episode, "Sniper Rifles," highlights the technological advancements that have helped turn snipers into key players on the battlefield. The show explores the evolution of rifles, beginning with the muzzle-loading musket, all the way up to modern sniper rifles, such as the Accuracy International AWM and the Barrett M82.

The third episode, "Tanks," showcases the development of tanks and their role in modern warfare. Beginning with the Mark I, the episode examines how tanks became the ultimate fighting machines of modern warfare. The show presents engineers and historians explaining how these heavy vehicles have been upgraded with the latest technology, such as night vision and GPS.

In the fourth episode, "Aircraft," viewers learn how planes became the most effective weapon system in modern military history. From World War I biplanes to stealth bombers, this episode presents the massive advancements made in the last century of aviation. In addition, the episode features interviews from pilots who have flown these planes in combat, giving the audience a firsthand account of their importance.

The fifth episode, "Artillery," examines the evolution of artillery and its role in modern warfare. The episode chronicles the historical development of modern artillery beginning with medieval catapults, all the way to sophisticated long-range rocket launchers. It highlights the modern weapons such as MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) and smart steer rockets and how they changed modern warfare by increasing the lethality and versatility of artillery.

The sixth and final episode, "Combat Engineers," showcases the often-overlooked role of modern military engineers in making the battlefield work. The episode covers the ingenuity and technical wizardry of today's military engineers, including their primary role removing obstacles on modern battlefields. The episode shows the Aardvark demining machine in action, as well as modern robots that can disable improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Overall, Combat Tech is an informative series that shows how technology and innovation have changed modern warfare. Each episode provides a comprehensive look at a key technology that has had a significant impact on military strategy, and there is always something new to learn. The show features high-quality production values and is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it an excellent choice for history buffs and military enthusiasts alike.