Ep 7. US Navy's Aircraft Carrier

Impossible Engineering season 5 episode 7 explores the incredible technology behind the US Navy's Aircraft Carrier. Commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway was the largest ship in the world at that time. Not only was it massive, it was also incredibly complex and featured some of the most advanced engineering of its time.

The episode begins with a brief history of the aircraft carrier and its role in military operations. The USS Midway was one of the first aircraft carriers to be used extensively in combat, and it played a crucial role in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.

The show then takes a closer look at some of the challenges that engineers faced when designing and building this massive warship. For example, the USS Midway had to be able to withstand the force of powerful jet engines taking off and landing on its deck. To accomplish this, engineers had to use innovative materials and design techniques to create a deck that was strong enough to support the weight of the aircraft while also being flexible enough to absorb the impact of their landings.

Another challenge that engineers faced was how to store and transport the vast amounts of aviation fuel needed to power the aircraft. The USS Midway was fitted with massive fuel tanks that could hold over four million gallons of fuel. These tanks had to be carefully designed and constructed to ensure that they were safe and reliable, even in the most challenging conditions.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to fascinating insights into the various systems and technologies that make the USS Midway such an incredible feat of engineering. This includes everything from the ship's advanced navigation systems to its powerful engines, which can propel it through the water at speeds of up to 30 knots.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when the show explores the USS Midway's communication and control systems. The ship is equipped with a vast network of radar, sonar, and communications equipment that allows it to locate and track other vessels, as well as to coordinate with other ships and aircraft in the area. This level of coordination and communication is essential to the success of any military operation, and the engineers who designed the USS Midway made sure that it was up to the task.

Overall, Impossible Engineering season 5 episode 7 is an exciting and fascinating deep-dive into the incredible technology that went into creating the US Navy's Aircraft Carrier. From the innovative materials and design techniques used to construct the ship, to the powerful engines that propel it through the water, and the advanced communication and control systems that keep it running smoothly, this episode is full of interesting and informative insights into the world of cutting-edge engineering.