Ep 4. Hangars

Hangars have been an essential part of aviation since the Wright brothers built their first aircraft hangar in 1902. In Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 4, viewers are taken on a tour of some of the most impressive hangars in the world. From the massive American Airlines hangar in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the state-of-the-art Boeing hangar in Everett, Washington, this episode explores the incredible engineering and technology behind these colossal buildings.

The episode begins by examining the history of hangars, starting with the early days of aviation when planes were housed in simple canvas tents. The first permanent hangars were built in the early 1900s and were typically made of wood and corrugated metal. Viewers learn how hangar design evolved over the years to accommodate larger and more complex aircraft, from the blister hangars of World War II to the modern hangars of today.

Next, the episode takes us to the American Airlines hangar in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This hangar is one of the largest in the world, covering an area of over 1.7 million square feet. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the massive hangar doors, which can be opened in just 6 minutes, allowing planes as large as the Boeing 777 to be quickly loaded and unloaded. The hangar is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a computerized system that tracks every part of every plane and automatically schedules maintenance.

The episode then moves on to the Boeing hangar in Everett, Washington. This hangar is where the iconic Boeing 747, the world's first "jumbo jet," was built. Viewers learn how the hangar was specifically designed to accommodate the massive size of the 747, which has a wingspan of 211 feet. The hangar is also home to the world's largest building by volume, measuring over 472 million cubic feet.

The episode also explores some of the challenges that come with building a hangar that can accommodate such large aircraft. These include designing hangar doors that can withstand strong winds and building foundations that can support the massive weight of the planes. Viewers learn how engineers have overcome these challenges through innovative design and construction techniques.

Finally, the episode takes us to the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida, which was originally built to house the massive Saturn V rocket that carried astronauts to the moon. This hangar has a staggering volume of over 129 million cubic feet and is one of the largest buildings in the world. Viewers learn how the hangar was specifically designed to house the Saturn V rocket, which stood over 36 stories tall. Today, the Vehicle Assembly Building is used to assemble and test the next generation of rockets that will carry astronauts back to the moon and beyond.

Overall, Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 4 provides a fascinating look at the incredible technology and engineering behind some of the largest hangars in the world. Viewers will be amazed by the sheer scale of these buildings and the ingenuity that went into designing and constructing them. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just fascinated by engineering and technology, this episode is a must-watch.