Ep 12. Howard Hughes Tech

Howard Hughes Tech is the twelfth episode of the twelfth season of the popular documentary television series Modern Marvels. In this episode, viewers are given an in-depth look at the technological innovations of one of the most influential figures in American history: Howard Hughes.

Howard Hughes was a multi-talented engineer, entrepreneur, and aviator who lived from 1905 to 1976. During his lifetime, he pioneered many advancements in aviation, entertainment, and engineering, making him a true modern marvel. In this episode, we get to know the story of Hughes' extraordinary life and explore the groundbreaking technology he developed.

The episode begins by diving into Hughes' early life. As a young man, Hughes inherited a large fortune from his father, who had made his fortune in the oil industry. With the family's wealth at his disposal, Hughes became a successful movie producer and eventually turned his attention to aviation. He believed that he could create faster and more efficient airplanes. During World War II, Hughes turned his attention to military contracts, and he helped develop planes that were critical to the war effort, including the "Spruce Goose" or Hughes H-4 Hercules, a massive wooden flying boat.

The episode features a variety of interviews with leading experts to help detail Hughes's many innovations. We hear from historians, engineers, pilots, and business leaders who help shed light on the depth and breadth of Hughes's achievements. One expert interview highlights how Hughes helped transform aviation engineering into what it is today. The focus shifts to the many advances in aeronautics that Hughes contributed to, including developing new engine and wing designs and introducing hydraulic power to his planes.

The episode also looks at Hughes's work in the world of entertainment. In the 1940s, Hughes purchased RKO Pictures, a major motion picture studio, and began producing and distributing films. Hughes championed a number of groundbreaking cinematic innovations, including the use of widescreen technology and the introduction of stereophonic sound. Many filmmakers today still take inspiration from what Hughes accomplished in this area.

Another technology pioneered by Hughes that is discussed in the episode is his creation of the first commercial helicopter. Hughes spent years developing the helicopter's technology and created the world's first practical helicopter design that could fly in all directions. Today, helicopters are ubiquitous in many areas of life, from medical emergencies to military transport.

The episode also delves into Hughes's innovative engineering projects, including efforts to invent a stronger, more reliable transmission for cars and trucks. Hughes recognized that the transmissions of the time were often subject to frequent breakdowns, so he developed motors and transmissions that increased the efficiency and longevity of vehicles.

Finally, the episode explores the many innovative and often idiosyncratic personal projects that Hughes partook in, including his obsession with designing and building the largest airplane in the world. We learn how Hughes's eccentricities, which included a fear of germs and an obsessive focus on cleanliness, affected his personal relationships, but also inspired some of his more remarkable inventions.

In conclusion, Howard Hughes Tech provides an in-depth look at the technology and innovation of one of the most important technological pioneers in American history. Through interviews with experts and an examination of Hughes's life, viewers are given a better understanding of the vast contributions that Hughes made to a variety of fields. Whether it was his work on aviation, film, transportation, or engineering, Howard Hughes's technological prowess and vision continue to influence us today.