Ep 2. Pedal-Powered Airship

In the second episode of the third season of Speed with Guy Martin, the intrepid presenter is on a mission to resurrect a forgotten, but once-iconic, method of transportation: the airship. But not just any airship – this one will be pedal-powered.

Martin and his team set out to build the world's largest pedal-powered airship, using only blueprints from the 1930s and 40s and traditional materials like bamboo, cotton, and silk. But they face a number of challenges along the way, from finding the right materials to mastering the intricate, hand-crafted construction techniques required to build the airship's frame.

As they work, Martin delves into the history of airships, exploring the lost era of passenger travel by air and the role airships played in both World War I and II. He visits a collection of vintage airships and speaks with experts in the field, gaining insight into the engineering and design principles that make airships so unique and promising.

And of course, there's the challenge of actually getting the airship airborne. Martin and his team set up a launch site on a remote airfield, and the moment arrives for the maiden flight. But will this pedal-powered contraption actually manage to lift off the ground? And if it does, will Martin be able to control and steer it as they race across the sky?

In typical Guy Martin fashion, the episode is filled with heart-pumping action, quirky humor, and impressive feats of engineering. It's a testament to the power of human ingenuity and a reminder that sometimes the most innovative solutions are the simplest ones.