Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated:
1
00:00:03,129 --> 00:00:05,504
Zdenek: Each one is over a
thousand feet long.
2
00:00:07,133 --> 00:00:10,050
Weights almost a
hundred thousand tons.
3
00:00:10,261 --> 00:00:11,677
That's a serious elevator.
4
00:00:13,472 --> 00:00:16,098
And costs three and a
half billion dollars.
5
00:00:17,301 --> 00:00:18,633
We caught one.
6
00:00:18,644 --> 00:00:19,393
(laughs)
7
00:00:20,637 --> 00:00:22,637
For 40 years, nimitz
class aircraft carriers
8
00:00:22,648 --> 00:00:26,224
Have delivered us military
might all over the globe.
9
00:00:26,235 --> 00:00:30,404
But now these legendary
ships are being phased out,
10
00:00:30,481 --> 00:00:33,565
To be replaced by new carriers.
11
00:00:33,576 --> 00:00:35,317
Before they're decommissioned,
12
00:00:35,327 --> 00:00:38,162
I'm going aboard
a flagship vessel.
13
00:00:38,238 --> 00:00:42,583
I never want to sleep
under a flight deck again.
14
00:00:42,659 --> 00:00:46,411
So I can uncover the
engineering innovations
15
00:00:46,422 --> 00:00:49,506
That allowed this
ship to launch,
16
00:00:49,583 --> 00:00:54,503
Land and relaunch more
planes, more quickly
17
00:00:54,513 --> 00:00:55,763
Than ever before.
18
00:00:56,757 --> 00:00:59,349
Now that was some
serious engineering.
19
00:00:59,426 --> 00:01:03,020
And see what made the
nimitz class supercarriers.
20
00:01:08,102 --> 00:01:09,768
I'm chad zdenek.
21
00:01:09,779 --> 00:01:10,769
I spent seven years
22
00:01:10,780 --> 00:01:12,654
Building rocket
engines for nasa.
23
00:01:13,774 --> 00:01:16,033
Now I'm taking things apart.
24
00:01:17,036 --> 00:01:21,279
Breaking down giants of
engineering piece by piece.
25
00:01:21,290 --> 00:01:25,167
So I can discover what made
them legends of their time.
26
00:01:26,712 --> 00:01:29,546
♪♪
27
00:01:31,291 --> 00:01:33,291
♪♪
28
00:01:33,302 --> 00:01:36,136
Naval base san diego.
29
00:01:36,347 --> 00:01:39,047
Home to this nimitz
class aircraft carrier.
30
00:01:39,058 --> 00:01:41,725
One of the us navy's
biggest warships
31
00:01:43,554 --> 00:01:48,390
This will be my home
for the next five days.
32
00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:50,809
I'm on board the
uss carl vinson.
33
00:01:50,820 --> 00:01:52,727
And for the next week
I'm going to be working
34
00:01:52,738 --> 00:01:55,405
With engineers,
mechanics and sailors,
35
00:01:55,482 --> 00:01:58,242
And show you some incredible
pieces of engineering
36
00:01:58,318 --> 00:02:01,203
That keep an aircraft carrier
like this operational.
37
00:02:05,492 --> 00:02:09,086
President nixon wrote the
check for the carl vinson
38
00:02:09,163 --> 00:02:11,496
Back in 1974
39
00:02:11,507 --> 00:02:13,507
For three billion dollars.
40
00:02:14,668 --> 00:02:19,513
Construction began in
1975 under president ford.
41
00:02:21,100 --> 00:02:25,185
In 1980, the new ship was
launched under president carter.
42
00:02:26,438 --> 00:02:31,483
In 1982, it finally entered
service under president reagan.
43
00:02:33,770 --> 00:02:37,698
And in 2011, under barack
obama's presidency,
44
00:02:37,774 --> 00:02:41,109
The body of osama bin
laden was brought on board
45
00:02:41,120 --> 00:02:42,327
For burial at sea.
46
00:02:43,780 --> 00:02:47,207
For 40 years, it's been
the ultimate symbol
47
00:02:47,284 --> 00:02:49,126
Of american military might.
48
00:02:49,795 --> 00:02:54,039
An enormous, floating,
plane launching machine,
49
00:02:54,049 --> 00:02:57,217
Bigger and stronger than
anything that came before.
50
00:03:01,140 --> 00:03:05,142
Verrissimo: The carrier fully
loaded maxed out at 97,000 tons,
51
00:03:05,219 --> 00:03:07,636
Its a pretty heavy
piece of gear,
52
00:03:07,646 --> 00:03:10,230
The entire engineering
suite that it takes
53
00:03:10,307 --> 00:03:12,232
To get this ship
through the water
54
00:03:12,309 --> 00:03:13,734
Back and forth over 25 years,
55
00:03:13,810 --> 00:03:15,986
It is just an
engineering marvel.
56
00:03:17,072 --> 00:03:19,573
Zdenek: Now this giant
piece of engineering
57
00:03:19,650 --> 00:03:21,158
Is on it's way out.
58
00:03:21,235 --> 00:03:24,077
One by one, the
nimitz class carriers
59
00:03:24,154 --> 00:03:27,664
Will be decommissioned to
make way for the ford class
60
00:03:27,741 --> 00:03:30,742
Raising the bar all over again.
61
00:03:30,753 --> 00:03:33,662
But you don't replace
a 40 billion dollar
62
00:03:33,672 --> 00:03:36,256
Fleet of aircraft
carriers overnight.
63
00:03:36,333 --> 00:03:39,334
That will take 30 years.
64
00:03:39,345 --> 00:03:40,677
In the meantime,
65
00:03:40,754 --> 00:03:43,513
The nimitz ships have to
stay on the cutting edge,
66
00:03:43,590 --> 00:03:46,341
With constant
upgrades and upkeep
67
00:03:46,352 --> 00:03:49,770
From a highly specialized
mechanical crew.
68
00:03:49,846 --> 00:03:53,273
Each one of them trained in
the extraordinary engineering
69
00:03:53,350 --> 00:03:54,733
That keeps this ship running.
70
00:03:55,778 --> 00:03:59,020
Now I'm joining them
as the ship heads
71
00:03:59,031 --> 00:04:01,990
Into the pacific to
undertake a special mission.
72
00:04:03,494 --> 00:04:06,778
Testing pilots on their
ability to take off and land
73
00:04:06,789 --> 00:04:10,782
On a carrier, hoping to win
their final qualification,
74
00:04:10,793 --> 00:04:14,378
The last step in a naval
aviator's basic training.
75
00:04:16,039 --> 00:04:18,456
I'll work with the
engineering teams
76
00:04:18,467 --> 00:04:20,458
Above and below deck
77
00:04:20,469 --> 00:04:23,128
To reveal the
engineering innovations
78
00:04:23,138 --> 00:04:24,388
That make it all possible.
79
00:04:25,716 --> 00:04:27,808
The incredible catapult system
80
00:04:27,884 --> 00:04:30,686
That can launch a jet
in just two seconds.
81
00:04:32,472 --> 00:04:36,057
The mighty elevators,
designed to get 35 tons
82
00:04:36,068 --> 00:04:40,320
Of aircraft on and
off the deck in seconds.
83
00:04:40,397 --> 00:04:41,563
The arresting system
84
00:04:41,573 --> 00:04:44,733
That uses cables and
hydraulics to stop jets
85
00:04:44,743 --> 00:04:48,745
As they scream in at
150 miles an hour.
86
00:04:48,822 --> 00:04:50,998
And the giant flight deck,
87
00:04:51,074 --> 00:04:53,658
Designed to allow more
take off and landings
88
00:04:53,669 --> 00:04:55,327
Than ever before.
89
00:04:58,165 --> 00:05:02,342
Day one of my time on
the uss carl vinson.
90
00:05:02,553 --> 00:05:05,512
And my first job is one
done by every seamen
91
00:05:05,589 --> 00:05:07,306
Who ever served on any ship.
92
00:05:09,268 --> 00:05:11,426
Removing deck debris.
93
00:05:11,437 --> 00:05:14,521
It's gotta be done as
regular as clockwork.
94
00:05:14,598 --> 00:05:17,316
And on a carrier it's
more important than ever.
95
00:05:20,103 --> 00:05:23,772
So right now were doing
the everyday twice a day.
96
00:05:23,782 --> 00:05:26,274
Basically they get
everyone on deck
97
00:05:26,285 --> 00:05:29,110
To comb through
arms length distance
98
00:05:29,121 --> 00:05:34,115
And they're scouring for any
fod, foreign object debris.
99
00:05:34,126 --> 00:05:36,376
When these jets are
coming in or taking off
100
00:05:36,453 --> 00:05:38,620
There's so much suction
from the engines
101
00:05:38,630 --> 00:05:40,288
That they suck this
off of the deck,
102
00:05:40,299 --> 00:05:41,289
Go into the engines
103
00:05:41,300 --> 00:05:43,291
And can cause some
serious damage,
104
00:05:43,302 --> 00:05:46,011
So we gotta check it
twice a day everyday.
105
00:05:46,555 --> 00:05:49,464
You would think that there
would be fod on this deck,
106
00:05:49,475 --> 00:05:51,475
The wind's about
40 miles an hour,
107
00:05:52,386 --> 00:05:55,553
And this is what I've
found, a piece of wood,
108
00:05:55,564 --> 00:05:58,482
Little piece of
textile material,
109
00:05:58,558 --> 00:06:00,275
But I also found small rock.
110
00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:07,741
The basic job of
an aircraft carrier
111
00:06:07,818 --> 00:06:10,327
Is to take planes
wherever they're needed
112
00:06:10,404 --> 00:06:12,245
And then launch
them into the sky.
113
00:06:13,824 --> 00:06:18,627
On the uss carl vinson, that's
done using a giant catapult.
114
00:06:20,172 --> 00:06:23,081
Or maybe not so giant.
115
00:06:23,092 --> 00:06:24,582
At least not from up here
116
00:06:24,593 --> 00:06:27,427
Where all you can see
is the two foot shuttle
117
00:06:27,638 --> 00:06:30,055
Sticking out the flight
deck like a shark's fin.
118
00:06:32,259 --> 00:06:34,843
Somehow, this tiny
piece of steel
119
00:06:34,853 --> 00:06:38,188
Has to fling a 30
ton jet into the sky
120
00:06:38,265 --> 00:06:41,108
At 150 miles an hour.
121
00:06:41,184 --> 00:06:43,768
♪♪
122
00:06:43,779 --> 00:06:46,604
The simple but
incredible engineering
123
00:06:46,615 --> 00:06:48,523
Behind this launching system
124
00:06:48,534 --> 00:06:51,201
Is the result of a
100 year evolution
125
00:06:51,278 --> 00:06:53,203
Of the aircraft carrier.
126
00:06:53,280 --> 00:06:57,615
That began in 1920
with the uss langley.
127
00:06:57,626 --> 00:06:59,617
It was a coal ship.
128
00:06:59,628 --> 00:07:03,797
Until naval engineers
bolted a wooden deck on top,
129
00:07:03,874 --> 00:07:07,801
Converting it to the us navy's
first ever aircraft carrier.
130
00:07:09,805 --> 00:07:13,140
Its job, to launch
planes into the air
131
00:07:13,216 --> 00:07:15,133
From the middle of the ocean.
132
00:07:15,144 --> 00:07:19,146
Using a runway a little
over 500 feet long.
133
00:07:19,222 --> 00:07:23,275
Biplanes like these were made
of wood, steel and fabric.
134
00:07:24,394 --> 00:07:26,236
They weighed two
and a half tons,
135
00:07:26,313 --> 00:07:29,281
Light enough to launch without
the need of a catapult.
136
00:07:30,150 --> 00:07:32,451
A good headwind was all it took.
137
00:07:36,323 --> 00:07:38,239
But a fully fueled,
138
00:07:38,250 --> 00:07:41,543
Fully loaded f18 is
10 times as heavy.
139
00:07:42,496 --> 00:07:46,506
To get these planes into the
air in just a few hundred feet,
140
00:07:46,717 --> 00:07:49,259
The nimitz carriers
needed huge power.
141
00:07:51,338 --> 00:07:55,140
And a way to deliver it
suddenly and at great speed.
142
00:07:56,602 --> 00:07:59,102
I love the solution
engineers came up with.
143
00:08:00,514 --> 00:08:02,814
They turned to an
age old technology.
144
00:08:03,775 --> 00:08:04,691
Steam.
145
00:08:06,186 --> 00:08:08,770
One of the things I've
always been fascinated by
146
00:08:08,780 --> 00:08:10,605
Is engineering innovation,
147
00:08:10,616 --> 00:08:13,608
And steam is a perfect
example of that.
148
00:08:13,619 --> 00:08:16,036
It helped us in the
industrial revolution.
149
00:08:16,112 --> 00:08:18,788
And now today on
the uss carl vinson
150
00:08:18,865 --> 00:08:21,124
We're using it to catapult f18s
151
00:08:21,201 --> 00:08:23,117
Off a flight deck,
152
00:08:23,128 --> 00:08:26,120
And through all that the
basic properties of steam,
153
00:08:26,131 --> 00:08:28,131
They've stayed the same.
154
00:08:28,208 --> 00:08:30,300
When water is heated into steam,
155
00:08:30,377 --> 00:08:34,128
It expands in volume
over a thousand times.
156
00:08:34,139 --> 00:08:37,048
It is a law of physics that
engineers first mastered
157
00:08:37,059 --> 00:08:38,716
In the 18th century,
158
00:08:38,727 --> 00:08:41,353
When they used it to
create the piston engine.
159
00:08:42,389 --> 00:08:44,389
Over 300 years later,
160
00:08:44,399 --> 00:08:47,067
Nimitz engineers are using the
same principle
161
00:08:47,143 --> 00:08:48,443
On the carl
vinson.
162
00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:53,573
I've done a little home
engineering of my own
163
00:08:53,650 --> 00:08:55,116
To show you how it works.
164
00:08:56,570 --> 00:08:59,162
This is a pressure cooker
and I've modified the lid
165
00:08:59,239 --> 00:09:01,581
By drilling a hole in it
and adding a ball valve.
166
00:09:02,659 --> 00:09:05,502
I'm pouring in just a
small glassful of water.
167
00:09:06,663 --> 00:09:09,247
Then securing the lid,
168
00:09:09,258 --> 00:09:12,166
And heating it to turn
the water to steam.
169
00:09:12,177 --> 00:09:14,752
Which expands and is trapped.
170
00:09:14,763 --> 00:09:17,764
Creating high pressure
inside the cooker.
171
00:09:17,841 --> 00:09:20,100
We've got steam, and
lets see what happens.
172
00:09:21,761 --> 00:09:22,602
Boom.
173
00:09:22,679 --> 00:09:23,562
Instant power.
174
00:09:24,514 --> 00:09:26,022
Enough to drive the piston
175
00:09:26,099 --> 00:09:28,149
On a 19th century steam engine,
176
00:09:29,769 --> 00:09:33,655
Or the catapult on a 20th
century aircraft carrier.
177
00:09:36,192 --> 00:09:39,661
The system that runs
it is deep below decks.
178
00:09:43,125 --> 00:09:46,626
The start of our steam
system all starts right here,
179
00:09:46,837 --> 00:09:48,786
Just beneath us is
the power plant,
180
00:09:48,797 --> 00:09:51,372
And all that steam comes
up through this giant duct,
181
00:09:51,383 --> 00:09:55,460
And it's actually fed through
into our steam fill room,
182
00:09:55,470 --> 00:09:58,713
Right in here, where we've
got three control valves
183
00:09:58,724 --> 00:10:01,808
To keep that system pressurized
at just the right amount.
184
00:10:03,053 --> 00:10:05,228
Now believe it or not
there's three other rooms
185
00:10:05,305 --> 00:10:06,271
Just like this.
186
00:10:07,807 --> 00:10:09,649
What you see here this is
only for catapult number two.
187
00:10:09,860 --> 00:10:11,559
The steam for each catapult
188
00:10:11,570 --> 00:10:14,613
Is stored in two giant
cylinders and pistons.
189
00:10:15,649 --> 00:10:18,033
Each about as long
as a football field.
190
00:10:19,244 --> 00:10:22,746
The pistons are connected to
the catapult shuttle on deck.
191
00:10:22,822 --> 00:10:26,407
To launch a plane, the
pressure is suddenly released,
192
00:10:26,418 --> 00:10:29,252
Driving the piston
and catapult forward
193
00:10:29,329 --> 00:10:31,671
At 150 miles per hour.
194
00:10:32,666 --> 00:10:35,833
There are actually four
catapults on board.
195
00:10:35,844 --> 00:10:37,677
Each has its own engine room
196
00:10:37,888 --> 00:10:41,181
And dedicated crew above
and below the flight deck.
197
00:10:42,842 --> 00:10:44,517
Otero: Hey stand by real quick.
198
00:10:44,594 --> 00:10:45,760
Hey truman!
199
00:10:45,771 --> 00:10:47,812
Hey, can you turn on
the throttle tension?
200
00:10:48,357 --> 00:10:49,514
What you got?
201
00:10:49,524 --> 00:10:50,598
We're at 5-zero.
202
00:10:50,609 --> 00:10:51,691
Copy...
203
00:10:51,768 --> 00:10:52,692
(background noise
drowns out dialogue)
204
00:10:52,769 --> 00:10:54,110
Zdenek: When they
get the signal,
205
00:10:54,187 --> 00:10:56,104
They fill these pipes
with steam
206
00:10:56,114 --> 00:10:58,573
And bring it to pressure
arming the catapult.
207
00:11:01,203 --> 00:11:03,194
Then they wait for the signal,
208
00:11:03,205 --> 00:11:07,040
That will shift a 35 ton
fighter from stand-still
209
00:11:07,117 --> 00:11:11,044
To 150 miles an hour in
just two and half seconds.
210
00:11:12,464 --> 00:11:15,548
It's a system that
leaves no room for error,
211
00:11:15,625 --> 00:11:19,460
Which is why it gets tested
twice a day, every day.
212
00:11:19,471 --> 00:11:21,796
In just a few minutes I'm
going to be able to witness
213
00:11:21,807 --> 00:11:23,556
A no load for the catapult.
214
00:11:23,633 --> 00:11:26,134
It's basically when
they test the catapult
215
00:11:26,144 --> 00:11:28,219
Before any day they're
doing operations
216
00:11:28,230 --> 00:11:29,637
With no load on it.
217
00:11:29,648 --> 00:11:31,314
This thing's going to fly by us
218
00:11:31,391 --> 00:11:35,318
At about 150 miles an hour
and I get to be two feet away.
219
00:11:36,396 --> 00:11:40,407
Pilots' lives depend on this
engineering working perfectly,
220
00:11:40,483 --> 00:11:44,402
Which is why crew go through
this routine so carefully.
221
00:11:44,413 --> 00:11:46,746
That's why you wanna stay
behind the foul line.
222
00:11:47,657 --> 00:11:48,998
So we're loading up right now,
223
00:11:49,075 --> 00:11:52,252
We're bringing
back the catapult.
224
00:11:52,328 --> 00:11:53,753
This is a safety
line, a foul line,
225
00:11:53,830 --> 00:11:56,172
And everyone's gotta make sure
226
00:11:56,249 --> 00:11:58,082
That they're standing behind it,
227
00:11:58,093 --> 00:12:01,344
And then we're going to
launch this all the way down.
228
00:12:01,421 --> 00:12:03,805
♪♪
229
00:12:05,675 --> 00:12:08,601
(mumbled yelling)
230
00:12:10,346 --> 00:12:11,229
Wow.
231
00:12:16,269 --> 00:12:18,445
(laughs)
232
00:12:28,623 --> 00:12:31,124
Now that was some
serious engineering.
233
00:12:31,201 --> 00:12:35,044
This catapult, bowling
by at 150 miles an hour
234
00:12:35,121 --> 00:12:38,289
And at the end all you see
is a bunch of steam coming up
235
00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:41,125
And then a big splash
which is the water brake
236
00:12:41,136 --> 00:12:42,802
At the end of the deck.
237
00:12:43,013 --> 00:12:46,473
The no load tests are complete,
and everything is ready.
238
00:12:46,549 --> 00:12:50,384
Now this trainee pilot is
about to launch his aircraft
239
00:12:50,395 --> 00:12:52,220
For the first time.
240
00:12:52,230 --> 00:12:55,556
And be tested on whether
he's got what it takes.
241
00:12:58,394 --> 00:13:03,064
It's just the first in five
days of tests and evaluations.
242
00:13:03,074 --> 00:13:05,992
At the end, he's hoping
to have done enough to win
243
00:13:06,069 --> 00:13:08,620
His aircraft carrier
pilot qualification.
244
00:13:10,156 --> 00:13:11,748
Once the catapult fires,
245
00:13:11,825 --> 00:13:14,501
The pilot needs to
accelerate explosively
246
00:13:14,577 --> 00:13:15,752
To get the plane airborne.
247
00:13:23,753 --> 00:13:26,087
Lanham: There is a lot that
could go wrong on the deck,
248
00:13:26,097 --> 00:13:27,096
We talk about it,
249
00:13:27,173 --> 00:13:29,182
We brief to those emergencies
250
00:13:29,259 --> 00:13:31,434
And you have to
trust your training,
251
00:13:31,511 --> 00:13:34,604
As well as all the training
of the flight deck crew
252
00:13:34,681 --> 00:13:37,023
To do their job
and to do it well.
253
00:13:38,026 --> 00:13:40,777
Zdenek: The pilot's launch is
controlled from a pod
254
00:13:40,854 --> 00:13:43,196
Built into the deck
known as the bubble.
255
00:13:44,115 --> 00:13:48,493
Once the catapult fires it's
impossible to abort take off.
256
00:13:50,539 --> 00:13:53,281
The pilot's along for the ride.
257
00:13:53,291 --> 00:13:56,450
We're in the bubble and we're
launching off of catapult four,
258
00:13:56,461 --> 00:13:59,170
And the wings are literally
coming right over our head.
259
00:14:00,632 --> 00:14:04,458
Inside, the catapult
officer, or shooter
260
00:14:04,469 --> 00:14:06,469
Makes the precise calculations
261
00:14:06,546 --> 00:14:08,555
Necessary for a perfect launch.
262
00:14:10,141 --> 00:14:14,135
Each plane's standard
weight is added to its load.
263
00:14:14,145 --> 00:14:15,303
Butterfield: Confirm on four.
264
00:14:15,313 --> 00:14:16,804
No lights, minus four.
265
00:14:16,815 --> 00:14:19,399
Thumbs, thumbs, head's steady,
deck steady, no interval.
266
00:14:19,475 --> 00:14:21,734
So what we're doin' is
we're taking the weight
267
00:14:21,811 --> 00:14:23,069
From the aircraft,
268
00:14:24,155 --> 00:14:26,314
And then we put it into
our charts to get a setting
269
00:14:26,324 --> 00:14:28,065
For the catapult.
270
00:14:28,076 --> 00:14:31,160
Zdenek: Next, the plane is
harnessed to the catapult.
271
00:14:31,237 --> 00:14:32,662
Butterfield: Once everything
is good there we take tension.
272
00:14:32,739 --> 00:14:34,080
So I hit that bridle
tension button,
273
00:14:34,157 --> 00:14:35,164
And that's when the
shuttle moves forward
274
00:14:35,241 --> 00:14:37,158
And locks into that launch bar.
275
00:14:37,168 --> 00:14:38,409
That's when we go
to military power.
276
00:14:39,337 --> 00:14:40,336
That's the pilot's signal
to spool that power
277
00:14:41,006 --> 00:14:42,046
And start getting
his engines ready.
278
00:14:44,676 --> 00:14:46,759
Zdenek: Below
deck, the crew sets
279
00:14:46,836 --> 00:14:48,261
The correct steam pressure.
280
00:14:49,264 --> 00:14:53,558
For an f18, that's 520
pounds per square inch.
281
00:14:57,347 --> 00:14:59,105
Butterfield: Once he's good he
gives that salute.
282
00:14:59,182 --> 00:15:00,773
And that's when I
call salute final,
283
00:15:00,850 --> 00:15:02,108
Push our final ready button.
284
00:15:02,185 --> 00:15:03,768
That gets everything ready
into the final status,
285
00:15:03,778 --> 00:15:05,153
Ready to fire the catapult.
286
00:15:06,606 --> 00:15:09,365
From there we just lift
the lid and hit fire
287
00:15:09,442 --> 00:15:10,199
And they go.
288
00:15:12,287 --> 00:15:13,161
Salute final.
289
00:15:14,122 --> 00:15:15,279
Five twenty point four.
290
00:15:16,124 --> 00:15:16,197
I got lights lights
no lights minus five.
291
00:15:17,626 --> 00:15:18,783
Thumbs, thumbs, head steady,
deck steady, no interval.
292
00:15:19,202 --> 00:15:21,044
Zdenek: For this pilot,
the next two seconds
293
00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:23,704
All depend on the
coordination of his crew
294
00:15:23,715 --> 00:15:25,590
And some precise engineering.
295
00:15:27,794 --> 00:15:28,676
Butterfield: Fire.
296
00:15:35,051 --> 00:15:36,643
Zdenek: Hours of training,
297
00:15:36,719 --> 00:15:38,061
A highly skilled crew,
298
00:15:38,137 --> 00:15:40,730
And incredible engineering
299
00:15:40,807 --> 00:15:43,691
Have all come together
for another safe launch.
300
00:15:45,144 --> 00:15:48,062
It's an experience
pilots never forget,
301
00:15:48,073 --> 00:15:51,574
Going from zero to
150 miles per hour
302
00:15:51,651 --> 00:15:53,576
In just two and half seconds.
303
00:15:53,653 --> 00:15:56,746
Lanham: Before your first
catapult shot, you're anxious,
304
00:15:56,823 --> 00:15:58,581
You've been told what to expect,
305
00:15:58,658 --> 00:16:00,408
But it's way cooler than that.
306
00:16:00,418 --> 00:16:02,085
It's the best ride in the world.
307
00:16:09,094 --> 00:16:11,419
Zdenek: The pilots
continue to launch.
308
00:16:11,429 --> 00:16:13,504
Relying on age old steam
309
00:16:13,515 --> 00:16:17,141
To get their state of the art
planes safely into the sky.
310
00:16:19,178 --> 00:16:22,271
But this engineering is
finally being replaced
311
00:16:22,348 --> 00:16:25,191
As nimitz class carriers
are decommissioned.
312
00:16:28,438 --> 00:16:31,439
Their replacements,
the ford class,
313
00:16:31,449 --> 00:16:34,242
Will be equipped with an
all new catapult system.
314
00:16:35,286 --> 00:16:39,706
Here they test one on an
80,000 pound dead load.
315
00:16:39,782 --> 00:16:43,200
Instead of steam, it
will use electricity
316
00:16:43,211 --> 00:16:45,003
To create magnetic power.
317
00:16:47,623 --> 00:16:51,551
This system will require
far less maintenance,
318
00:16:51,627 --> 00:16:54,554
But deliver 30
percent more power.
319
00:16:54,630 --> 00:16:58,016
With 20 times greater
efficiency than steam.
320
00:17:01,813 --> 00:17:03,637
Meaning the new carriers
321
00:17:03,648 --> 00:17:07,025
Will be able to launch even
bigger planes even faster.
322
00:17:14,567 --> 00:17:17,160
But until the fords
finally launch,
323
00:17:17,236 --> 00:17:20,246
Daily maintenance is an
essential part of life
324
00:17:20,323 --> 00:17:22,331
On the 40 year old carl vinson.
325
00:17:25,495 --> 00:17:27,587
This is a jet blast deflector.
326
00:17:29,165 --> 00:17:32,759
It redirects the high energy
exhaust from jet engines
327
00:17:32,835 --> 00:17:34,552
To prevent damage and injury.
328
00:17:35,171 --> 00:17:37,171
So it has to be strong enough
329
00:17:37,182 --> 00:17:38,765
To withstand the intense heat
330
00:17:38,841 --> 00:17:41,350
From jet engines at full thrust,
331
00:17:42,270 --> 00:17:45,104
And to protect crew
from flying debris
332
00:17:45,181 --> 00:17:46,597
When the plane is launched.
333
00:17:49,194 --> 00:17:52,070
Today we're here to make sure
it's in perfect condition.
334
00:17:54,449 --> 00:17:56,199
Man: Make sure
you're getting it around
335
00:17:56,275 --> 00:17:57,191
The o-ring right here.
336
00:17:57,202 --> 00:17:58,034
Zdenek: Yep.
337
00:17:58,111 --> 00:17:58,868
Man: But then get it down here.
338
00:17:58,945 --> 00:17:59,777
And then you gonna wipe it.
339
00:17:59,788 --> 00:18:01,695
So you put more lube right here.
340
00:18:01,706 --> 00:18:02,705
Zdenek: Okay.
341
00:18:02,782 --> 00:18:05,374
♪♪
342
00:18:09,714 --> 00:18:12,289
All right, as I'm
learning with the navy,
343
00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:14,634
Everything is twice
a day, everyday.
344
00:18:14,710 --> 00:18:16,803
We gotta get these
safety locks in place
345
00:18:16,879 --> 00:18:19,797
And then we're wiping
down each of these pistons
346
00:18:19,808 --> 00:18:21,307
And applying new oil.
347
00:18:22,477 --> 00:18:24,552
The reason is because if the
o-rings inside got too hot,
348
00:18:24,562 --> 00:18:26,145
They would blow
and we'd have
349
00:18:26,356 --> 00:18:28,147
A major maintenance
issue on our hands.
350
00:18:29,734 --> 00:18:32,443
♪♪
351
00:18:39,819 --> 00:18:43,246
The carl vinson's four
incredible launch systems
352
00:18:43,322 --> 00:18:47,083
Means the crew can catapult
a jet every 30 seconds
353
00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:50,545
To perform air strikes
over 400 miles away.
354
00:18:51,422 --> 00:18:55,249
That made america's cold
war adversaries nervous.
355
00:18:55,260 --> 00:18:56,500
Reagan: Would the
soviets ever use
356
00:18:56,511 --> 00:18:58,678
Their formidable military power,
357
00:18:58,754 --> 00:19:02,840
Well again can we afford
to believe they won't.
358
00:19:02,851 --> 00:19:05,017
Zdenek: And suspicious.
359
00:19:05,094 --> 00:19:09,522
(speaking in foreign language)
360
00:19:09,599 --> 00:19:12,766
Zdenek: On January 24th 1982,
361
00:19:12,777 --> 00:19:15,603
Less than 48 hours
after the carl vinson
362
00:19:15,613 --> 00:19:19,115
Began its first sea trials
off the coast of virginia,
363
00:19:19,192 --> 00:19:22,743
Russian spy planes flashed
onto the ship's radar.
364
00:19:24,780 --> 00:19:27,707
The airforce scrambled 6 jets.
365
00:19:29,368 --> 00:19:31,452
They located two
bear surveillance
366
00:19:31,462 --> 00:19:34,005
Aircraft with cameras
367
00:19:37,793 --> 00:19:40,461
Sent up from a russian
airbase in cuba
368
00:19:40,471 --> 00:19:43,380
To spy on america's
latest super weapon
369
00:19:43,391 --> 00:19:46,100
And test how fast they
could launch planes.
370
00:19:47,136 --> 00:19:51,480
The american f15's forced the
soviet planes to retreat.
371
00:19:56,646 --> 00:19:58,654
It would become a
familiar pattern.
372
00:20:00,658 --> 00:20:03,492
♪♪
373
00:20:08,491 --> 00:20:10,333
In its first 18 months,
374
00:20:10,409 --> 00:20:14,587
The carl vinson had to
deploy its planes 28 times
375
00:20:14,664 --> 00:20:17,256
To chase off soviet
surveillance aircraft
376
00:20:17,333 --> 00:20:20,593
Intent on uncovering
the new ship's secrets.
377
00:20:25,091 --> 00:20:26,674
35 years later,
378
00:20:26,684 --> 00:20:28,759
The carl vinson's air wing
379
00:20:28,770 --> 00:20:30,770
Remains its most
effective weapon.
380
00:20:32,515 --> 00:20:34,273
The nimitz class was designed
381
00:20:34,350 --> 00:20:38,110
To carry more aircraft
than ever before.
382
00:20:38,187 --> 00:20:41,105
More than 70, split
between the flight deck
383
00:20:41,115 --> 00:20:42,198
And the hangar bay.
384
00:20:43,117 --> 00:20:44,358
The problem is,
385
00:20:44,369 --> 00:20:47,111
How do you get a
60,000-pound aircraft
386
00:20:47,121 --> 00:20:50,039
Up to the flight
deck to take off?
387
00:20:50,116 --> 00:20:51,332
The answer,
388
00:20:52,710 --> 00:20:55,169
The biggest elevator
I've ever seen.
389
00:20:59,801 --> 00:21:04,303
The carl vinson is a plane
launching machine, literally.
390
00:21:04,380 --> 00:21:07,798
But there's another big part
of an aircraft carrier's job.
391
00:21:07,809 --> 00:21:10,309
That would be the
actual carrying.
392
00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:12,645
And as I'm about
to see, lifting.
393
00:21:12,722 --> 00:21:15,472
The next engineering system
we're going to take a look at
394
00:21:15,483 --> 00:21:18,567
Uses a huge amount of
brute force and sheer power
395
00:21:18,644 --> 00:21:21,237
To lift the aircraft on
and off a flight deck.
396
00:21:21,314 --> 00:21:22,571
Its known as the elevators
397
00:21:22,648 --> 00:21:25,157
And I wanna show
you how it works.
398
00:21:26,744 --> 00:21:29,161
On a nimitz-class
aircraft carrier,
399
00:21:29,238 --> 00:21:31,330
There are four giant elevators
400
00:21:31,541 --> 00:21:33,249
Surrounding the aircraft hangar.
401
00:21:34,585 --> 00:21:36,160
So which elevator is this?
402
00:21:36,170 --> 00:21:38,662
Chamberlain: This is
aircraft elevator number three.
403
00:21:38,673 --> 00:21:39,797
Zdenek: It has a huge opening.
404
00:21:41,167 --> 00:21:42,833
It has to be big.
405
00:21:42,844 --> 00:21:45,678
It's designed to perform
the near-impossible.
406
00:21:47,506 --> 00:21:51,508
Lift fully loaded planes
on and off the flight deck
407
00:21:51,519 --> 00:21:53,260
At high speed,
408
00:21:53,271 --> 00:21:56,814
While the vessel pitches in
strong winds and high waves.
409
00:21:59,518 --> 00:22:01,018
The elevator is really just
410
00:22:01,029 --> 00:22:04,271
A massive 4000
square foot platform,
411
00:22:04,282 --> 00:22:07,608
Able to fit seamlessly
into the hangars below
412
00:22:07,618 --> 00:22:09,160
And the flight deck above.
413
00:22:11,039 --> 00:22:12,705
How heavy is the whole platform?
414
00:22:12,782 --> 00:22:16,283
Chamberlain: The platform itself
is 190,000 pounds.
415
00:22:16,294 --> 00:22:18,377
Zdenek: That's a
serious elevator.
416
00:22:18,588 --> 00:22:20,120
And how much can it lift?
417
00:22:20,131 --> 00:22:22,381
Chamberlain: It can
lift 130,000 pounds.
418
00:22:22,458 --> 00:22:24,625
Zdenek: So, to give me
an idea of what is
419
00:22:24,635 --> 00:22:26,794
130,000 pounds worth of gear.
420
00:22:26,804 --> 00:22:28,137
Give me an example of that.
421
00:22:28,214 --> 00:22:32,132
Chamberlain: It's easily over
two fully loaded f18s.
422
00:22:32,143 --> 00:22:34,727
♪♪
423
00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:43,235
Zdenek: Of course, this
parking lot is often floating
424
00:22:43,312 --> 00:22:44,645
In a war zone.
425
00:22:44,655 --> 00:22:46,814
So it needs to do
its lifting fast,
426
00:22:46,824 --> 00:22:50,242
And the nimitz class could
do it faster than ever before
427
00:22:50,319 --> 00:22:52,661
At 135 feet per minute.
428
00:22:53,664 --> 00:22:55,790
It's raised and
lowered by cable,
429
00:22:56,826 --> 00:22:59,460
But they get their
power from below decks.
430
00:23:00,329 --> 00:23:02,671
And another special
piece of engineering.
431
00:23:04,675 --> 00:23:06,333
Chamberlain: So welcome.
432
00:23:06,344 --> 00:23:07,510
This is the lower level
433
00:23:07,586 --> 00:23:10,096
Of the aircraft
elevator machinery room.
434
00:23:10,172 --> 00:23:12,348
Down here is where we
create all our pressure.
435
00:23:15,594 --> 00:23:18,104
Zdenek: Those 20 cables that
are lifting the elevator,
436
00:23:18,180 --> 00:23:21,273
They all end up right
here at this anchor point.
437
00:23:21,350 --> 00:23:23,767
They wrap around this
giant pulley system,
438
00:23:23,778 --> 00:23:25,444
Or shiv system,
439
00:23:25,655 --> 00:23:27,521
And this is controlled
by the three pistons
440
00:23:27,532 --> 00:23:29,022
On the back side.
441
00:23:29,033 --> 00:23:31,784
The cables get their
enormous power and speed
442
00:23:31,861 --> 00:23:36,196
From a piece of engineering
known as an accumulator.
443
00:23:36,207 --> 00:23:38,457
It's a device that
can store energy,
444
00:23:38,668 --> 00:23:41,168
And then release it
on demand suddenly.
445
00:23:42,455 --> 00:23:44,797
Basically the
accumulator is a cylinder
446
00:23:44,874 --> 00:23:46,382
Filled with compressed air.
447
00:23:47,385 --> 00:23:51,295
Then hydraulic fluid is
pumped in at high pressure.
448
00:23:51,305 --> 00:23:53,639
Compressing the
air even further.
449
00:23:53,716 --> 00:23:55,641
As soon as the
elevator is engaged,
450
00:23:55,718 --> 00:23:57,518
A valve releases the pressure.
451
00:23:59,647 --> 00:24:02,806
The compressed air
expands instantly,
452
00:24:02,817 --> 00:24:05,734
Forcing the hydraulic
fluid out of the cylinder
453
00:24:05,811 --> 00:24:08,228
To push a giant piston forward.
454
00:24:08,239 --> 00:24:11,240
That powers pulleys
that lift the elevator
455
00:24:11,317 --> 00:24:15,235
And its 130,000 pound
load three decks high
456
00:24:15,246 --> 00:24:17,204
In just 15 seconds.
457
00:24:19,083 --> 00:24:21,241
It's amazing to think
that all that pressure
458
00:24:21,252 --> 00:24:22,826
Inside the accumulator,
459
00:24:22,837 --> 00:24:26,747
When its released it can lift
an entire load on the elevator
460
00:24:26,757 --> 00:24:31,469
And the elevator itself for a
total of over 300,000 pounds.
461
00:24:35,341 --> 00:24:37,266
Like everything
else on this ship,
462
00:24:37,343 --> 00:24:39,435
The elevator takes
a lot of loving,
463
00:24:39,512 --> 00:24:43,272
And greasing, below
decks and up top.
464
00:24:43,349 --> 00:24:45,265
There's so much to elements
once you're out at sea,
465
00:24:45,276 --> 00:24:48,268
Whether it's the salt water,
the fumes from the planes,
466
00:24:48,279 --> 00:24:50,437
The debris, you have
the wind coming in here
467
00:24:50,448 --> 00:24:51,688
And blowing things around.
468
00:24:51,699 --> 00:24:54,024
There's so much that can
get into these locks,
469
00:24:54,035 --> 00:24:57,453
That it needs to be cleaned on
a very regular basis.
470
00:24:57,530 --> 00:24:59,371
So this is like arts and crafts.
471
00:24:59,448 --> 00:25:01,290
Navy style.
472
00:25:01,367 --> 00:25:03,617
The wear and tear is relentless.
473
00:25:03,628 --> 00:25:05,544
Time to get my
oil can out again.
474
00:25:07,298 --> 00:25:09,790
Yeah, it's interesting, the
one thing that hasn't changed
475
00:25:09,800 --> 00:25:12,760
Over centuries of sailing
is grease and oil.
476
00:25:14,764 --> 00:25:16,630
Constant maintenance and repair
477
00:25:16,641 --> 00:25:20,059
Is critical to the effectiveness
of this super weapon.
478
00:25:23,314 --> 00:25:26,065
The carl vinson was
commissioned and launched
479
00:25:26,141 --> 00:25:27,483
During the cold war,
480
00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:29,068
When america needed a ship
481
00:25:29,144 --> 00:25:31,570
That could respond
to any eventuality,
482
00:25:31,781 --> 00:25:35,407
And survive at sea for
as long as necessary.
483
00:25:35,484 --> 00:25:37,159
But that takes enormous energy.
484
00:25:38,788 --> 00:25:40,746
America's biggest ever warship
485
00:25:40,823 --> 00:25:44,250
Needed the world's most
potent source of power.
486
00:25:44,326 --> 00:25:46,252
Nuclear fuel.
487
00:25:46,328 --> 00:25:49,246
Hidden in the bowels
of the uss carl vinson
488
00:25:49,257 --> 00:25:52,416
Are some amazing
technological innovations.
489
00:25:52,426 --> 00:25:55,427
The ship's
nuclear-powered reactors.
490
00:25:55,504 --> 00:25:57,763
Of the 5000 on board,
491
00:25:57,840 --> 00:26:00,507
Only a highly specialized
mechanical crew
492
00:26:00,518 --> 00:26:02,601
Are allowed anywhere near it.
493
00:26:02,678 --> 00:26:04,845
That's how secret they are,
494
00:26:04,855 --> 00:26:06,647
And I'm definitely
not one of them.
495
00:26:07,441 --> 00:26:10,267
What I have learned is
that there are two of them.
496
00:26:10,278 --> 00:26:13,520
They heat water to generate
the high pressure steam
497
00:26:13,531 --> 00:26:15,689
That powers the launch system.
498
00:26:15,700 --> 00:26:18,191
They also turn giant turbines.
499
00:26:18,202 --> 00:26:22,446
Those spin generators to
deliver electrical power
500
00:26:22,456 --> 00:26:24,415
To every system on the ship.
501
00:26:25,534 --> 00:26:29,628
The turbines also rotate
four giant screw propellers,
502
00:26:29,839 --> 00:26:33,290
To create more than
280,000 horsepower
503
00:26:33,301 --> 00:26:36,385
And drive the ship
forward at 30 knots.
504
00:26:36,462 --> 00:26:40,514
These reactors can run
the ship for 25 years.
505
00:26:43,811 --> 00:26:46,470
But 25 years of power
doesn't mean much
506
00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:49,356
Unless the rest of the ship
is also self sufficient.
507
00:26:50,476 --> 00:26:53,235
Break downs, failures, repairs.
508
00:26:53,312 --> 00:26:55,988
All are dealt with
on board by the crew.
509
00:26:59,577 --> 00:27:01,410
Here, in the machine room,
510
00:27:01,487 --> 00:27:04,571
They have the technology
to repair and rebuild
511
00:27:04,582 --> 00:27:07,082
Almost any part of the ship.
512
00:27:07,159 --> 00:27:10,252
♪♪
513
00:27:10,329 --> 00:27:12,588
Ward: So really what were doing
here on the carl vinson,
514
00:27:12,665 --> 00:27:15,415
Is the name of the game
is adapt and overcome,
515
00:27:15,426 --> 00:27:19,086
We're always adapting
to whatever breaks.
516
00:27:19,096 --> 00:27:21,013
It's never the same things.
517
00:27:21,090 --> 00:27:23,015
You think about how
old the ship is.
518
00:27:23,092 --> 00:27:26,093
A lot of those things
that break those companies
519
00:27:26,103 --> 00:27:27,594
Don't exist anymore,
520
00:27:28,689 --> 00:27:31,190
So there's not a lot of ways
to get the parts that we need,
521
00:27:31,266 --> 00:27:33,433
And that's where all
these guys come in.
522
00:27:33,444 --> 00:27:35,277
All the advanced things
that I'm showing you today
523
00:27:35,354 --> 00:27:36,603
That were making,
524
00:27:36,614 --> 00:27:39,031
The machines are older
than you and I combined.
525
00:27:40,284 --> 00:27:42,442
Zdenek: The corrosive
effects of sea-water
526
00:27:42,453 --> 00:27:44,528
Take a toll on every ship.
527
00:27:44,538 --> 00:27:48,040
So it's no surprise
repairs on the carl vinson
528
00:27:48,117 --> 00:27:49,667
Often start with melting metal.
529
00:27:50,619 --> 00:27:53,295
♪♪
530
00:27:59,136 --> 00:28:01,378
This steel is actually
really common on a carrier.
531
00:28:01,389 --> 00:28:03,722
Its used for a lot of
the decks and bulk heads.
532
00:28:03,933 --> 00:28:05,465
Its called 10-pound plate
533
00:28:05,476 --> 00:28:08,802
Because it weighs 10
pounds per square foot.
534
00:28:08,813 --> 00:28:10,145
This piece is actually
going to be used
535
00:28:11,148 --> 00:28:13,607
To repair a rusted out
section on the second deck.
536
00:28:14,985 --> 00:28:17,736
It's not always as simple
as patching a hole.
537
00:28:17,813 --> 00:28:20,072
This replacement part
needs to be machined
538
00:28:20,149 --> 00:28:21,657
To exactly the right size.
539
00:28:24,495 --> 00:28:26,662
Allen: What you're going do now
is you're gonna drive this up
540
00:28:26,739 --> 00:28:30,332
To where it's close to
the edge of the material,
541
00:28:30,409 --> 00:28:34,411
Not too much, just
right, you gotta bump it,
542
00:28:34,422 --> 00:28:37,414
'til you just touch off
material, knock off.
543
00:28:37,425 --> 00:28:38,465
Zdenek: Okay.
544
00:28:42,671 --> 00:28:44,421
Allen: See that small circle go,
545
00:28:44,432 --> 00:28:46,673
That's how you
know you're there.
546
00:28:46,684 --> 00:28:49,351
Boom, alright now you can
back this up all the way
547
00:28:49,428 --> 00:28:50,352
And you're out of the way,
548
00:28:50,429 --> 00:28:51,520
And you're good.
549
00:28:51,597 --> 00:28:52,646
You just did a facing
cut, turn it off.
550
00:28:53,691 --> 00:28:55,107
There you go.
551
00:28:55,184 --> 00:28:56,099
Zdenek: That's not bad.
552
00:28:56,110 --> 00:28:56,734
Allen: Pretty nice, right.
553
00:28:57,778 --> 00:28:59,027
Any piece that
normally comes through,
554
00:29:00,114 --> 00:29:01,354
Somebody said can you
just take little bit off,
555
00:29:01,365 --> 00:29:03,607
Just like let's say a hair?
556
00:29:03,617 --> 00:29:08,537
To my memory I think a
hair is 0.003 of an inch.
557
00:29:09,999 --> 00:29:11,031
That's pretty small.
558
00:29:11,041 --> 00:29:13,116
And in our world, 003,
559
00:29:13,127 --> 00:29:16,211
That could make a major
difference in the piece.
560
00:29:16,288 --> 00:29:17,287
Zdenek: The engineering team
561
00:29:17,298 --> 00:29:19,631
Doesn't just make
new parts here.
562
00:29:19,708 --> 00:29:22,542
They can repair
any part on board,
563
00:29:22,553 --> 00:29:24,461
Including aircraft,
564
00:29:24,472 --> 00:29:29,132
Which can account for up to
30,000 repair jobs a year.
565
00:29:29,143 --> 00:29:33,479
Together with the ship's 25
year supply of nuclear energy,
566
00:29:33,555 --> 00:29:37,390
This versatile maintenance
crew make the uss carl vinson
567
00:29:37,401 --> 00:29:40,235
The most self sufficient
warship afloat,
568
00:29:40,312 --> 00:29:43,697
Able to operate in the most
remote corners of the world.
569
00:29:47,152 --> 00:29:48,660
Like the arctic circle.
570
00:29:50,664 --> 00:29:55,751
In 1986, the carl vinson was
deployed in the bering sea.
571
00:29:56,245 --> 00:29:58,796
Just 60 miles from
the soviet union.
572
00:30:00,341 --> 00:30:03,425
Conditions here are some of
the harshest in the world.
573
00:30:05,095 --> 00:30:09,848
Ice, fog, rolling seas,
574
00:30:10,059 --> 00:30:14,177
Make maintaining open supply
lines almost impossible.
575
00:30:14,188 --> 00:30:17,097
And landing a plane treacherous.
576
00:30:17,107 --> 00:30:19,441
No aircraft carrier
had deployed here
577
00:30:19,518 --> 00:30:20,692
Since world war ii.
578
00:30:22,354 --> 00:30:25,272
Until the carl vinson.
579
00:30:25,282 --> 00:30:28,275
Tracking the movements
of soviet submarines
580
00:30:28,285 --> 00:30:30,035
Right on the russians' doorstep.
581
00:30:31,539 --> 00:30:34,531
The carl vinson proved
the nimitz carriers
582
00:30:34,542 --> 00:30:37,292
Were the most independent
warships in the world.
583
00:30:37,369 --> 00:30:40,212
And that, now, nowhere
was out of reach
584
00:30:40,289 --> 00:30:42,130
Of american airpower.
585
00:30:44,301 --> 00:30:47,010
♪♪
586
00:30:50,215 --> 00:30:52,307
Take offs and landings
have been continuing
587
00:30:52,384 --> 00:30:53,350
Throughout the night.
588
00:30:57,806 --> 00:30:59,222
(groans)
589
00:30:59,233 --> 00:31:00,190
5:30.
590
00:31:02,570 --> 00:31:06,738
I never want to sleep
under a flight deck again.
591
00:31:08,567 --> 00:31:12,327
I've seen and heard the
extraordinary engineering
592
00:31:12,404 --> 00:31:14,663
Involved in launching a plane.
593
00:31:14,740 --> 00:31:17,499
But that's only half the
job of an aircraft carrier.
594
00:31:19,411 --> 00:31:22,504
It's one thing to launch
an aircraft off of a carrier,
595
00:31:22,581 --> 00:31:24,006
But its just as important
596
00:31:24,082 --> 00:31:27,426
To make sure it lands back
safely in just three seconds.
597
00:31:27,502 --> 00:31:30,762
To do that we use some
wire rope, hydraulics,
598
00:31:30,839 --> 00:31:32,598
And some pretty
neat engineering.
599
00:31:33,759 --> 00:31:36,685
In the early days,
engineers used a cable
600
00:31:36,762 --> 00:31:39,104
Connected to sand
bags on pulleys
601
00:31:39,181 --> 00:31:41,607
To slow the plane and stop it.
602
00:31:43,185 --> 00:31:44,276
Most of the time.
603
00:31:45,529 --> 00:31:47,988
The set up is basically
the same today.
604
00:31:48,782 --> 00:31:52,534
Four two inch wires run
across the landing deck.
605
00:31:53,787 --> 00:31:56,196
They're called arresting cables,
606
00:31:56,206 --> 00:31:58,698
And are designed to snag
the plane's tail hook
607
00:31:58,709 --> 00:32:02,461
And bring it to a hard
stop in just two seconds.
608
00:32:05,132 --> 00:32:07,791
But to stop a modern 30 ton jet
609
00:32:07,801 --> 00:32:10,010
You need a lot
more than sandbags.
610
00:32:11,138 --> 00:32:14,714
Engineers that designed the
nimitz came up with a solution.
611
00:32:14,725 --> 00:32:16,642
Like the catapult's shuttle,
612
00:32:16,718 --> 00:32:19,052
The cables are just
the visible part
613
00:32:19,063 --> 00:32:21,054
Of a much larger system.
614
00:32:21,065 --> 00:32:23,482
It all happens just
under the flight deck,
615
00:32:23,558 --> 00:32:25,058
In the arresting gear room.
616
00:32:25,069 --> 00:32:27,402
So one of things I've
noticed is the flight deck,
617
00:32:27,479 --> 00:32:30,072
They get all the
glory up there, right?
618
00:32:30,148 --> 00:32:31,314
The planes coming in,
619
00:32:31,325 --> 00:32:33,233
The tail hook could
grab the arresting wire,
620
00:32:33,243 --> 00:32:34,567
And smoke everywhere.
621
00:32:34,578 --> 00:32:36,244
For me as an engineer
622
00:32:36,321 --> 00:32:38,747
This is the heart of
how it really happens.
623
00:32:38,824 --> 00:32:39,748
Lara: Yes, it is.
624
00:32:39,825 --> 00:32:41,333
Zdenek: This is amazing
down here.
625
00:32:41,410 --> 00:32:43,576
Lara: The engine operator is
always monitoring to ensure
626
00:32:43,587 --> 00:32:45,420
That the proper
temperatures pressures
627
00:32:45,497 --> 00:32:47,664
And the actual machinery
is working properly.
628
00:32:47,675 --> 00:32:48,840
Zdenek: Wow.
629
00:32:48,917 --> 00:32:49,591
Lara: There's a lot of work
that's involved
630
00:32:49,668 --> 00:32:51,167
Down below decks,
631
00:32:51,178 --> 00:32:53,253
And its very important that
we do that job the right way,
632
00:32:53,263 --> 00:32:54,763
'cause you never know
what's gonna happen,
633
00:32:54,840 --> 00:32:56,256
And the pilots have
to come home.
634
00:32:56,266 --> 00:32:57,265
Zdenek: Yeah, yeah.
635
00:32:58,769 --> 00:33:01,103
At its heart of the
arresting system
636
00:33:01,179 --> 00:33:03,596
Is another giant accumulator.
637
00:33:03,607 --> 00:33:07,025
Unlike on the elevator,
it's not designed for speed.
638
00:33:08,520 --> 00:33:11,771
Instead, this
accumulator is engineered
639
00:33:11,782 --> 00:33:15,033
To slow down a plane
by creating resistance.
640
00:33:16,286 --> 00:33:19,612
The huge cylinder is
filled with 300 gallons
641
00:33:19,623 --> 00:33:23,667
Of hydraulic fluid and
connected to a giant piston.
642
00:33:25,129 --> 00:33:26,619
Let me show you.
643
00:33:26,630 --> 00:33:29,122
You can see under
here is the piston.
644
00:33:29,133 --> 00:33:31,299
Most pistons might be
half an inch, one inch,
645
00:33:31,376 --> 00:33:34,052
Maybe a two inch piston
on heavy machinery.
646
00:33:34,129 --> 00:33:37,556
This piston is 18
inches in diameter.
647
00:33:37,632 --> 00:33:40,717
When the plane's tail hook
grabs the cable on the deck,
648
00:33:40,728 --> 00:33:43,136
It drives the piston forward,
649
00:33:43,147 --> 00:33:46,473
Forcing all the hydraulic
fluid through a small hole
650
00:33:46,483 --> 00:33:48,308
Inside the cylinder.
651
00:33:48,318 --> 00:33:51,403
That hole is only
half an inch wide.
652
00:33:51,480 --> 00:33:54,448
The back up of fluid
creates enormous resistance.
653
00:33:55,492 --> 00:33:59,494
Enough to absorb 47 million
foot pounds of torque,
654
00:33:59,571 --> 00:34:01,329
And stop a plane.
655
00:34:03,325 --> 00:34:05,083
It works a little bit like this.
656
00:34:05,160 --> 00:34:07,169
Imagine this syringe
system is your engine
657
00:34:07,245 --> 00:34:08,745
And your accumulator.
658
00:34:08,756 --> 00:34:11,247
As a tail hook grabs a
cable on the flight deck,
659
00:34:11,258 --> 00:34:13,091
Its going to go through
a series of pulleys
660
00:34:13,168 --> 00:34:15,427
And begin to push
that hydraulic fluid
661
00:34:15,504 --> 00:34:18,430
Through the piston in
to the accumulator.
662
00:34:18,507 --> 00:34:21,266
When it does that its going
through a control valve,
663
00:34:21,343 --> 00:34:22,768
Or in this case a nozzle.
664
00:34:22,844 --> 00:34:25,270
This creates all the
resistance you need
665
00:34:25,347 --> 00:34:29,182
To stop a plane from 150
miles an hour to zero
666
00:34:29,193 --> 00:34:31,434
In just few seconds.
667
00:34:31,445 --> 00:34:34,196
And amazingly enough
this engineering feat
668
00:34:34,272 --> 00:34:35,605
Is able to recycle itself
669
00:34:35,616 --> 00:34:38,775
And do the exact same
process in 90 seconds
670
00:34:38,786 --> 00:34:41,411
Catching plane after
plane after plane.
671
00:34:50,464 --> 00:34:52,714
It sounds simple in principle.
672
00:34:52,791 --> 00:34:55,792
In practice, it's a
precise, high speed,
673
00:34:55,803 --> 00:34:57,719
High risk operation.
674
00:34:57,796 --> 00:34:59,462
For the trainee pilots,
675
00:34:59,473 --> 00:35:03,391
There are three critical
stages as they prepare to land.
676
00:35:03,468 --> 00:35:04,810
On their first approach,
677
00:35:04,886 --> 00:35:08,388
The pilot will bring the
f18 towards the flight deck
678
00:35:08,398 --> 00:35:10,357
But will then do a
pass over the carrier.
679
00:35:11,401 --> 00:35:13,226
This is to help
them get a visual
680
00:35:13,237 --> 00:35:15,529
Of what it's like to
approach a carrier at sea.
681
00:35:16,990 --> 00:35:19,324
Scroggs: The first time I saw
the carrier from the air,
682
00:35:19,401 --> 00:35:21,401
Everyone says it looks
small in a big ocean,
683
00:35:21,411 --> 00:35:23,078
And they are right.
684
00:35:23,155 --> 00:35:25,071
I saw it and was like,
oh, I have to land
685
00:35:25,082 --> 00:35:26,414
On that tiny little rectangle.
686
00:35:28,335 --> 00:35:31,169
Zdenek: On the second approach,
the pilot hits the deck
687
00:35:31,246 --> 00:35:33,830
At 150 miles per hour,
688
00:35:33,841 --> 00:35:36,216
But doesn't attempt to
engage the tail hook.
689
00:35:37,502 --> 00:35:40,512
Instead, the aircraft
goes to full throttle
690
00:35:40,589 --> 00:35:43,473
On touching the deck
and takes off again.
691
00:35:44,759 --> 00:35:47,769
This maneuver is
called a touch and go.
692
00:35:47,846 --> 00:35:50,263
It trains pilots
to abort a landing
693
00:35:50,274 --> 00:35:51,690
And quickly re-launch
694
00:35:51,766 --> 00:35:54,192
If they miss all four
arresting cables.
695
00:35:56,271 --> 00:35:59,698
After the touch-and go, it's
time for the trainee pilot
696
00:35:59,774 --> 00:36:02,409
To earn their stripes
by tackling a landing.
697
00:36:03,361 --> 00:36:05,528
Lanham: Landing on an aircraft
on an aircraft carrier
698
00:36:05,539 --> 00:36:08,623
Is one of the most difficult
things to do in aviation.
699
00:36:08,700 --> 00:36:11,126
The first time you
see it from the air
700
00:36:11,203 --> 00:36:13,536
It just looks like a tiny
little boat down there.
701
00:36:13,547 --> 00:36:16,047
And then you descend and
you get down close to it,
702
00:36:16,124 --> 00:36:17,549
And it's massive,
703
00:36:17,626 --> 00:36:19,050
And it's intimidating
704
00:36:19,127 --> 00:36:21,261
To know you're about to
go land on this thing.
705
00:36:22,389 --> 00:36:24,723
Zdenek: As the crew
prepares on deck,
706
00:36:24,799 --> 00:36:26,391
I'll be watching from below
707
00:36:26,468 --> 00:36:28,635
As the arresting system
hopefully catches
708
00:36:28,645 --> 00:36:31,021
The speeding f18s.
709
00:36:32,649 --> 00:36:33,815
He misses.
710
00:36:34,651 --> 00:36:37,736
The pilot goes to full
throttle to re-launch,
711
00:36:37,812 --> 00:36:39,988
And goes around for
another attempt.
712
00:36:47,322 --> 00:36:51,074
Lara: So the tail hook hit
the wire but it missed it.
713
00:36:51,084 --> 00:36:52,408
I'd didn't pull it out.
714
00:36:53,253 --> 00:36:54,753
It happens, so right now
you'll hear our topside guy,
715
00:36:54,829 --> 00:36:56,079
You can hear the footsteps,
716
00:36:56,089 --> 00:36:57,413
They go out and check that wire,
717
00:36:57,424 --> 00:36:58,673
Make sure it's not broken,
718
00:36:58,750 --> 00:36:59,758
And then run back out.
719
00:37:01,011 --> 00:37:04,095
♪♪
720
00:37:06,174 --> 00:37:08,433
Zdenek: Again, the
pilot misses the cables.
721
00:37:10,345 --> 00:37:12,771
We're gettin'
unlucky a lot tonight.
722
00:37:12,847 --> 00:37:14,597
Lanham: When you come in
for a landing
723
00:37:14,608 --> 00:37:17,442
And we miss all the cables,
we call that a bolter.
724
00:37:17,519 --> 00:37:19,018
At first it's frustrating,
725
00:37:19,029 --> 00:37:20,603
But you have to
quickly put that away,
726
00:37:20,614 --> 00:37:24,440
Compartmentalize, realize
you're flying an aircraft,
727
00:37:24,451 --> 00:37:25,659
Come back and land again.
728
00:37:27,496 --> 00:37:30,330
♪♪
729
00:37:34,795 --> 00:37:37,128
Zdenek: The crosshairs
on this monitor
730
00:37:37,205 --> 00:37:40,456
Show the ideal approach
position for an aircraft.
731
00:37:40,467 --> 00:37:42,425
And this pilot is spot on.
732
00:37:50,560 --> 00:37:51,726
We caught one.
733
00:37:54,139 --> 00:37:58,057
Soon, the trainees are
nailing it every time.
734
00:37:58,068 --> 00:37:59,392
Wow.
735
00:38:00,312 --> 00:38:02,478
That's a lot louder when
it's in your engine room.
736
00:38:02,489 --> 00:38:04,572
Lara: It is very loud.
737
00:38:04,649 --> 00:38:05,573
Lanham: So if the catapult shot
738
00:38:06,493 --> 00:38:07,659
Is the coolest ride
in the world,
739
00:38:08,495 --> 00:38:11,821
The stopping on the boat
is kind of the opposite.
740
00:38:11,832 --> 00:38:14,082
People compare it
to a car crash.
741
00:38:14,159 --> 00:38:18,420
Taking a heavy aircraft and
going about 150 miles an hour,
742
00:38:18,496 --> 00:38:20,255
And bringing it to a dead stop
743
00:38:20,332 --> 00:38:22,507
In the span of a
football field or so.
744
00:38:25,554 --> 00:38:28,013
♪♪
745
00:38:34,346 --> 00:38:36,271
Zdenek: I think I need to get
a richter scale in here.
746
00:38:36,348 --> 00:38:38,848
This room shakes so much.
747
00:38:38,859 --> 00:38:40,775
I'm from la so I feel
earthquakes a lot.
748
00:38:40,852 --> 00:38:44,404
I'm gonna guess it's
about a 4.0, 4.5.
749
00:38:47,034 --> 00:38:49,776
It's incredible to see the
simple hydraulic principle
750
00:38:49,786 --> 00:38:54,205
I demonstrated operating
at such scale and speed.
751
00:38:54,282 --> 00:38:56,124
By transferring
the plane's energy
752
00:38:56,201 --> 00:38:58,752
From the arresting cable
into the hydraulic fluid,
753
00:39:00,455 --> 00:39:03,048
The plane is brought
to a complete stop.
754
00:39:08,138 --> 00:39:10,463
How do you handle it
when it's a bigger plane
755
00:39:10,474 --> 00:39:12,057
Versus a smaller plane?
756
00:39:12,133 --> 00:39:13,800
Lara: It means we have
to adjust that valve
757
00:39:13,810 --> 00:39:15,143
To a different opening.
758
00:39:15,220 --> 00:39:17,136
So the heavier the aircraft,
759
00:39:17,147 --> 00:39:18,396
The smaller the opening.
760
00:39:18,473 --> 00:39:20,556
The lighter the aircraft
the bigger the opening.
761
00:39:20,567 --> 00:39:21,358
Zdenek: Got it.
762
00:39:22,477 --> 00:39:23,485
Got it.
763
00:39:23,561 --> 00:39:26,562
It's engineering
genius in action.
764
00:39:26,573 --> 00:39:30,992
Systems like these have to
work the first time, every time.
765
00:39:31,069 --> 00:39:32,410
Verrisimo: So the catapults
and arresting gear
766
00:39:32,487 --> 00:39:36,247
Are some very intricate but
powerful pieces of gear.
767
00:39:36,324 --> 00:39:39,084
They have to operate with the
timing of a fine swiss watch,
768
00:39:39,160 --> 00:39:41,577
They have to be exactly
the same every time,
769
00:39:41,588 --> 00:39:44,005
So that we can launch
those 70,000 pound aircraft
770
00:39:44,082 --> 00:39:45,757
Consistently and
safely every time.
771
00:39:47,502 --> 00:39:49,594
That extraordinary engineering
772
00:39:49,671 --> 00:39:53,515
Was put to the toughest
test yet in 1996.
773
00:39:55,260 --> 00:39:57,602
When the united
states once again
774
00:39:57,679 --> 00:40:01,022
Took on iraqi dictator,
saddam hussain.
775
00:40:02,359 --> 00:40:05,768
America wanted to use
airpower to hammer iraq
776
00:40:05,779 --> 00:40:07,153
From the persian gulf.
777
00:40:08,356 --> 00:40:11,616
The perfect task for
the uss carl vinson.
778
00:40:13,778 --> 00:40:16,996
It deployed as part of
operation desert strike.
779
00:40:18,783 --> 00:40:23,711
From offshore, its jets
penetrated iraqi air space.
780
00:40:27,717 --> 00:40:30,209
Over one 90-day deployment,
781
00:40:30,220 --> 00:40:34,389
The carl vinson launched and
landed over 8,000 flights,
782
00:40:36,643 --> 00:40:41,229
Pounding iraqi military targets
with laser guided bombs.
783
00:40:44,067 --> 00:40:47,277
Only a nimitz class aircraft
carrier could have done it.
784
00:40:48,313 --> 00:40:49,737
And it would have
been impossible
785
00:40:49,814 --> 00:40:52,157
Without the
extraordinary engineering
786
00:40:52,233 --> 00:40:55,118
Behind the carl vinson's
launch and landing systems.
787
00:41:00,667 --> 00:41:05,003
Operations like that are what
this crew is training for.
788
00:41:05,079 --> 00:41:09,174
The pilots have one more day
of evaluations to complete.
789
00:41:09,250 --> 00:41:13,261
And I have one final engineering
innovation to uncover.
790
00:41:14,347 --> 00:41:16,764
♪♪
791
00:41:16,841 --> 00:41:20,810
A seemingly simple innovation
that's right under my feet.
792
00:41:25,025 --> 00:41:28,401
It's my final day onboard
the uss carl vinson.
793
00:41:30,447 --> 00:41:32,355
The aircraft carrier flight deck
794
00:41:32,365 --> 00:41:36,034
Has a reputation as the most
dangerous work place on earth.
795
00:41:37,787 --> 00:41:41,623
With planes, aviation
fuel, ammunition,
796
00:41:41,699 --> 00:41:43,208
And dozens of crew,
797
00:41:43,284 --> 00:41:45,201
There's a lot that can go wrong.
798
00:41:45,212 --> 00:41:48,254
And terrible consequences
when it does.
799
00:41:49,633 --> 00:41:51,457
1967.
800
00:41:51,468 --> 00:41:53,718
On board the uss forrestal,
801
00:41:53,795 --> 00:41:55,711
The first of the forrestal class
802
00:41:55,722 --> 00:41:58,223
And a predecessor to the nimitz,
803
00:41:58,299 --> 00:42:02,393
One of the worst tragedies in
carrier history takes place.
804
00:42:05,815 --> 00:42:08,566
Archive: Somehow a zuni
rocket has been triggered
805
00:42:08,777 --> 00:42:12,144
Roaring across the flight deck
and hitting an a4 skyhawk.
806
00:42:12,155 --> 00:42:14,489
Zdenek: The skyhawk's
missiles detonated.
807
00:42:14,566 --> 00:42:17,066
With planes packed
closely together,
808
00:42:17,077 --> 00:42:20,319
The fire quickly
spread, trapping pilots,
809
00:42:20,330 --> 00:42:23,498
And detonating more
ammunition and fuel.
810
00:42:23,575 --> 00:42:25,333
Crew battled the blaze,
811
00:42:25,410 --> 00:42:27,410
And pushed aircraft overboard,
812
00:42:27,420 --> 00:42:30,088
Rather than risk
more explosions.
813
00:42:30,164 --> 00:42:34,417
Meanwhile, burning fuel
flooded onto the lower decks.
814
00:42:34,427 --> 00:42:38,263
The disaster claimed
the lives of 134 men.
815
00:42:40,016 --> 00:42:44,102
The most common accidents happen
during take off and landing
816
00:42:44,178 --> 00:42:46,429
On decks crowded with planes.
817
00:42:46,439 --> 00:42:48,398
Where crew have been
killed or injured.
818
00:42:50,351 --> 00:42:53,269
Lanham: The flight deck is
a extremely busy place,
819
00:42:53,280 --> 00:42:56,614
With up to 40 aircraft operating
820
00:42:56,825 --> 00:42:59,025
And about 1,000
people running around,
821
00:42:59,035 --> 00:43:01,119
So everybody has to look
at what they're doin',
822
00:43:01,195 --> 00:43:03,037
Keep their head on
a swivel as we say,
823
00:43:03,114 --> 00:43:05,707
And trust that everybody's
doing their job.
824
00:43:05,783 --> 00:43:07,116
Fletcher: It can be deadly.
825
00:43:07,127 --> 00:43:08,376
There's a lot of
things can happen
826
00:43:08,453 --> 00:43:09,627
In a very short period of time,
827
00:43:09,704 --> 00:43:11,379
If you're standing
in the wrong place,
828
00:43:11,456 --> 00:43:13,372
It can be a bad day.
829
00:43:13,383 --> 00:43:15,458
If you're on the flight deck,
keep your head on swivel,
830
00:43:15,468 --> 00:43:17,218
You're constantly
looking around,
831
00:43:17,295 --> 00:43:19,178
Just making sure
you're in a safe place.
832
00:43:24,302 --> 00:43:27,053
Zdenek: The nimitz designers
wanted to make its flight deck
833
00:43:27,063 --> 00:43:29,472
Safer than its predecessors.
834
00:43:29,482 --> 00:43:31,357
But they also
wanted more planes.
835
00:43:32,319 --> 00:43:34,527
And to launch and
land them faster.
836
00:43:35,488 --> 00:43:38,656
What they needed to achieve
both was more space.
837
00:43:39,492 --> 00:43:43,578
For years, carriers operated
with a single flight deck.
838
00:43:43,655 --> 00:43:46,247
This is an overhead
plan of the essex class.
839
00:43:46,324 --> 00:43:50,001
The us navy's main carrier
used during world war ii.
840
00:43:50,078 --> 00:43:52,078
This meant that planes
could take off and land,
841
00:43:52,088 --> 00:43:53,338
But not at the same time.
842
00:43:54,174 --> 00:43:58,259
This made operations slow,
difficult and dangerous.
843
00:44:02,840 --> 00:44:06,184
This problem was first
addressed by naval engineers
844
00:44:06,260 --> 00:44:07,769
In the 1950's,
845
00:44:07,845 --> 00:44:11,356
When they made a fundamental
change to carrier design.
846
00:44:12,350 --> 00:44:15,276
The solution was an
angled flight deck.
847
00:44:15,353 --> 00:44:17,770
By angling the landing
area to one side,
848
00:44:17,781 --> 00:44:20,365
Incoming aircraft could
have a clear approach.
849
00:44:21,534 --> 00:44:24,026
That reduced the
risk of plane crashes
850
00:44:24,037 --> 00:44:25,787
During landing operations,
851
00:44:25,863 --> 00:44:29,457
But it was the nimitz that
took the angled flight deck
852
00:44:29,534 --> 00:44:31,617
To whole new level.
853
00:44:31,628 --> 00:44:34,203
At the front of the
nimitz class carl vinson
854
00:44:34,214 --> 00:44:37,039
Is the launch track,
with two catapults.
855
00:44:37,050 --> 00:44:40,635
Next to it, and at an
angle, is the landing strip.
856
00:44:40,712 --> 00:44:43,295
It's offset by 14 degrees.
857
00:44:43,306 --> 00:44:46,140
Three times more than
previous carriers.
858
00:44:47,719 --> 00:44:49,644
That allows launches
and landings
859
00:44:49,721 --> 00:44:52,388
To happen simultaneously.
860
00:44:52,399 --> 00:44:55,316
Up to one every 30 seconds,
861
00:44:55,393 --> 00:44:58,695
Making the flight deck busier
than an international airport.
862
00:45:01,315 --> 00:45:04,992
Made of steel and coated
with an anti-skid material,
863
00:45:05,069 --> 00:45:06,536
It's truly immense.
864
00:45:07,580 --> 00:45:12,625
Over 1,000 feet long,
and 250 feet wide.
865
00:45:13,161 --> 00:45:16,328
That's more than 4
and a half acres.
866
00:45:16,339 --> 00:45:19,507
Offering huge space
for planes to land,
867
00:45:19,584 --> 00:45:24,137
Take off and maneuver more
safely than ever before.
868
00:45:26,015 --> 00:45:30,101
But doing that still requires
complicated choreography.
869
00:45:30,178 --> 00:45:32,845
That's managed by the
flight deck handler.
870
00:45:32,856 --> 00:45:35,848
Stroud: This will let me
know exactly how
871
00:45:35,859 --> 00:45:37,516
I set the flight deck up.
872
00:45:37,527 --> 00:45:39,777
We will also coordinate
with navigation,
873
00:45:39,854 --> 00:45:43,522
So navigation will talk
with reactor department
874
00:45:43,533 --> 00:45:47,368
And engineering, if they
have any high speed runs,
875
00:45:47,445 --> 00:45:50,037
Any turns, rudder
swing checks,
876
00:45:50,114 --> 00:45:53,458
So that I'll know how to
strategically place my aircraft.
877
00:45:53,534 --> 00:45:55,034
Zdenek: You give 'em a window,
878
00:45:55,044 --> 00:45:56,535
You tell them when
they can come in,
879
00:45:56,546 --> 00:45:57,795
You gotta coordinate with
that flight plan that you got.
880
00:45:58,006 --> 00:45:59,380
Stroud: Every
day its different.
881
00:45:59,457 --> 00:46:01,382
Nothing's ever
the same, chad.
882
00:46:01,459 --> 00:46:02,458
This is super easy.
883
00:46:02,469 --> 00:46:03,634
Zdenek: How long you
been doing it?
884
00:46:03,711 --> 00:46:04,627
Stroud: 26 years.
885
00:46:04,637 --> 00:46:05,711
Zdenek: 26 years?
886
00:46:05,722 --> 00:46:06,462
Stroud: Yeah.
887
00:46:06,473 --> 00:46:07,555
Zdenek: Wow.
888
00:46:07,632 --> 00:46:09,307
Experience like that
889
00:46:09,383 --> 00:46:12,134
Has been earned over
decades of service
890
00:46:12,145 --> 00:46:14,303
In some of the most
significant conflicts
891
00:46:14,314 --> 00:46:15,438
In american history.
892
00:46:16,316 --> 00:46:18,641
In October 2001
893
00:46:18,651 --> 00:46:22,361
The carl vinson began the
hunt for osama bin laden.
894
00:46:26,317 --> 00:46:29,652
The ship's aircraft were
part of the first air strikes
895
00:46:29,662 --> 00:46:32,205
Against al qaeda in afghanistan.
896
00:46:33,074 --> 00:46:36,417
There were over 8,000
take offs and landings.
897
00:46:36,494 --> 00:46:39,504
Nearly 11,000 flight hours.
898
00:46:39,580 --> 00:46:43,299
More than two million pounds
of ordnance dropped on targets.
899
00:46:45,094 --> 00:46:49,263
All delivered from the deck
of the carl vinson by air
900
00:46:49,340 --> 00:46:51,516
To the enemy's doorstep.
901
00:46:51,592 --> 00:46:55,228
Precisely what an aircraft
carrier was designed to do.
902
00:46:56,523 --> 00:46:59,181
10 years later,
when osama bin laden
903
00:46:59,192 --> 00:47:02,360
Was finally located in
pakistan by navy seals.
904
00:47:02,436 --> 00:47:03,611
Obama: They killed
osama bin laden
905
00:47:03,688 --> 00:47:06,072
And took custody
of his body.
906
00:47:06,783 --> 00:47:09,441
Zdenek: His body was delivered
to the carl vinson
907
00:47:09,452 --> 00:47:10,660
For burial at sea.
908
00:47:12,539 --> 00:47:14,580
That was done from
this hangar bay.
909
00:47:16,292 --> 00:47:20,503
Allowing the uss carl vinson
to finish the job it started.
910
00:47:24,467 --> 00:47:28,094
It's the last day of
evaluations for these pilots.
911
00:47:29,046 --> 00:47:32,306
As they make their final
take offs and landings,
912
00:47:32,383 --> 00:47:34,800
It gives me one more
chance to get below decks
913
00:47:34,811 --> 00:47:38,229
And see the arresting
cable in action again.
914
00:47:40,233 --> 00:47:42,224
It's almost like
waiting to catch fish.
915
00:47:42,235 --> 00:47:43,726
You don't know if it's
going to hit your line
916
00:47:43,736 --> 00:47:44,727
Or another one.
917
00:47:47,315 --> 00:47:49,481
Not surprisingly,
arresting cables
918
00:47:49,492 --> 00:47:52,118
Take a real beating from
the planes' tail hooks.
919
00:47:54,080 --> 00:47:56,372
Now, cable three has worn out.
920
00:48:01,829 --> 00:48:04,246
Crews train to kick into action
921
00:48:04,257 --> 00:48:07,008
And replace it with a
completely new cable.
922
00:48:07,084 --> 00:48:10,595
The challenge to do it
before this plane lands.
923
00:48:13,841 --> 00:48:17,059
♪♪
924
00:48:46,290 --> 00:48:47,706
With just seconds to spare,
925
00:48:48,718 --> 00:48:51,093
The cable is replaced and
the f18 can make its landing.
926
00:48:55,132 --> 00:48:56,390
(cheering)
927
00:48:56,467 --> 00:48:58,225
Lanham: When you complete
your qualifications,
928
00:48:58,302 --> 00:49:00,135
The lso or landing
signal officer,
929
00:49:00,146 --> 00:49:02,063
The ones grading us,
930
00:49:02,139 --> 00:49:03,230
They'll come up over the radio
931
00:49:03,307 --> 00:49:05,524
And say congrats
man, you're a quall.
932
00:49:07,320 --> 00:49:09,311
So the training on
the aircraft carrier
933
00:49:09,322 --> 00:49:11,072
Is really the culmination
934
00:49:11,148 --> 00:49:13,532
Of about two to two-and-
a-half years of training.
935
00:49:17,580 --> 00:49:21,248
Zdenek: The engineering on this
ship may be 40 years old,
936
00:49:21,325 --> 00:49:24,085
But the constant
maintenance it receives
937
00:49:24,161 --> 00:49:26,578
Means it still runs
like clockwork,
938
00:49:26,589 --> 00:49:27,830
Time after time.
939
00:49:29,333 --> 00:49:34,679
Believe it or not that
was catch number 105,527,
940
00:49:35,339 --> 00:49:37,515
And just about
everything you need
941
00:49:37,591 --> 00:49:40,259
To stop an f18 in
a couple hundred feet
942
00:49:40,269 --> 00:49:41,769
Is right here in this room.
943
00:49:41,846 --> 00:49:44,522
American made,
and built to last.
944
00:49:45,516 --> 00:49:47,608
The uss carl vinson
945
00:49:47,685 --> 00:49:49,276
Has played a critical role
946
00:49:49,353 --> 00:49:52,571
In exercising american
air power from the sea.
947
00:49:53,783 --> 00:49:57,609
It is just one of ten nimitz
class aircraft carriers,
948
00:49:57,620 --> 00:50:01,080
The last of which
will serve until 2060.
949
00:50:03,292 --> 00:50:06,368
But already, the us
navy has designed
950
00:50:06,379 --> 00:50:10,297
And built the first of
a replacement fleet.
951
00:50:10,374 --> 00:50:12,174
The ford class.
952
00:50:13,219 --> 00:50:16,470
The first entered
service in 2017.
953
00:50:18,307 --> 00:50:20,599
Nine more of these new
vessels are planned
954
00:50:23,220 --> 00:50:26,731
To create america's
next 40 billion dollar
955
00:50:26,807 --> 00:50:28,607
Super carrier fleet.
956
00:50:30,144 --> 00:50:32,611
The ford class is
just the next step.
957
00:50:34,482 --> 00:50:36,148
Building on the
successful design
958
00:50:36,159 --> 00:50:40,161
Of its remarkable predecessors,
like the uss carl vinson.
959
00:50:41,155 --> 00:50:44,331
This iconic, battle
proven super carrier
960
00:50:44,408 --> 00:50:48,160
Has shaped four decades
of global history.
961
00:50:48,171 --> 00:50:52,339
It's a legacy made possible
by extraordinary engineering.
962
00:50:52,416 --> 00:50:53,340
♪♪
82008
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.