2008

S3.E1 ∙ Burj Al Arab

Sat, May 07, 2011

The presenter explores the design secrets of the world's tallest hotel, Burj Al Arab, which is located on a custom-built island off the shore of Dubai. He discovers how engineers tackled the challenges of building a steel structure in the desert heat and protecting the island from wave damage, and learns how a component from a camera flash helps prevent fires in the hotel's rooms.

6.7 /10

S3.E2 ∙ Formula 1

Sat, May 14, 2011

Richard Hammond reveals the surprising engineering connections behind the Formula 1 car. The stars of the most glamorous, and expensive sport on earth wouldn't even cross the starting line without inspiration drawn from a revolutionary 19th-century cannon, ancient sailing boats, jet engine fan blades, body armour and a technique practised by blacksmiths for thousands of years.

7.4 /10

S3.E3 ∙ Super Tanker

Sat, May 21, 2011

How Hard Can It Be - to pilot a remotely operated vehicle 12,000 foot down onto the ocean floor? This is literally an underwater voyage of discovery.

7 /10

S3.E4 ∙ The Earthquake-Proof Bridge

Sat, May 28, 2011

Richard Hammond reveals how engineers made one of the longest bridges in the world earthquake-proof. Defying disaster called for solutions inspired by fragrant Indian incense, the ring-pull in a soda can, a toboggan, a hammock, and some shiny steel chimneys.

8.1 /10

S3.E5 ∙ Space Shuttle

Sat, Jun 04, 2011

Richard Hammond reveals the engineering connections in NASA's Space Shuttle - the world's first re-usable space craft. He goes backstage at Kennedy Space Centre, in Florida, to discover how an organ pump, tram tracks, a WWII anti-sonar device, a camera iris and a cannonball all helped create the most technologically advanced machine ever engineered by man.

6.4 /10

S3.E6 ∙ Bullet Train

Sat, Jun 11, 2011

Richard Hammond reveals the surprising engineering connections in Japan's Bullet Train, the world's first high speed train. It could not run without ancient charioteers, a crowbar, a medieval clock, the electric telegraph, and a 19th century luxury racing car.

6.8 /10