Original subtitles

Narrator: It changed the shape of warfare with a storm of lead.

the shape of warfare with a storm of lead. It can destroy the enemy

with a storm of lead. It can destroy the enemy from over a mile away

It can destroy the enemy from over a mile away or in tight quarters.

from over a mile away or in tight quarters. It's the weapon that dominates

or in tight quarters. It's the weapon that dominates the modern battlefield.

It's the weapon that dominates the modern battlefield. With a hundred and fifty

the modern battlefield. With a hundred and fifty years in the making the

With a hundred and fifty years in the making the machine gun is a mega-weapon

years in the making the machine gun is a mega-weapon engineered to kill.

The first battalion sixth United States marines mobilizes in the Mohave

United States marines mobilizes in the Mohave desert in this training

mobilizes in the Mohave desert in this training exercise for Iraq,

desert in this training exercise for Iraq, they are planning an all out

exercise for Iraq, they are planning an all out assault on the enemy trenches.

they are planning an all out assault on the enemy trenches. Three specialized forms of

assault on the enemy trenches. Three specialized forms of machine guns are vital to

Three specialized forms of machine guns are vital to the attack and all come

machine guns are vital to the attack and all come from key breakthroughs in

the attack and all come from key breakthroughs in weapons development.

from key breakthroughs in weapons development. First the big guns in the

weapons development. First the big guns in the rear rain down heavy caliber

First the big guns in the rear rain down heavy caliber ammunition on the enemy.

rear rain down heavy caliber ammunition on the enemy. Next, the Infantry will

ammunition on the enemy. Next, the Infantry will move in for the kill,

Next, the Infantry will move in for the kill, armed with lighter, highly

move in for the kill, armed with lighter, highly mobile automatic weapons.

armed with lighter, highly mobile automatic weapons. And if necessary they

mobile automatic weapons. And if necessary they can call for devastating

And if necessary they can call for devastating machine gun fire from above.

can call for devastating machine gun fire from above. But the lethal fire power

machine gun fire from above. But the lethal fire power of the machine gun hides an

But the lethal fire power of the machine gun hides an extraordinary fact.

of the machine gun hides an extraordinary fact. It was originally

extraordinary fact. It was originally invented to save lives.

It was originally invented to save lives. Doctor Richard Jordan

invented to save lives. Doctor Richard Jordan Gatling was a trained

Doctor Richard Jordan Gatling was a trained physician who never

Gatling was a trained physician who never practiced medicine

physician who never practiced medicine but devoted his life

practiced medicine but devoted his life to engineering.

but devoted his life to engineering. In 1861, the opening months

to engineering. In 1861, the opening months of the American Civil War,

In 1861, the opening months of the American Civil War, Gatling was shocked

of the American Civil War, Gatling was shocked by the sheer number

Gatling was shocked by the sheer number of dead and wounded

by the sheer number of dead and wounded passing through his

of dead and wounded passing through his home town in Indiana.

passing through his home town in Indiana. In addition to

home town in Indiana. In addition to battlefield casualties,

In addition to battlefield casualties, he realized that

battlefield casualties, he realized that many soldiers succumbed to

he realized that many soldiers succumbed to disease and malnutrition.

many soldiers succumbed to disease and malnutrition. Thousands of lives could

disease and malnutrition. Thousands of lives could be saved simply by

Thousands of lives could be saved simply by reducing the number

be saved simply by reducing the number of men in the field.

reducing the number of men in the field. Gatling: It occurred to me

of men in the field. Gatling: It occurred to me that I could invent a machine,

Gatling: It occurred to me that I could invent a machine, a gun that would

that I could invent a machine, a gun that would by its rapidity of fire,

a gun that would by its rapidity of fire, enable one man to do as much

by its rapidity of fire, enable one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred.

enable one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred. Narrator: The new machine

battle duty as a hundred. Narrator: The new machine was to take and make his name,

Narrator: The new machine was to take and make his name, the Gatling gun.

was to take and make his name, the Gatling gun. The key feature of

the Gatling gun. The key feature of Gatling's invention is that

The key feature of Gatling's invention is that it has multiple barrels each

Gatling's invention is that it has multiple barrels each with its own firing mechanism.

it has multiple barrels each with its own firing mechanism. A hand operated crank

with its own firing mechanism. A hand operated crank rotates the barrels so that

A hand operated crank rotates the barrels so that they pass under the magazine

rotates the barrels so that they pass under the magazine at the top of the gun.

they pass under the magazine at the top of the gun. Each barrel is loaded at

at the top of the gun. Each barrel is loaded at the twelve o'clock position.

Each barrel is loaded at the twelve o'clock position. When it moves to the

the twelve o'clock position. When it moves to the one o'clock position,

When it moves to the one o'clock position, a spring loaded pin

one o'clock position, a spring loaded pin fires the bullet.

a spring loaded pin fires the bullet. Then the barrel moves to

fires the bullet. Then the barrel moves to the bottom of the gun and

Then the barrel moves to the bottom of the gun and the spent cartridge

the bottom of the gun and the spent cartridge falls to the ground.

the spent cartridge falls to the ground. The result is that while

falls to the ground. The result is that while one barrel is firing,

The result is that while one barrel is firing, the others are

one barrel is firing, the others are simultaneously reloading,

the others are simultaneously reloading, allowing for

simultaneously reloading, allowing for extremely rapid fire.

allowing for extremely rapid fire. Gatling hoped his

extremely rapid fire. Gatling hoped his gun could match the fire

Gatling hoped his gun could match the fire power of many rifles,

gun could match the fire power of many rifles, drastically reducing

power of many rifles, drastically reducing the number of men needed

drastically reducing the number of men needed on the battlefield.

the number of men needed on the battlefield. US army field trials took

on the battlefield. US army field trials took place just after the civil war.

US army field trials took place just after the civil war. This is a modern

place just after the civil war. This is a modern day re-enactment.

This is a modern day re-enactment. Here in Canosia Wisconsin

day re-enactment. Here in Canosia Wisconsin a company of fifteen riflemen

Here in Canosia Wisconsin a company of fifteen riflemen will compete with the Gatling

a company of fifteen riflemen will compete with the Gatling gun to compare firing speed.

will compete with the Gatling gun to compare firing speed. MAN: You ready for action?

gun to compare firing speed. MAN: You ready for action? No way, we can beat this,

MAN: You ready for action? No way, we can beat this, no problem, good luck Dave.

No way, we can beat this, no problem, good luck Dave. Narrator: The rules of

no problem, good luck Dave. Narrator: The rules of engagement are simple;

Narrator: The rules of engagement are simple; there are two targets,

engagement are simple; there are two targets, on the right for the riflemen,

there are two targets, on the right for the riflemen, on the left

on the right for the riflemen, on the left for the Gatling gun.

on the left for the Gatling gun. Whoever achieves the most hits

for the Gatling gun. Whoever achieves the most hits in sixty seconds is the winner.

Whoever achieves the most hits in sixty seconds is the winner. The riflemen are highly

in sixty seconds is the winner. The riflemen are highly skilled sharp shooters,

The riflemen are highly skilled sharp shooters, but their firing rate

skilled sharp shooters, but their firing rate will be limited by the

but their firing rate will be limited by the technology of the day.

will be limited by the technology of the day. Jim Boullion explains.

technology of the day. Jim Boullion explains. JIM BOULLION: Well the

Jim Boullion explains. JIM BOULLION: Well the civil war soldiers were

JIM BOULLION: Well the civil war soldiers were issued forty rounds of

civil war soldiers were issued forty rounds of paper wrapped cartridges,

issued forty rounds of paper wrapped cartridges, kind of like this.

paper wrapped cartridges, kind of like this. And he would have to

kind of like this. And he would have to tear the cartridge,

And he would have to tear the cartridge, pour the powder

tear the cartridge, pour the powder down the barrel,

pour the powder down the barrel, slow you down while you're

down the barrel, slow you down while you're in the heat of battle,

slow you down while you're in the heat of battle, get that bullet seated

in the heat of battle, get that bullet seated on the top, ram it,

get that bullet seated on the top, ram it, and seat the bullet firmly

on the top, ram it, and seat the bullet firmly down in the bottom,

and seat the bullet firmly down in the bottom, take a precussion cap and

down in the bottom, take a precussion cap and put that on the cone,

take a precussion cap and put that on the cone, and then wait for

put that on the cone, and then wait for the command to fire.

and then wait for the command to fire. Now a civil war soldier

the command to fire. Now a civil war soldier that was well trained

Now a civil war soldier that was well trained might get off three rounds

that was well trained might get off three rounds a minute, if he was lucky,

might get off three rounds a minute, if he was lucky, but it would be very

a minute, if he was lucky, but it would be very difficult to do.

but it would be very difficult to do. Narrator: This Gatling

difficult to do. Narrator: This Gatling gun is a faithful replica

Narrator: This Gatling gun is a faithful replica built from a set

gun is a faithful replica built from a set of 1862 blueprints.

built from a set of 1862 blueprints. In theory, the multiple

of 1862 blueprints. In theory, the multiple barrels can produce a

In theory, the multiple barrels can produce a firing rate of two

barrels can produce a firing rate of two hundred shots per minute.

firing rate of two hundred shots per minute. But Pat Kaboskey only has

hundred shots per minute. But Pat Kaboskey only has forty shots in each magazine,

But Pat Kaboskey only has forty shots in each magazine, so he'll have to

forty shots in each magazine, so he'll have to reload during the test.

so he'll have to reload during the test. Fresh ammunition

reload during the test. Fresh ammunition will be supplied by

Fresh ammunition will be supplied by his son and grandson,

will be supplied by his son and grandson, feeding the Gatling gun's

his son and grandson, feeding the Gatling gun's voracious appetite for bullets.

feeding the Gatling gun's voracious appetite for bullets. PAT KABOSKEY: Now it ought

voracious appetite for bullets. PAT KABOSKEY: Now it ought to get at least a hundred

PAT KABOSKEY: Now it ought to get at least a hundred and twenty to a

to get at least a hundred and twenty to a hundred and fifty,

and twenty to a hundred and fifty, sixty rounds per minute.

hundred and fifty, sixty rounds per minute. That's what I'd like to get.

sixty rounds per minute. That's what I'd like to get. I think that would be

That's what I'd like to get. I think that would be enough to get this motley

I think that would be enough to get this motley crew on their tails.

enough to get this motley crew on their tails. MAN: You have to

crew on their tails. MAN: You have to hit something,

MAN: You have to hit something, you got to hit it first.

hit something, you got to hit it first. Dreaming.

you got to hit it first. Dreaming. PAT KABOSKEY: I'll show you

Dreaming. PAT KABOSKEY: I'll show you a little bit how fast it cranks.

PAT KABOSKEY: I'll show you a little bit how fast it cranks. Narrator:

a little bit how fast it cranks. Narrator: Kaboskey mustn't overheat

Narrator: Kaboskey mustn't overheat the gun by cranking too fast.

Kaboskey mustn't overheat the gun by cranking too fast. The metal components

the gun by cranking too fast. The metal components could expand risking a

The metal components could expand risking a catastrophic seizure.

could expand risking a catastrophic seizure. This is a key

catastrophic seizure. This is a key question for observer,

This is a key question for observer, Sergeant Bob Podesta.

question for observer, Sergeant Bob Podesta. As a former machine

Sergeant Bob Podesta. As a former machine gunner with a British

As a former machine gunner with a British Army's Special Forces,

gunner with a British Army's Special Forces, he knows that weapons'

Army's Special Forces, he knows that weapons' reliability is a matter

he knows that weapons' reliability is a matter of life and death.

reliability is a matter of life and death. BOB PODESTA: The

of life and death. BOB PODESTA: The gunner has got to fire the

BOB PODESTA: The gunner has got to fire the gun with care and attention.

gunner has got to fire the gun with care and attention. The fact that it's only

gun with care and attention. The fact that it's only a forty round clip means

The fact that it's only a forty round clip means that every time the gun

a forty round clip means that every time the gun has to change the clip,

that every time the gun has to change the clip, it helps the gun

has to change the clip, it helps the gun to cool down,

it helps the gun to cool down, so hopefully it won't jam.

to cool down, so hopefully it won't jam. Narrator: Will the Gatling

so hopefully it won't jam. Narrator: Will the Gatling gun's ingenious mechanism

Narrator: Will the Gatling gun's ingenious mechanism survive the test?

gun's ingenious mechanism survive the test? MAN: Riflemen, your

survive the test? MAN: Riflemen, your target is the red target.

MAN: Riflemen, your target is the red target. Gatling gun, your target

target is the red target. Gatling gun, your target is the blue target.

Gatling gun, your target is the blue target. Order arms, load,

is the blue target. Order arms, load, come to the ready.

Narrator: But now the boot's on the other foot. The Gatling gun reloads

on the other foot. The Gatling gun reloads and volley fire from the

The Gatling gun reloads and volley fire from the rifles brings them

and volley fire from the rifles brings them back into contention.

rifles brings them back into contention. The Gatling gun

back into contention. The Gatling gun gets back in action,

The Gatling gun gets back in action, but does it have enough fire

gets back in action, but does it have enough fire power to replace fifteen men?

but does it have enough fire power to replace fifteen men? MAN: Cease fire on

power to replace fifteen men? MAN: Cease fire on the firing line.

MAN: Cease fire on the firing line. Cease fire.

the firing line. Cease fire. Narrator: The smoke

Cease fire. Narrator: The smoke of battle clears.

Narrator: The smoke of battle clears. The only thing that matters

of battle clears. The only thing that matters now is the number of hits.

The only thing that matters now is the number of hits. Who will get the decision?

now is the number of hits. Who will get the decision? Victory for the

Who will get the decision? Victory for the Gatling gun.

Victory for the Gatling gun. The fifteen riflemen

Gatling gun. The fifteen riflemen made forty five hits.

The fifteen riflemen made forty five hits. But the Gatling gun made

made forty five hits. But the Gatling gun made a hundred and ten hits,

But the Gatling gun made a hundred and ten hits, it could have

a hundred and ten hits, it could have beaten forty rifles.

it could have beaten forty rifles. PAT KABOSKEY: It went

beaten forty rifles. PAT KABOSKEY: It went quite well after we

PAT KABOSKEY: It went quite well after we adjusted it for

quite well after we adjusted it for the windage today,

adjusted it for the windage today, it was kind of

the windage today, it was kind of windy out there.

it was kind of windy out there. We just settled in there

windy out there. We just settled in there and kind of eased it in

We just settled in there and kind of eased it in there you know, real.

and kind of eased it in there you know, real. JIM BOULLION: Out of fifteen men

there you know, real. JIM BOULLION: Out of fifteen men giving the forty five shots off

JIM BOULLION: Out of fifteen men giving the forty five shots off in a minute that's

giving the forty five shots off in a minute that's doing pretty good.

in a minute that's doing pretty good. And I don't think you

doing pretty good. And I don't think you could get any more than

And I don't think you could get any more than that off in battle,

could get any more than that off in battle, this is real clean,

that off in battle, this is real clean, nobody shooting at you,

this is real clean, nobody shooting at you, you're not ducking and looking

nobody shooting at you, you're not ducking and looking out for your life.

you're not ducking and looking out for your life. MAN: I would never face a

out for your life. MAN: I would never face a Gatling gun after seeing

MAN: I would never face a Gatling gun after seeing it in operation and

Gatling gun after seeing it in operation and helping Pat shoot,

it in operation and helping Pat shoot, it's just too awesome of a

helping Pat shoot, it's just too awesome of a weapon to go up against.

it's just too awesome of a weapon to go up against. Narrator: The Gatling gun

weapon to go up against. Narrator: The Gatling gun went into battle and was used

Narrator: The Gatling gun went into battle and was used with some success in the

went into battle and was used with some success in the Spanish American war of 1898.

with some success in the Spanish American war of 1898. But in the heat of battle,

Spanish American war of 1898. But in the heat of battle, the human operator turned out

But in the heat of battle, the human operator turned out to be its weakest link.

the human operator turned out to be its weakest link. BOB PODESTA: In trials the

to be its weakest link. BOB PODESTA: In trials the Gatling gun looked good,

BOB PODESTA: In trials the Gatling gun looked good, okay, but in actual battle

Gatling gun looked good, okay, but in actual battle when the firer was firing

okay, but in actual battle when the firer was firing the gun okay, you would

when the firer was firing the gun okay, you would fire it sometimes too quickly,

the gun okay, you would fire it sometimes too quickly, he gets too excited,

fire it sometimes too quickly, he gets too excited, crank the gun away so fast

he gets too excited, crank the gun away so fast that the gun would jam, okay?

crank the gun away so fast that the gun would jam, okay? Now a jammed gun is

that the gun would jam, okay? Now a jammed gun is no good to anybody.

Now a jammed gun is no good to anybody. Narrator: In its day

no good to anybody. Narrator: In its day the Gatling gun was too

Narrator: In its day the Gatling gun was too unreliable for battlefield

the Gatling gun was too unreliable for battlefield use and it was shelved.

unreliable for battlefield use and it was shelved. But a new kind of machine

use and it was shelved. But a new kind of machine gun was already on the way,

But a new kind of machine gun was already on the way, and the basic idea

gun was already on the way, and the basic idea is still in use today.

and the basic idea is still in use today. When mega-structures returns.

Narrator: We return to Mega-Structures on the National Geographic Channel.

Mega-Structures on the National Geographic Channel. This is the M2 machine gun,

National Geographic Channel. This is the M2 machine gun, also known as the Ma Deuce.

This is the M2 machine gun, also known as the Ma Deuce. It's so reliable that this

also known as the Ma Deuce. It's so reliable that this actual weapon has been in

It's so reliable that this actual weapon has been in service since the 1950's.

actual weapon has been in service since the 1950's. In their trench

service since the 1950's. In their trench attack exercises,

In their trench attack exercises, the US Marines use it to

attack exercises, the US Marines use it to soften up the enemy with

the US Marines use it to soften up the enemy with heavy long range fire.

soften up the enemy with heavy long range fire. Unlike its predecessor,

heavy long range fire. Unlike its predecessor, the Gatling gun,

Unlike its predecessor, the Gatling gun, the Ma Deuce requires

the Gatling gun, the Ma Deuce requires no hand cranking.

the Ma Deuce requires no hand cranking. It automatically produces

no hand cranking. It automatically produces continuous fire with no human

It automatically produces continuous fire with no human intervention except for a

continuous fire with no human intervention except for a finger on the trigger.

intervention except for a finger on the trigger. Like all modern

finger on the trigger. Like all modern machine guns,

Like all modern machine guns, the Ma Deuce traces its origins

machine guns, the Ma Deuce traces its origins to another ingenious inventor,

the Ma Deuce traces its origins to another ingenious inventor, the creator of the first

to another ingenious inventor, the creator of the first truly automatic weapon.

the creator of the first truly automatic weapon. Hiram Maxim was a late

truly automatic weapon. Hiram Maxim was a late nineteenth century rival

Hiram Maxim was a late nineteenth century rival to brilliant engineers

nineteenth century rival to brilliant engineers like Thomas Edison and the

to brilliant engineers like Thomas Edison and the Wright brothers.

like Thomas Edison and the Wright brothers. His many inventions

Wright brothers. His many inventions included a mousetrap and

His many inventions included a mousetrap and even an early aircraft,

included a mousetrap and even an early aircraft, which might have made his name

even an early aircraft, which might have made his name and fortune if it had flown.

which might have made his name and fortune if it had flown. In 1883 he patented a new

and fortune if it had flown. In 1883 he patented a new fully automatic machine gun,

In 1883 he patented a new fully automatic machine gun, an invention inspired by

fully automatic machine gun, an invention inspired by direct personal experience.

an invention inspired by direct personal experience. Maxim's eureka moment came

direct personal experience. Maxim's eureka moment came while at rifle practice

Maxim's eureka moment came while at rifle practice with friends in

while at rifle practice with friends in Savannah, Georgia.

with friends in Savannah, Georgia. The thumping recoil was

Savannah, Georgia. The thumping recoil was giving him painful kicks in

The thumping recoil was giving him painful kicks in the shoulder and he was

giving him painful kicks in the shoulder and he was getting tired of doing all

the shoulder and he was getting tired of doing all the reloading himself.

getting tired of doing all the reloading himself. It suddenly occurred to

the reloading himself. It suddenly occurred to Maxim to use one problem

It suddenly occurred to Maxim to use one problem to solve the other.

Maxim to use one problem to solve the other. Could the force of the

to solve the other. Could the force of the recoil be used to reload the

Could the force of the recoil be used to reload the weapon automatically?

recoil be used to reload the weapon automatically? Back at the drawing board,

weapon automatically? Back at the drawing board, Maxim found an ingenious

Back at the drawing board, Maxim found an ingenious way to do it.

Maxim found an ingenious way to do it. The key components;

way to do it. The key components; the barrel and the bolt.

The key components; the barrel and the bolt. When the cartridges

the barrel and the bolt. When the cartridges fire, both are forced

When the cartridges fire, both are forced backwards by the recoil.

fire, both are forced backwards by the recoil. Then the barrel is pushed

backwards by the recoil. Then the barrel is pushed forwards again by a

Then the barrel is pushed forwards again by a spring flipping out

forwards again by a spring flipping out the spent cartridge.

spring flipping out the spent cartridge. Meanwhile the bolt is pushed

the spent cartridge. Meanwhile the bolt is pushed forwards by another spring,

Meanwhile the bolt is pushed forwards by another spring, loading and

forwards by another spring, loading and firing the next shot.

loading and firing the next shot. Thanks to recoil, the gun

firing the next shot. Thanks to recoil, the gun reloads and fires itself

Thanks to recoil, the gun reloads and fires itself with no assistance.

reloads and fires itself with no assistance. Now, Maxim was in the

with no assistance. Now, Maxim was in the machine gun business.

Now, Maxim was in the machine gun business. A friend told him.

machine gun business. A friend told him. If you want to make

A friend told him. If you want to make a pile of money,

If you want to make a pile of money, invent something which

a pile of money, invent something which will enable the Europeans

invent something which will enable the Europeans to cut their throats

will enable the Europeans to cut their throats with greater facility.

to cut their throats with greater facility. Narrator: So Maxim moved

with greater facility. Narrator: So Maxim moved to London and unleashed a

Narrator: So Maxim moved to London and unleashed a sales offensive that

to London and unleashed a sales offensive that matched brilliant

sales offensive that matched brilliant engineering with

matched brilliant engineering with flamboyant public relations.

engineering with flamboyant public relations. A series of high profile

flamboyant public relations. A series of high profile publicity stunts spread

A series of high profile publicity stunts spread news of the machine

publicity stunts spread news of the machine gun around the world.

news of the machine gun around the world. Power brokers from all

gun around the world. Power brokers from all nations were invited

Power brokers from all nations were invited to fire the weapon

nations were invited to fire the weapon for themselves.

to fire the weapon for themselves. And one story above all became

for themselves. And one story above all became part of the Maxim folklore.

And one story above all became part of the Maxim folklore. He claimed that his machine

part of the Maxim folklore. He claimed that his machine gun could chop down trees.

He claimed that his machine gun could chop down trees. Deep in the woods

gun could chop down trees. Deep in the woods of rural England,

Deep in the woods of rural England, former Special Forces

of rural England, former Special Forces machine gunner Bob Podesta

former Special Forces machine gunner Bob Podesta aims to find the

machine gunner Bob Podesta aims to find the truth about Maxim's story

aims to find the truth about Maxim's story by trying it for himself.

truth about Maxim's story by trying it for himself. SEAN HINDLE: What do you

by trying it for himself. SEAN HINDLE: What do you think of these ones Bob?

SEAN HINDLE: What do you think of these ones Bob? BOB PODESTA: Too straight, you

think of these ones Bob? BOB PODESTA: Too straight, you need them leaning over a bit.

BOB PODESTA: Too straight, you need them leaning over a bit. SEAN HINDLE: Get one with

need them leaning over a bit. SEAN HINDLE: Get one with a bit of top heavy on.

SEAN HINDLE: Get one with a bit of top heavy on. Narrator: He'll be

a bit of top heavy on. Narrator: He'll be assisted by Sean Hindle,

Narrator: He'll be assisted by Sean Hindle, also an ex-machine gunner

assisted by Sean Hindle, also an ex-machine gunner in the British army.

also an ex-machine gunner in the British army. BOB PODESTA: Ah,

in the British army. BOB PODESTA: Ah, what do you reckon, this

BOB PODESTA: Ah, what do you reckon, this looks like a good one.

what do you reckon, this looks like a good one. SEAN HINDLE: Yeah,

looks like a good one. SEAN HINDLE: Yeah, it's got plenty of tension on

SEAN HINDLE: Yeah, it's got plenty of tension on it by the way it's hanging.

it's got plenty of tension on it by the way it's hanging. BOB PODESTA: Yeah.

it by the way it's hanging. BOB PODESTA: Yeah. Narrator: Now all they

BOB PODESTA: Yeah. Narrator: Now all they need is a machine gun.

Narrator: Now all they need is a machine gun. This is a 1916

need is a machine gun. This is a 1916 Vickers gun,

This is a 1916 Vickers gun, a British Army variation

Vickers gun, a British Army variation on Hiram Maxim's design,

a British Army variation on Hiram Maxim's design, built by his London

on Hiram Maxim's design, built by his London business partners.

built by his London business partners. It's capable of

business partners. It's capable of firing four hundred and

It's capable of firing four hundred and fifty rounds per minute,

firing four hundred and fifty rounds per minute, but is that enough to bring

fifty rounds per minute, but is that enough to bring down a mighty Scot's Pine?

but is that enough to bring down a mighty Scot's Pine? Podesta aims to

down a mighty Scot's Pine? Podesta aims to maximize his chances,

Podesta aims to maximize his chances, with a methodical approach

maximize his chances, with a methodical approach based on years of experience.

with a methodical approach based on years of experience. Firing in short bursts

based on years of experience. Firing in short bursts is the army approved

Firing in short bursts is the army approved machine gun technique.

is the army approved machine gun technique. Continuous fire could overheat

machine gun technique. Continuous fire could overheat and distort the barrel,

Continuous fire could overheat and distort the barrel, affecting accuracy.

and distort the barrel, affecting accuracy. But Podesta

affecting accuracy. But Podesta must be careful,

But Podesta must be careful, a rotating wheel in the

must be careful, a rotating wheel in the firing mechanism could easily

a rotating wheel in the firing mechanism could easily smash his knuckles.

firing mechanism could easily smash his knuckles. He's already weakened the

smash his knuckles. He's already weakened the right hand side of the tree,

He's already weakened the right hand side of the tree, now can he take out

right hand side of the tree, now can he take out the left and center?

now can he take out the left and center? Every round is striking home.

the left and center? Every round is striking home. The thumping recoil

Every round is striking home. The thumping recoil of the barrel is clearly

The thumping recoil of the barrel is clearly visible at the muzzle.

of the barrel is clearly visible at the muzzle. Podesta ups the firing

visible at the muzzle. Podesta ups the firing rate, sensing victory.

Podesta ups the firing rate, sensing victory. Success,

rate, sensing victory. Success, and they fired just four

Success, and they fired just four hundred and seventy bullets.

and they fired just four hundred and seventy bullets. The potential effect on

hundred and seventy bullets. The potential effect on any enemy is brutally evident.

The potential effect on any enemy is brutally evident. BOB PODESTA: See some

any enemy is brutally evident. BOB PODESTA: See some of the bullets are still

BOB PODESTA: See some of the bullets are still stuck in the tree here.

of the bullets are still stuck in the tree here. SEAN HINDLE: Are they?

stuck in the tree here. SEAN HINDLE: Are they? BOB PODESTA: Yeah.

SEAN HINDLE: Are they? BOB PODESTA: Yeah. SEAN HINDLE: Pull some out.

BOB PODESTA: Yeah. SEAN HINDLE: Pull some out. BOB PODESTA: Obviously

SEAN HINDLE: Pull some out. BOB PODESTA: Obviously what they've done, they've,

BOB PODESTA: Obviously what they've done, they've, they've gone through

what they've done, they've, they've gone through and they've tumbled,

they've gone through and they've tumbled, tumbled as they've

and they've tumbled, tumbled as they've hit the tree,

tumbled as they've hit the tree, after they've

hit the tree, after they've hit the tree.

after they've hit the tree. SEAN HINDLE: Yeah.

hit the tree. SEAN HINDLE: Yeah. BOB PODESTA: So you can

SEAN HINDLE: Yeah. BOB PODESTA: So you can imagine what it's like when it

BOB PODESTA: So you can imagine what it's like when it hits a man can't you?

imagine what it's like when it hits a man can't you? Narrator: In the

hits a man can't you? Narrator: In the decades following 1887,

Narrator: In the decades following 1887, Hire Maxim sold

decades following 1887, Hire Maxim sold his devastating new weapon

Hire Maxim sold his devastating new weapon to all the major powers.

his devastating new weapon to all the major powers. Then in 1914 Britain and France

to all the major powers. Then in 1914 Britain and France went to war with Germany.

Then in 1914 Britain and France went to war with Germany. The rest of Europe and

went to war with Germany. The rest of Europe and finally the United States

The rest of Europe and finally the United States were dragged into

finally the United States were dragged into the conflict.

were dragged into the conflict. This was the great war,

the conflict. This was the great war, later known as World War One.

This was the great war, later known as World War One. Millions of men

later known as World War One. Millions of men were mobilized,

Millions of men were mobilized, but despite the rise

were mobilized, but despite the rise of the machine gun,

but despite the rise of the machine gun, vast armies were

of the machine gun, vast armies were still trained to attack

vast armies were still trained to attack th rifle and bayonet.

still trained to attack th rifle and bayonet. Armies on both sides

th rifle and bayonet. Armies on both sides had the same objective,

Armies on both sides had the same objective, to cross the no man's land

had the same objective, to cross the no man's land between the trenches and

to cross the no man's land between the trenches and kill the enemy in

between the trenches and kill the enemy in close quarters combat.

kill the enemy in close quarters combat. It might seem that

close quarters combat. It might seem that soldiers attacking like this

It might seem that soldiers attacking like this would be easy meat

soldiers attacking like this would be easy meat for a Maxim gun.

would be easy meat for a Maxim gun. But Bob Podesta aims to

for a Maxim gun. But Bob Podesta aims to show that in battle,

But Bob Podesta aims to show that in battle, things are not so

show that in battle, things are not so straightforward.

things are not so straightforward. BOB PODESTA: I'm looking

straightforward. BOB PODESTA: I'm looking across no man's land now,

BOB PODESTA: I'm looking across no man's land now, and I think the enemy's just

across no man's land now, and I think the enemy's just about getting ready to attack.

and I think the enemy's just about getting ready to attack. Strange looking enemy.

about getting ready to attack. Strange looking enemy. Narrator: Podesta's enemy

Strange looking enemy. Narrator: Podesta's enemy is a battalion of two hundred

Narrator: Podesta's enemy is a battalion of two hundred and fifty helium balloons.

is a battalion of two hundred and fifty helium balloons. Like a First World War

and fifty helium balloons. Like a First World War Infantry company on

Like a First World War Infantry company on the attack,

Infantry company on the attack, they're arranged in rows

the attack, they're arranged in rows with each balloon six

they're arranged in rows with each balloon six and a half feet apart.

with each balloon six and a half feet apart. Podesta decides on the

and a half feet apart. Podesta decides on the most obvious defensive tactic,

Podesta decides on the most obvious defensive tactic, he sets up his Vickers

most obvious defensive tactic, he sets up his Vickers gun directly opposite

he sets up his Vickers gun directly opposite the attackers on the

gun directly opposite the attackers on the other side of no man's land.

the attackers on the other side of no man's land. Podesta has a single belt of

other side of no man's land. Podesta has a single belt of two hundred and fifty bullets,

Podesta has a single belt of two hundred and fifty bullets, one for each balloon.

two hundred and fifty bullets, one for each balloon. The question is, how

one for each balloon. The question is, how many can he kill?

The question is, how many can he kill? BOB PODESTA: Enemy front.

many can he kill? BOB PODESTA: Enemy front. Firing now.

BOB PODESTA: Enemy front. Firing now. Narrator: Podesta

Firing now. Narrator: Podesta gets his first kills,

Narrator: Podesta gets his first kills, but this is no

gets his first kills, but this is no turkey shoot.

but this is no turkey shoot. Most of the bullets

turkey shoot. Most of the bullets are finding empty space

Most of the bullets are finding empty space between the balloons.

are finding empty space between the balloons. Podesta must take fresh

between the balloons. Podesta must take fresh aim at each single balloon,

Podesta must take fresh aim at each single balloon, wasting precious

aim at each single balloon, wasting precious time as he readjusts.

wasting precious time as he readjusts. And in a real battle the enemy

time as he readjusts. And in a real battle the enemy would be advancing towards him.

And in a real battle the enemy would be advancing towards him. BOB PODESTA: What do you reckon,

would be advancing towards him. BOB PODESTA: What do you reckon, how many do you reckon I got?

BOB PODESTA: What do you reckon, how many do you reckon I got? SEAN HINDLE: Thirty,

how many do you reckon I got? SEAN HINDLE: Thirty, forty five, no more.

SEAN HINDLE: Thirty, forty five, no more. There's big gaps out

forty five, no more. There's big gaps out there but they're still

There's big gaps out there but they're still going to be coming at us,

there but they're still going to be coming at us, there's loads left.

going to be coming at us, there's loads left. Narrator: This highly trained

there's loads left. Narrator: This highly trained machine gunner has hit

Narrator: This highly trained machine gunner has hit just thirty seven of the

machine gunner has hit just thirty seven of the two hundred and fifty targets.

just thirty seven of the two hundred and fifty targets. BOB PODESTA:

two hundred and fifty targets. BOB PODESTA: It's not easy at all.

BOB PODESTA: It's not easy at all. I mean because

It's not easy at all. I mean because the gun is moving,

I mean because the gun is moving, the soldier is moving and

the gun is moving, the soldier is moving and you moving left to right,

the soldier is moving and you moving left to right, them moving up

you moving left to right, them moving up and down etc,

them moving up and down etc, and weaving as they're

and down etc, and weaving as they're coming towards you.

and weaving as they're coming towards you. Makes it very difficult

coming towards you. Makes it very difficult to hit a person.

Makes it very difficult to hit a person. Narrator: Tactics are just

to hit a person. Narrator: Tactics are just as important as fire power.

Narrator: Tactics are just as important as fire power. Head on machine gun fire

as important as fire power. Head on machine gun fire gives the attacking army

Head on machine gun fire gives the attacking army a surprising chance to

gives the attacking army a surprising chance to survive in large numbers.

a surprising chance to survive in large numbers. On July 1st 1916, the

survive in large numbers. On July 1st 1916, the British and their allies

On July 1st 1916, the British and their allies commenced the battle of

British and their allies commenced the battle of the Somme with an attack

commenced the battle of the Somme with an attack that crossed no

the Somme with an attack that crossed no man's land involving two

that crossed no man's land involving two hundred thousand men.

man's land involving two hundred thousand men. A pre-emptive artillery

hundred thousand men. A pre-emptive artillery bombardment was designed to

A pre-emptive artillery bombardment was designed to destroy the German defenses.

bombardment was designed to destroy the German defenses. But the German machine gunners

destroy the German defenses. But the German machine gunners took shelter in deep bunkers,

But the German machine gunners took shelter in deep bunkers, then moved rapidly

took shelter in deep bunkers, then moved rapidly into position.

then moved rapidly into position. By this stage of the war

into position. By this stage of the war they had developed highly

By this stage of the war they had developed highly effective machine gun tactics.

they had developed highly effective machine gun tactics. Bob Podesta demonstrates

effective machine gun tactics. Bob Podesta demonstrates why the placement of guns

Bob Podesta demonstrates why the placement of guns is a vital tactical decision.

why the placement of guns is a vital tactical decision. While the enemy re-groups,

is a vital tactical decision. While the enemy re-groups, the machine gun team moves

While the enemy re-groups, the machine gun team moves to an alternative firing

the machine gun team moves to an alternative firing point on the flank.

to an alternative firing point on the flank. The difference is

point on the flank. The difference is immediately apparent.

The difference is immediately apparent. The balloons line up fifty

immediately apparent. The balloons line up fifty deep behind each other,

The balloons line up fifty deep behind each other, creating a far

deep behind each other, creating a far greater concentration

creating a far greater concentration of targets to hit.

greater concentration of targets to hit. Now the true power of the

of targets to hit. Now the true power of the machine gun is unleashed.

Now the true power of the machine gun is unleashed. The result is total carnage.

machine gun is unleashed. The result is total carnage. Podesta is even able

The result is total carnage. Podesta is even able to shoot several balloons

Podesta is even able to shoot several balloons with a single bullet.

to shoot several balloons with a single bullet. This time around, two

with a single bullet. This time around, two hundred and fifty bullets make

This time around, two hundred and fifty bullets make two hundred and forty kills.

hundred and fifty bullets make two hundred and forty kills. When a machine gun

two hundred and forty kills. When a machine gun sights the enemy from the

When a machine gun sights the enemy from the flank there's no escape.

sights the enemy from the flank there's no escape. BOB PODESTA: You've

flank there's no escape. BOB PODESTA: You've got a much easier target

BOB PODESTA: You've got a much easier target because it looks as if the,

got a much easier target because it looks as if the, the enemy is grouped

because it looks as if the, the enemy is grouped together that much closer

the enemy is grouped together that much closer and you can probably take

together that much closer and you can probably take out ten times more of them than,

and you can probably take out ten times more of them than, than you would do if they were

out ten times more of them than, than you would do if they were coming from the front.

than you would do if they were coming from the front. Narrator: In World War One,

coming from the front. Narrator: In World War One, the Germans could protect

Narrator: In World War One, the Germans could protect a section of trench

the Germans could protect a section of trench with just two machine

a section of trench with just two machine guns on the flanks.

with just two machine guns on the flanks. Each gunner swept a

guns on the flanks. Each gunner swept a predetermined arc,

Each gunner swept a predetermined arc, as close as he dared

predetermined arc, as close as he dared to his own lines.

as close as he dared to his own lines. When the enemy attacked,

to his own lines. When the enemy attacked, the gunners did not open fire

When the enemy attacked, the gunners did not open fire straight away.

the gunners did not open fire straight away. They waited until the attackers

straight away. They waited until the attackers entered the killing zone.

They waited until the attackers entered the killing zone. The interlocking

entered the killing zone. The interlocking arcs of fire created an

The interlocking arcs of fire created an impenetrable wall of lead.

arcs of fire created an impenetrable wall of lead. The British Infantry were

impenetrable wall of lead. The British Infantry were utterly decimated by

The British Infantry were utterly decimated by machine gun fire

utterly decimated by machine gun fire from the flanks.

machine gun fire from the flanks. The first day of the

from the flanks. The first day of the Battle of the Somme was

The first day of the Battle of the Somme was the greatest loss of life

Battle of the Somme was the greatest loss of life in British military history.

the greatest loss of life in British military history. All down the line the

in British military history. All down the line the attackers were met by a

All down the line the attackers were met by a maelstrom of interlocking

attackers were met by a maelstrom of interlocking fire from pairs

maelstrom of interlocking fire from pairs of German machine guns.

fire from pairs of German machine guns. Twenty thousand men were lost.

of German machine guns. Twenty thousand men were lost. Attacking enemy machine

Twenty thousand men were lost. Attacking enemy machine guns was a suicide mission

Attacking enemy machine guns was a suicide mission and the world war degenerated

guns was a suicide mission and the world war degenerated into a bloody stalemate.

and the world war degenerated into a bloody stalemate. Final machine gun

into a bloody stalemate. Final machine gun casualties on all sides

Final machine gun casualties on all sides had been estimated at

casualties on all sides had been estimated at five point five million.

had been estimated at five point five million. In the words of historian

five point five million. In the words of historian Sir Basil Lidell Hart,

In the words of historian Sir Basil Lidell Hart, statesmen found themselves

Sir Basil Lidell Hart, statesmen found themselves puppets in the grip of

statesmen found themselves puppets in the grip of Hiram Maxim who had paralyzed

puppets in the grip of Hiram Maxim who had paralyzed the power of attack.

Hiram Maxim who had paralyzed the power of attack. All efforts to break

the power of attack. All efforts to break the defensive grip of the

All efforts to break the defensive grip of the machine gun were in vain.

Narrator: Now more Mega-Structures. The heavy machine guns

Mega-Structures. The heavy machine guns of World War one were so

The heavy machine guns of World War one were so effective that the basic

of World War one were so effective that the basic design is still in use today.

effective that the basic design is still in use today. The US Marine's M2

design is still in use today. The US Marine's M2 dates back to 1921,

The US Marine's M2 dates back to 1921, but the recoil of the

dates back to 1921, but the recoil of the barrel uncovers even

but the recoil of the barrel uncovers even earlier roots in Hiram

barrel uncovers even earlier roots in Hiram Maxim's invention.

earlier roots in Hiram Maxim's invention. At seven rounds per second

Maxim's invention. At seven rounds per second the heavy caliber bullets can

At seven rounds per second the heavy caliber bullets can penetrate brick walls.

the heavy caliber bullets can penetrate brick walls. If an enemy is a mile away

penetrate brick walls. If an enemy is a mile away there's no hiding place.

If an enemy is a mile away there's no hiding place. But this battle is no

there's no hiding place. But this battle is no World War one stalemate.

But this battle is no World War one stalemate. The Infantry take over and

World War one stalemate. The Infantry take over and move on the enemy trench.

The Infantry take over and move on the enemy trench. To stay mobile, the attacking

move on the enemy trench. To stay mobile, the attacking marines must coordinate

To stay mobile, the attacking marines must coordinate maintaining continuous

marines must coordinate maintaining continuous fire to keep enemy heads down.

maintaining continuous fire to keep enemy heads down. To do this, they need light

fire to keep enemy heads down. To do this, they need light and portable machine guns

To do this, they need light and portable machine guns enabling each marine

and portable machine guns enabling each marine to fire then move.

enabling each marine to fire then move. After the static trench

to fire then move. After the static trench warfare of World War one,

After the static trench warfare of World War one, weapons like these

warfare of World War one, weapons like these opened a new chapter in the

weapons like these opened a new chapter in the story of the machine gun.

opened a new chapter in the story of the machine gun. As an ordnance officer in

story of the machine gun. As an ordnance officer in World War One, US Colonel,

As an ordnance officer in World War One, US Colonel, John T. Thompson dreamed of

World War One, US Colonel, John T. Thompson dreamed of a new weapon that could be used

John T. Thompson dreamed of a new weapon that could be used to infiltrate trenches and

a new weapon that could be used to infiltrate trenches and kill the enemy foot soldiers.

to infiltrate trenches and kill the enemy foot soldiers. After the war, he set out

kill the enemy foot soldiers. After the war, he set out to design a lightweight

After the war, he set out to design a lightweight fully portable machine

to design a lightweight fully portable machine gun that attacking troops

fully portable machine gun that attacking troops could fire on the move.

gun that attacking troops could fire on the move. Thompson realized that

could fire on the move. Thompson realized that existing machine guns had too

Thompson realized that existing machine guns had too many heavy components.

existing machine guns had too many heavy components. And they all needed to go.

many heavy components. And they all needed to go. In his new design, the only

And they all needed to go. In his new design, the only heavy moving part was the bolt.

In his new design, the only heavy moving part was the bolt. In each cycle the bolt

heavy moving part was the bolt. In each cycle the bolt simply flipped out the old

In each cycle the bolt simply flipped out the old cartridge while a spring loaded

simply flipped out the old cartridge while a spring loaded magazine loaded the new one.

cartridge while a spring loaded magazine loaded the new one. This was the first

magazine loaded the new one. This was the first sub machine gun,

This was the first sub machine gun, less than a quarter of the

sub machine gun, less than a quarter of the weight of existing weapons

less than a quarter of the weight of existing weapons like the Maxim gun.

weight of existing weapons like the Maxim gun. Thompson called it

like the Maxim gun. Thompson called it the trench broom,

Thompson called it the trench broom, a weapon to sweep away the

the trench broom, a weapon to sweep away the static warfare of the past.

a weapon to sweep away the static warfare of the past. Everyone else called

static warfare of the past. Everyone else called it the Tommy gun.

Everyone else called it the Tommy gun. The distinctive circular

it the Tommy gun. The distinctive circular magazine carrying up to a

The distinctive circular magazine carrying up to a hundred rounds could be emptied

magazine carrying up to a hundred rounds could be emptied in less than seven seconds.

hundred rounds could be emptied in less than seven seconds. But the war was over,

in less than seven seconds. But the war was over, and the US army didn't need

But the war was over, and the US army didn't need such a new fangled weapon.

and the US army didn't need such a new fangled weapon. Someone else did.

such a new fangled weapon. Someone else did. Gangsters.

Someone else did. Gangsters. 1920's mobsters like Al

Gangsters. 1920's mobsters like Al Capone were quick to spot

1920's mobsters like Al Capone were quick to spot the potential of

Capone were quick to spot the potential of a weapon that could wipe

the potential of a weapon that could wipe out their enemies fast.

a weapon that could wipe out their enemies fast. The Tommy gun became an icon

out their enemies fast. The Tommy gun became an icon of death and destruction,

The Tommy gun became an icon of death and destruction, the stuff of blood

of death and destruction, the stuff of blood thirsty newspaper stories

the stuff of blood thirsty newspaper stories and Hollywood movies.

thirsty newspaper stories and Hollywood movies. It was the must have

and Hollywood movies. It was the must have accessory for any gangster

It was the must have accessory for any gangster on the make and the

accessory for any gangster on the make and the police were soon forced to

on the make and the police were soon forced to get Tommy guns of their own.

police were soon forced to get Tommy guns of their own. But the first ever

get Tommy guns of their own. But the first ever mob hit with a Tommy gun

But the first ever mob hit with a Tommy gun didn't quite go as planned.

mob hit with a Tommy gun didn't quite go as planned. Spike O'Donnell ran

didn't quite go as planned. Spike O'Donnell ran a major bootlegging

Spike O'Donnell ran a major bootlegging operation on the south

a major bootlegging operation on the south side of Chicago.

operation on the south side of Chicago. On September 25th 1925,

side of Chicago. On September 25th 1925, mob rival Frank McErlane

On September 25th 1925, mob rival Frank McErlane set out to kill him,

mob rival Frank McErlane set out to kill him, armed with a Tommy gun and an

set out to kill him, armed with a Tommy gun and an unknown quantity of ammunition.

armed with a Tommy gun and an unknown quantity of ammunition. What happened next gave them

unknown quantity of ammunition. What happened next gave them both the shock of their lives.

What happened next gave them both the shock of their lives. Hit man McErlane missed

both the shock of their lives. Hit man McErlane missed with every single shot.

Hit man McErlane missed with every single shot. But bootlegger O'Donnell

with every single shot. But bootlegger O'Donnell had seen enough,

But bootlegger O'Donnell had seen enough, the Tommy gun was enough to

had seen enough, the Tommy gun was enough to make him quit the gangster

the Tommy gun was enough to make him quit the gangster business for good.

make him quit the gangster business for good. So why was the hit a bust?

business for good. So why was the hit a bust? Former Special Forces machine

So why was the hit a bust? Former Special Forces machine gunner Bob Podesta explains.

Former Special Forces machine gunner Bob Podesta explains. BOB PODESTA: The problem

gunner Bob Podesta explains. BOB PODESTA: The problem with the Thompson okay,

BOB PODESTA: The problem with the Thompson okay, is that when you fire it,

with the Thompson okay, is that when you fire it, especially the automatic,

is that when you fire it, especially the automatic, the weapon tends

especially the automatic, the weapon tends to rise, okay,

the weapon tends to rise, okay, and pull away

to rise, okay, and pull away slightly to the right.

and pull away slightly to the right. Okay, the way to remedy

slightly to the right. Okay, the way to remedy this is by putting a

Okay, the way to remedy this is by putting a little bit of body

this is by putting a little bit of body pressure against the weapon,

little bit of body pressure against the weapon, okay, and also I've got

pressure against the weapon, okay, and also I've got another little gismo that will

okay, and also I've got another little gismo that will also help remedy that.

another little gismo that will also help remedy that. Narrator: Later model

also help remedy that. Narrator: Later model Tommy guns were fitted

Narrator: Later model Tommy guns were fitted with a so-called

Tommy guns were fitted with a so-called cuts compensator.

with a so-called cuts compensator. Its invention might have

cuts compensator. Its invention might have lead to a very different

Its invention might have lead to a very different ending for bootlegger

lead to a very different ending for bootlegger Spike O'Donnell.

ending for bootlegger Spike O'Donnell. The compensator diverts

Spike O'Donnell. The compensator diverts some of the blast upwards,

The compensator diverts some of the blast upwards, forcing the muzzle down.

some of the blast upwards, forcing the muzzle down. The Tommy gun became a highly

forcing the muzzle down. The Tommy gun became a highly effective close range killer

The Tommy gun became a highly effective close range killer and even if a few

effective close range killer and even if a few innocent bystanders were

and even if a few innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire,

innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire, a spray of bullets was just

caught in the crossfire, a spray of bullets was just what the bad guys wanted.

a spray of bullets was just what the bad guys wanted. But the good guys

what the bad guys wanted. But the good guys wanted more precision,

But the good guys wanted more precision, so Thompson gave his

wanted more precision, so Thompson gave his weapon a semi automatic

so Thompson gave his weapon a semi automatic option where it fires and

weapon a semi automatic option where it fires and reloads just once for each

option where it fires and reloads just once for each squeeze of the trigger,

reloads just once for each squeeze of the trigger, and that's how the police

squeeze of the trigger, and that's how the police use a new generation of sub

and that's how the police use a new generation of sub machine guns today.

use a new generation of sub machine guns today. And for troops on

machine guns today. And for troops on the battlefield,

And for troops on the battlefield, carefully aimed semi

the battlefield, carefully aimed semi automatic fire is the best

carefully aimed semi automatic fire is the best way to conserve ammunition.

automatic fire is the best way to conserve ammunition. But they also need

way to conserve ammunition. But they also need long range accuracy,

But they also need long range accuracy, and that's where the

long range accuracy, and that's where the sub machine gun reaches

and that's where the sub machine gun reaches its limitations.

sub machine gun reaches its limitations. BOB PODESTA: It's great

its limitations. BOB PODESTA: It's great for room to room combat and

BOB PODESTA: It's great for room to room combat and close quarter fighting,

for room to room combat and close quarter fighting, but when it comes to long

close quarter fighting, but when it comes to long distance shooting it very

but when it comes to long distance shooting it very quickly becomes inaccurate.

distance shooting it very quickly becomes inaccurate. Narrator: This is because

quickly becomes inaccurate. Narrator: This is because sub machine guns use small

Narrator: This is because sub machine guns use small pistol cartridges,

sub machine guns use small pistol cartridges, which don't contain

pistol cartridges, which don't contain much powder,

which don't contain much powder, so at long range the bullets

much powder, so at long range the bullets simply run out of steam.

so at long range the bullets simply run out of steam. To find a solution,

simply run out of steam. To find a solution, designers turn their

To find a solution, designers turn their attention from the

designers turn their attention from the gun to the cartridges.

attention from the gun to the cartridges. When Mega-structures returns.

gun to the cartridges. When Mega-structures returns. Narrator: Now back

When Mega-structures returns. Narrator: Now back to Mega-Structures.

In 1955, the US Army demanded a new weapon, a standard issue for

demanded a new weapon, a standard issue for troops in the field.

a standard issue for troops in the field. Like a sub-machine gun it

troops in the field. Like a sub-machine gun it had to be lightweight

Like a sub-machine gun it had to be lightweight and capable of fully

had to be lightweight and capable of fully automatic fire.

and capable of fully automatic fire. But like a rifle it would

automatic fire. But like a rifle it would also have to hit and

But like a rifle it would also have to hit and penetrate a helmet

also have to hit and penetrate a helmet at 500 yards away.

penetrate a helmet at 500 yards away. The new hybrid weapon would be

at 500 yards away. The new hybrid weapon would be called the assault rifle.

The new hybrid weapon would be called the assault rifle. An early contender was the

called the assault rifle. An early contender was the M14 effectively a

An early contender was the M14 effectively a World War Two rifle modified

M14 effectively a World War Two rifle modified for full automatic fire.

World War Two rifle modified for full automatic fire. Unlike the Tommy gun it used

for full automatic fire. Unlike the Tommy gun it used high power rifle ammunition,

Unlike the Tommy gun it used high power rifle ammunition, heavy seven point six

high power rifle ammunition, heavy seven point six two millimeter shells

heavy seven point six two millimeter shells packed with powder.

two millimeter shells packed with powder. Conventional wisdom held

packed with powder. Conventional wisdom held that this was the best way

Conventional wisdom held that this was the best way to guarantee accuracy

that this was the best way to guarantee accuracy at 500 yards.

to guarantee accuracy at 500 yards. Ken Elmore is an

at 500 yards. Ken Elmore is an instructor for Colt Defense

Ken Elmore is an instructor for Colt Defense and an authority on

instructor for Colt Defense and an authority on assault rifle technology.

and an authority on assault rifle technology. Can the M14 pass "the

assault rifle technology. Can the M14 pass "the helmet test" penetrating a

Can the M14 pass "the helmet test" penetrating a helmet in full automatic?

helmet test" penetrating a helmet in full automatic? KEN ELMORE: The weapon's

helmet in full automatic? KEN ELMORE: The weapon's heavy cartridge makes it move

KEN ELMORE: The weapon's heavy cartridge makes it move all over the place no matter

heavy cartridge makes it move all over the place no matter how hard you fight it,

all over the place no matter how hard you fight it, it just seems to get worse

how hard you fight it, it just seems to get worse very rapidly out of control

it just seems to get worse very rapidly out of control within three or four shots

very rapidly out of control within three or four shots you're strafing the air.

within three or four shots you're strafing the air. Narrator: Heavy cartridge

you're strafing the air. Narrator: Heavy cartridge means heavy recoil.

Narrator: Heavy cartridge means heavy recoil. KEN ELMORE: You're only

means heavy recoil. KEN ELMORE: You're only carrying around a hundred and

KEN ELMORE: You're only carrying around a hundred and fifty rounds a man.

carrying around a hundred and fifty rounds a man. On full auto fire the gun is

fifty rounds a man. On full auto fire the gun is cycling at around seven hundred

On full auto fire the gun is cycling at around seven hundred and fifty rounds per minute.

cycling at around seven hundred and fifty rounds per minute. The ammos gone

and fifty rounds per minute. The ammos gone almost instantly,

The ammos gone almost instantly, as fast as you can

almost instantly, as fast as you can change the mags,

as fast as you can change the mags, with almost no hits.

change the mags, with almost no hits. Narrator: With the failure

with almost no hits. Narrator: With the failure of the M14 it was time for

Narrator: With the failure of the M14 it was time for a new designer to take a

of the M14 it was time for a new designer to take a seat at the drawing board.

a new designer to take a seat at the drawing board. In the mid 1950's, weapons

seat at the drawing board. In the mid 1950's, weapons manufacturer ArmaLite

In the mid 1950's, weapons manufacturer ArmaLite appointed a brilliant chief

manufacturer ArmaLite appointed a brilliant chief engineer named Eugene Stoner.

appointed a brilliant chief engineer named Eugene Stoner. Stoner was convinced that

engineer named Eugene Stoner. Stoner was convinced that for long range automatic fire,

Stoner was convinced that for long range automatic fire, both gun and cartridges

for long range automatic fire, both gun and cartridges would have to be

both gun and cartridges would have to be completely transformed.

would have to be completely transformed. The M14 has a bend in

completely transformed. The M14 has a bend in the stock to keep the

The M14 has a bend in the stock to keep the sights at eye level.

the stock to keep the sights at eye level. But while firing, the

sights at eye level. But while firing, the recoil makes the whole gun

But while firing, the recoil makes the whole gun rotate around this point,

recoil makes the whole gun rotate around this point, causing the muzzle to rise.

rotate around this point, causing the muzzle to rise. In his new design, Stoner

causing the muzzle to rise. In his new design, Stoner straightened things out

In his new design, Stoner straightened things out and placed the stock

straightened things out and placed the stock in line with barrel.

and placed the stock in line with barrel. Now the recoil goes

in line with barrel. Now the recoil goes directly back along the

Now the recoil goes directly back along the line of sight and the

directly back along the line of sight and the gun stays on target.

line of sight and the gun stays on target. Then Stoner raised

gun stays on target. Then Stoner raised the sights to bring

Then Stoner raised the sights to bring them back to eye level.

the sights to bring them back to eye level. The result was the

them back to eye level. The result was the distinctive profile

The result was the distinctive profile of one of the twentieth

distinctive profile of one of the twentieth century's iconic weapons.

of one of the twentieth century's iconic weapons. The M16 assault rifle, it had a

century's iconic weapons. The M16 assault rifle, it had a truly space age look and feel.

The M16 assault rifle, it had a truly space age look and feel. Stoner used aluminum alloy

truly space age look and feel. Stoner used aluminum alloy for many vital components.

Stoner used aluminum alloy for many vital components. The plastic hand

for many vital components. The plastic hand guards and butt stock

The plastic hand guards and butt stock gave it the nickname,

guards and butt stock gave it the nickname, the Black Rifle.

gave it the nickname, the Black Rifle. But the most

the Black Rifle. But the most controversial innovation

But the most controversial innovation was not in the rifle,

controversial innovation was not in the rifle, it was in the cartridges.

was not in the rifle, it was in the cartridges. Stoner threw away the

it was in the cartridges. Stoner threw away the heavy seven point six two

Stoner threw away the heavy seven point six two millimeter ammunition of

heavy seven point six two millimeter ammunition of the M14 and replaced it

millimeter ammunition of the M14 and replaced it with a slim line cartridge

the M14 and replaced it with a slim line cartridge of just 5.56 millimeters.

with a slim line cartridge of just 5.56 millimeters. The weight savings meant

of just 5.56 millimeters. The weight savings meant troops could carry twice

The weight savings meant troops could carry twice as many fully loaded

troops could carry twice as many fully loaded magazines into battle.

as many fully loaded magazines into battle. But it seemed to a

magazines into battle. But it seemed to a skeptical army that the

But it seemed to a skeptical army that the tiny M16 cartridge was more

skeptical army that the tiny M16 cartridge was more suited to killing mice than

tiny M16 cartridge was more suited to killing mice than men.

suited to killing mice than men. How would the weapon

men. How would the weapon perform in field trials?

How would the weapon perform in field trials? There's a lot less kick

perform in field trials? There's a lot less kick from the small cartridge.

There's a lot less kick from the small cartridge. The weapon's straight

from the small cartridge. The weapon's straight profile means the recoil

The weapon's straight profile means the recoil goes directly backwards

profile means the recoil goes directly backwards into Ken Elmore's shoulder.

goes directly backwards into Ken Elmore's shoulder. KEN ELMORE: With the light

into Ken Elmore's shoulder. KEN ELMORE: With the light cartridges, low recoil,

KEN ELMORE: With the light cartridges, low recoil, very maneuverable, easy

cartridges, low recoil, very maneuverable, easy to support in the field.

very maneuverable, easy to support in the field. Narrator: It's far easier

to support in the field. Narrator: It's far easier to keep the M16 locked on the

Narrator: It's far easier to keep the M16 locked on the target even in automatic.

to keep the M16 locked on the target even in automatic. And the cartridges

target even in automatic. And the cartridges pierce the helmet,

And the cartridges pierce the helmet, passing the test,

pierce the helmet, passing the test, although they punch much

passing the test, although they punch much smaller holes than the M14.

although they punch much smaller holes than the M14. The M16 seemed to be the

smaller holes than the M14. The M16 seemed to be the weapon of the army's dreams,

The M16 seemed to be the weapon of the army's dreams, and by 1965 it was put

weapon of the army's dreams, and by 1965 it was put to the test in Vietnam.

and by 1965 it was put to the test in Vietnam. At first soldiers were not

to the test in Vietnam. At first soldiers were not convinced that the M16 would be

At first soldiers were not convinced that the M16 would be effective in combat.

convinced that the M16 would be effective in combat. Some didn't believe the

effective in combat. Some didn't believe the slender cartridge

Some didn't believe the slender cartridge could put a man down

slender cartridge could put a man down and keep him down.

could put a man down and keep him down. But soon the Black Rifle

and keep him down. But soon the Black Rifle was spreading terror

But soon the Black Rifle was spreading terror through the enemy ranks.

was spreading terror through the enemy ranks. The new cartridge was

through the enemy ranks. The new cartridge was punching above its weight.

The new cartridge was punching above its weight. KEN ELMORE: They basically

punching above its weight. KEN ELMORE: They basically go down because of a massive

KEN ELMORE: They basically go down because of a massive trauma its caused inside,

go down because of a massive trauma its caused inside, they just shut down and they,

trauma its caused inside, they just shut down and they, they fall almost like

they just shut down and they, they fall almost like somebody let go of a

they fall almost like somebody let go of a large sack of potatoes.

somebody let go of a large sack of potatoes. Narrator: The M16 bullet

large sack of potatoes. Narrator: The M16 bullet is exceptionally fast,

Narrator: The M16 bullet is exceptionally fast, over half a

is exceptionally fast, over half a mile per second.

over half a mile per second. When it strikes human

mile per second. When it strikes human tissue the lightweight

When it strikes human tissue the lightweight nose slows down,

tissue the lightweight nose slows down, while the heavier base

nose slows down, while the heavier base maintains momtum.

while the heavier base maintains momtum. The bullet tumbles

maintains momtum. The bullet tumbles end over end,

The bullet tumbles end over end, creating a huge

end over end, creating a huge bending force,

creating a huge bending force, which it cannot withstand.

bending force, which it cannot withstand. KEN ELMORE: The bullet virtually

which it cannot withstand. KEN ELMORE: The bullet virtually explodes as it gets sideways,

KEN ELMORE: The bullet virtually explodes as it gets sideways, the whole center

explodes as it gets sideways, the whole center comes out of it.

the whole center comes out of it. Very much like the

comes out of it. Very much like the Titanic we often say,

Very much like the Titanic we often say, when that boat got

Titanic we often say, when that boat got out of the water,

when that boat got out of the water, when the bow went under and the

out of the water, when the bow went under and the stern came out of the water,

when the bow went under and the stern came out of the water, the boat snapped in the center.

stern came out of the water, the boat snapped in the center. The same exact thing happened

the boat snapped in the center. The same exact thing happened with a modern M16 cartridge.

The same exact thing happened with a modern M16 cartridge. It's fully lethal, it

with a modern M16 cartridge. It's fully lethal, it leaves devastating wounds

It's fully lethal, it leaves devastating wounds and I don't know anybody walking

leaves devastating wounds and I don't know anybody walking around who's been hit by one.

and I don't know anybody walking around who's been hit by one. Narrator: As a US

around who's been hit by one. Narrator: As a US army combat veteran,

Narrator: As a US army combat veteran, Ken Elmore would trust

army combat veteran, Ken Elmore would trust the M16 with his life.

Ken Elmore would trust the M16 with his life. KEN ELMORE: The M16 is by

the M16 with his life. KEN ELMORE: The M16 is by far my favorite rifle,

KEN ELMORE: The M16 is by far my favorite rifle, I've carried it

far my favorite rifle, I've carried it all over the world.

I've carried it all over the world. I know the rifle

all over the world. I know the rifle front and back,

I know the rifle front and back, I know every feel about

front and back, I know every feel about it, every sound it makes.

I know every feel about it, every sound it makes. I would not trade

it, every sound it makes. I would not trade that weapon for any other

I would not trade that weapon for any other weapon around, literally.

that weapon for any other weapon around, literally. Narrator: In training, the US

weapon around, literally. Narrator: In training, the US Marines enter the final stages

Narrator: In training, the US Marines enter the final stages of their live fire attack

Marines enter the final stages of their live fire attack of a fortified trench.

of their live fire attack of a fortified trench. Their M16s maintain

of a fortified trench. Their M16s maintain rapid fire with pinpoint

Their M16s maintain rapid fire with pinpoint accuracy to pick off

rapid fire with pinpoint accuracy to pick off individual targets.

accuracy to pick off individual targets. Their fire power

individual targets. Their fire power keeps the initiative,

Their fire power keeps the initiative, never allowing the

keeps the initiative, never allowing the enemy to respond.

never allowing the enemy to respond. In the First World War, a

enemy to respond. In the First World War, a trench attack was a

In the First World War, a trench attack was a slow walk into a hail of

trench attack was a slow walk into a hail of defensive machine gunfire.

slow walk into a hail of defensive machine gunfire. But today the attackers

defensive machine gunfire. But today the attackers have highly mobile

But today the attackers have highly mobile machine guns of their own.

have highly mobile machine guns of their own. The enemy is destroyed and the

machine guns of their own. The enemy is destroyed and the marines occupy the position.

The enemy is destroyed and the marines occupy the position. They set their sights

marines occupy the position. They set their sights on the next trench,

They set their sights on the next trench, but their fire power

on the next trench, but their fire power is not yet exhausted.

but their fire power is not yet exhausted. If need be, the enemy can

is not yet exhausted. If need be, the enemy can be attacked from above by

If need be, the enemy can be attacked from above by a colossal machine

be attacked from above by a colossal machine gun that was invented

a colossal machine gun that was invented before the first aircraft.

gun that was invented before the first aircraft. Narrator: Now the conclusion

before the first aircraft. Narrator: Now the conclusion of Mega-Structures on the

Narrator: Now the conclusion of Mega-Structures on the National Geographic Channel.

of Mega-Structures on the National Geographic Channel. Davis Monthan Air force

National Geographic Channel. Davis Monthan Air force base near Tucson Arizona.

Davis Monthan Air force base near Tucson Arizona. This is the home of the

base near Tucson Arizona. This is the home of the A10 tank buster aircraft,

This is the home of the A10 tank buster aircraft, also known as the Warthog.

A10 tank buster aircraft, also known as the Warthog. It's armed with

also known as the Warthog. It's armed with one of the most terrifying

It's armed with one of the most terrifying weapons in modern warfare,

one of the most terrifying weapons in modern warfare, the GAU 8 Avenger.

weapons in modern warfare, the GAU 8 Avenger. Major Mike Young is an

the GAU 8 Avenger. Major Mike Young is an A10 pilot and combat veteran

Major Mike Young is an A10 pilot and combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

A10 pilot and combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan. The GAU 8 dominates

of the war in Afghanistan. The GAU 8 dominates his aircraft.

The GAU 8 dominates his aircraft. He's not so much flying a

his aircraft. He's not so much flying a plane as flying a machine gun.

He's not so much flying a plane as flying a machine gun. MAJOR YOUNG: It starts about

plane as flying a machine gun. MAJOR YOUNG: It starts about right here and continues up

MAJOR YOUNG: It starts about right here and continues up to the muzzle at

right here and continues up to the muzzle at the front of the aircraft.

to the muzzle at the front of the aircraft. Looking at the aircraft

the front of the aircraft. Looking at the aircraft it's intimidating I think,

Looking at the aircraft it's intimidating I think, you know, you know kind of

it's intimidating I think, you know, you know kind of first thing we see is you

you know, you know kind of first thing we see is you got the gun sticking

first thing we see is you got the gun sticking out the front here,

got the gun sticking out the front here, and when you really

out the front here, and when you really think about you know,

and when you really think about you know, how big the gun is in

think about you know, how big the gun is in airplane it's you know,

how big the gun is in airplane it's you know, a good quarter

airplane it's you know, a good quarter size of airplane.

a good quarter size of airplane. Narrator: With magazine

size of airplane. Narrator: With magazine and drive mechanism,

Narrator: With magazine and drive mechanism, the GAU 8 weights one

and drive mechanism, the GAU 8 weights one point eight metric tons.

the GAU 8 weights one point eight metric tons. The 21 foot barrel makes this

point eight metric tons. The 21 foot barrel makes this gun accurate at over 4 miles.

The 21 foot barrel makes this gun accurate at over 4 miles. The entire length has

gun accurate at over 4 miles. The entire length has internal rifling grooves

The entire length has internal rifling grooves to impart a spin

internal rifling grooves to impart a spin on the bullets,

to impart a spin on the bullets, stabilizing them in flight.

on the bullets, stabilizing them in flight. The gun is so massive that

stabilizing them in flight. The gun is so massive that the nose wheel of the A10

The gun is so massive that the nose wheel of the A10 has to be mounted offline

the nose wheel of the A10 has to be mounted offline to make room on the central

has to be mounted offline to make room on the central axis of the aircraft.

to make room on the central axis of the aircraft. A full load of ammunition is

axis of the aircraft. A full load of ammunition is around twelve hundred rounds,

A full load of ammunition is around twelve hundred rounds, but it's so heavy

around twelve hundred rounds, but it's so heavy a motorized loader has to be

but it's so heavy a motorized loader has to be employed by a ground crew.

a motorized loader has to be employed by a ground crew. This weapon

employed by a ground crew. This weapon devours ammunition,

This weapon devours ammunition, but pilots are careful to

devours ammunition, but pilots are careful to make their rounds count.

but pilots are careful to make their rounds count. MAJOR YOUNG: We're never

make their rounds count. MAJOR YOUNG: We're never going to have to be,

MAJOR YOUNG: We're never going to have to be, we're never going

going to have to be, we're never going to you know,

we're never going to you know, shoot for ten seconds straight

to you know, shoot for ten seconds straight to get rid of all the bullets.

shoot for ten seconds straight to get rid of all the bullets. We're usually shooting

to get rid of all the bullets. We're usually shooting for a round of two

We're usually shooting for a round of two second bursts on the gun

for a round of two second bursts on the gun to get us a round,

second bursts on the gun to get us a round, a little over a hundred

to get us a round, a little over a hundred rounds of bullets per squeeze.

a little over a hundred rounds of bullets per squeeze. Narrator: Even a short

rounds of bullets per squeeze. Narrator: Even a short burst of the GAU8 is lethal

Narrator: Even a short burst of the GAU8 is lethal for anyone or anything.

burst of the GAU8 is lethal for anyone or anything. A single round of thirty

for anyone or anything. A single round of thirty millimeter ammunition is

A single round of thirty millimeter ammunition is 11 and a half inches long,

millimeter ammunition is 11 and a half inches long, weighing one and a half

11 and a half inches long, weighing one and a half pounds and the GAU8

weighing one and a half pounds and the GAU8 can fire four thousand two

pounds and the GAU8 can fire four thousand two hundred rounds per minute.

can fire four thousand two hundred rounds per minute. The secret is

hundred rounds per minute. The secret is multiple barrels.

The secret is multiple barrels. The GAU 8 owes its origins to

multiple barrels. The GAU 8 owes its origins to the nineteenth century machine

The GAU 8 owes its origins to the nineteenth century machine gun that started it all.

the nineteenth century machine gun that started it all. It's a descendent

gun that started it all. It's a descendent of the Gatling gun.

It's a descendent of the Gatling gun. In 1893, Gatling himself

of the Gatling gun. In 1893, Gatling himself had massively upped the fire

In 1893, Gatling himself had massively upped the fire power of his invention.

had massively upped the fire power of his invention. The human operator had

power of his invention. The human operator had been a source of jamming

The human operator had been a source of jamming when the gunner over

been a source of jamming when the gunner over cranked the handle

when the gunner over cranked the handle in the heat of battle.

cranked the handle in the heat of battle. Gatling's solution was to

in the heat of battle. Gatling's solution was to drive the barrels externally

Gatling's solution was to drive the barrels externally with an electric motor.

drive the barrels externally with an electric motor. He achieved a firing

with an electric motor. He achieved a firing rate of three thousand

He achieved a firing rate of three thousand rounds per minute.

rate of three thousand rounds per minute. But the motorized Gatling

rounds per minute. But the motorized Gatling gun was heavy and cumbersome

But the motorized Gatling gun was heavy and cumbersome and never found favor until

gun was heavy and cumbersome and never found favor until the age of jet warfare.

and never found favor until the age of jet warfare. The GAU 8 Avenger is

the age of jet warfare. The GAU 8 Avenger is the Gatling gun reborn.

The GAU 8 Avenger is the Gatling gun reborn. Its motor is powered directly

the Gatling gun reborn. Its motor is powered directly from the aircraft hydraulics.

Its motor is powered directly from the aircraft hydraulics. Friendly fire incidents

from the aircraft hydraulics. Friendly fire incidents are a very real danger,

Friendly fire incidents are a very real danger, so constant training

are a very real danger, so constant training missions are essential.

so constant training missions are essential. At the firing range,

missions are essential. At the firing range, flight control prepares

At the firing range, flight control prepares for the attack.

flight control prepares for the attack. The targets are hanging

for the attack. The targets are hanging parachutes silk and

The targets are hanging parachutes silk and a small collection of

parachutes silk and a small collection of bullet riddled trucks.

a small collection of bullet riddled trucks. The GAU 8 must be

bullet riddled trucks. The GAU 8 must be activated before this final

The GAU 8 must be activated before this final firing line just 200

activated before this final firing line just 200 yards from its targets.

firing line just 200 yards from its targets. The pilot is expected

yards from its targets. The pilot is expected to put eighty percent of his

The pilot is expected to put eighty percent of his shots within a 30 foot circle.

to put eighty percent of his shots within a 30 foot circle. The target zones are

shots within a 30 foot circle. The target zones are embedded with microphones to

The target zones are embedded with microphones to detect vibrations and precisely

embedded with microphones to detect vibrations and precisely locate the bullet hits.

detect vibrations and precisely locate the bullet hits. A technician can then

locate the bullet hits. A technician can then provide instant feedback

A technician can then provide instant feedback on the spread and accuracy

provide instant feedback on the spread and accuracy of each burst of fire.

on the spread and accuracy of each burst of fire. To aim the weapon, the

of each burst of fire. To aim the weapon, the pilot aligns the entire

To aim the weapon, the pilot aligns the entire aircraft using the heads

pilot aligns the entire aircraft using the heads up display or HUD.

aircraft using the heads up display or HUD. It's a visceral experience.

up display or HUD. It's a visceral experience. MAJOR YOUNG: Seeing

It's a visceral experience. MAJOR YOUNG: Seeing the HUD shake,

MAJOR YOUNG: Seeing the HUD shake, it's seen the smoke, feeling

the HUD shake, it's seen the smoke, feeling the vibrations of the airplane,

it's seen the smoke, feeling the vibrations of the airplane, seeing the vibrations

the vibrations of the airplane, seeing the vibrations in the HUD,

seeing the vibrations in the HUD, I mean it kind of

in the HUD, I mean it kind of touches all your sense,

I mean it kind of touches all your sense, you can smell

touches all your sense, you can smell the gun powder.

you can smell the gun powder. When you come home and

the gun powder. When you come home and your wife can tell you,

When you come home and your wife can tell you, she's able to tell you

your wife can tell you, she's able to tell you shot the gun today because

she's able to tell you shot the gun today because you smell like gunpowder.

shot the gun today because you smell like gunpowder. Narrator: In a

you smell like gunpowder. Narrator: In a battle situation,

Narrator: In a battle situation, the effect on the

battle situation, the effect on the enemy is devastating.

the effect on the enemy is devastating. Even one armor piercing

enemy is devastating. Even one armor piercing bullet on target can

Even one armor piercing bullet on target can destroy a battle tank.

bullet on target can destroy a battle tank. But enemy troops refer to

destroy a battle tank. But enemy troops refer to the GAU 8 as the silent gun.

But enemy troops refer to the GAU 8 as the silent gun. The victims of its

the GAU 8 as the silent gun. The victims of its supersonic ammunition

The victims of its supersonic ammunition never hear it coming.

supersonic ammunition never hear it coming. MIKE YOUNG: If I was the

never hear it coming. MIKE YOUNG: If I was the enemy on the ground and I

MIKE YOUNG: If I was the enemy on the ground and I knew that A10s were getting

enemy on the ground and I knew that A10s were getting ready to roll and attack me,

knew that A10s were getting ready to roll and attack me, I'd probably

ready to roll and attack me, I'd probably be pretty scared,

I'd probably be pretty scared, but what I'd probably

be pretty scared, but what I'd probably hear is a little late.

but what I'd probably hear is a little late. It is a sonic, there is a time

hear is a little late. It is a sonic, there is a time delay associated with this,

It is a sonic, there is a time delay associated with this, so the bullets are

delay associated with this, so the bullets are probably going to hit me

so the bullets are probably going to hit me or get close to me and

probably going to hit me or get close to me and then I'm going to hear the

or get close to me and then I'm going to hear the gun fired later,

then I'm going to hear the gun fired later, I'd be dead,

gun fired later, I'd be dead, I'm not going to

I'd be dead, I'm not going to hear anything.

I'm not going to hear anything. Narrator: If necessary the GAU

hear anything. Narrator: If necessary the GAU 8 machine gun could fire all

Narrator: If necessary the GAU 8 machine gun could fire all twelve hundred of its rounds

8 machine gun could fire all twelve hundred of its rounds in just seventeen seconds.

twelve hundred of its rounds in just seventeen seconds. This is Gatling's nineteenth

in just seventeen seconds. This is Gatling's nineteenth century deadly dream come true,

This is Gatling's nineteenth century deadly dream come true, a single rapid fire

century deadly dream come true, a single rapid fire weapon doing the work

a single rapid fire weapon doing the work of a battlefield

weapon doing the work of a battlefield regiment of troops.

of a battlefield regiment of troops. The story of the machine

regiment of troops. The story of the machine gun has come full circle.