All language subtitles for Machines of War Guns NG 720p HDTV EN SUB_Subtitles01.UND

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.