1 00:00:01,535 --> 00:00:02,801 (upbeat rock music) 2 00:00:03,003 --> 00:00:05,537 - [Narrator] It's time to grab the wheel, 3 00:00:05,605 --> 00:00:06,005 floor the accelerator 4 00:00:09,677 --> 00:00:11,010 and take total control. 5 00:00:12,546 --> 00:00:15,147 (loud engines revving) 6 00:00:15,215 --> 00:00:17,983 We're giving you the keys to the world's wildest rides. 7 00:00:20,354 --> 00:00:20,986 On land, 8 00:00:23,224 --> 00:00:23,989 sea 9 00:00:25,492 --> 00:00:25,991 and in the sky, 10 00:00:29,696 --> 00:00:31,230 We'll discover the horsepower, 11 00:00:31,432 --> 00:00:32,964 technology 12 00:00:33,033 --> 00:00:36,001 and all out guts required to operate these beasts. 13 00:00:37,504 --> 00:00:38,003 (loud bomb blast) 14 00:00:40,441 --> 00:00:42,007 Suit up, strap in 15 00:00:44,711 --> 00:00:46,011 and throw it into high gear. 16 00:00:50,784 --> 00:00:51,984 No learner's permit required. 17 00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:55,988 Now, Wild Rides on Modern Marvels. 18 00:00:58,659 --> 00:01:01,994 (upbeat electronic beats) 19 00:01:11,271 --> 00:01:15,007 If you were among America's 230 million licensed drivers, 20 00:01:17,611 --> 00:01:20,012 (car engine revving) 21 00:01:20,080 --> 00:01:22,014 This is one ride where you'll spend an average 22 00:01:22,082 --> 00:01:23,982 of more than four years during your lifetime. 23 00:01:29,890 --> 00:01:33,625 You may take the components for granted. 24 00:01:33,693 --> 00:01:34,993 Gear-shift, steering wheel, 25 00:01:36,630 --> 00:01:38,997 accelerator, brake, mirrors. 26 00:01:42,636 --> 00:01:44,636 But there's an amazing array 27 00:01:44,705 --> 00:01:46,004 of other wild rides out there. 28 00:01:49,042 --> 00:01:51,009 And, some of the world's most extreme vehicles 29 00:01:53,647 --> 00:01:55,714 First up, let's test drive 30 00:01:55,916 --> 00:01:57,983 the army's quintessential off-roader 31 00:02:00,854 --> 00:02:02,988 the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. 32 00:02:04,791 --> 00:02:06,191 Think of it as a crossover between 33 00:02:06,259 --> 00:02:09,995 an armored personnel carrier and a full scale battle tank. 34 00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:15,466 There's enough room for nine inside, 35 00:02:15,536 --> 00:02:17,469 like a roomy minivan 36 00:02:18,004 --> 00:02:19,471 but don't expect the interior of this beast 37 00:02:19,673 --> 00:02:21,873 to be as user-friendly. 38 00:02:21,942 --> 00:02:23,075 - It takes a little bit getting used to. 39 00:02:23,277 --> 00:02:25,878 It's a lot different than getting into any other vehicle, 40 00:02:26,080 --> 00:02:26,878 just 'cause you gotta watch the heavy hatch, 41 00:02:26,947 --> 00:02:29,747 make sure it doesn't close on you or anything 42 00:02:29,816 --> 00:02:31,984 and then, just snake your way in. 43 00:02:32,686 --> 00:02:34,686 So, it's a little bit different. 44 00:02:34,888 --> 00:02:37,556 It's not too bad once you sit in it. 45 00:02:37,624 --> 00:02:40,993 (quirky electronic music) 46 00:02:46,032 --> 00:02:48,032 - [Narrator] The first thing the driver notices 47 00:02:48,101 --> 00:02:50,836 is that he's practically sitting on the engine block. 48 00:02:51,038 --> 00:02:53,572 - You've got a pretty thin wall separating 49 00:02:53,640 --> 00:02:55,506 you from the engine pack. 50 00:02:55,576 --> 00:02:56,908 Keeps you really warm, 51 00:02:56,977 --> 00:02:58,443 if you're in a desert, not so good probably. 52 00:02:58,646 --> 00:03:00,111 On the older versions, 53 00:03:00,181 --> 00:03:01,913 they didn't really have any cooling system for the crew. 54 00:03:01,982 --> 00:03:04,449 So, you were just, if you caught a breeze, 55 00:03:04,518 --> 00:03:04,983 that's what you got. 56 00:03:06,853 --> 00:03:07,919 - [Narrator] The cozy confines aren't 57 00:03:07,988 --> 00:03:09,721 the only difference between the driver's seat 58 00:03:09,790 --> 00:03:11,990 of the Bradley and the one in a car. 59 00:03:13,727 --> 00:03:14,526 Instead of a steering wheel, 60 00:03:14,594 --> 00:03:17,195 there's a steering yoke. 61 00:03:17,264 --> 00:03:19,598 And, though the accelerator and brake pedals are familiar, 62 00:03:19,667 --> 00:03:22,000 one key component is missing, 63 00:03:24,471 --> 00:03:25,803 a windshield. 64 00:03:25,872 --> 00:03:26,938 - It's called what we call periscope. 65 00:03:27,007 --> 00:03:30,542 It's a really small and narrow pieces of glass 66 00:03:30,610 --> 00:03:31,810 that are really thick. 67 00:03:32,012 --> 00:03:34,746 - The Periscope limits forward visibility 68 00:03:34,815 --> 00:03:36,014 to the 11 to one o'clock positions. 69 00:03:37,952 --> 00:03:39,751 A fraction of the nine to three o'clock view 70 00:03:39,819 --> 00:03:40,986 afforded by the windows of a car. 71 00:03:43,757 --> 00:03:45,090 But it's a small price to pay 72 00:03:45,158 --> 00:03:47,993 for the added security it provides on the battlefield. 73 00:03:49,096 --> 00:03:51,829 Besides the driver can see plenty on the monitors 74 00:03:51,898 --> 00:03:54,566 with feeds from high-def, night vision 75 00:03:54,635 --> 00:03:57,002 and thermal imaging cameras. 76 00:03:59,172 --> 00:04:03,008 Another car component missing from the Bradley, tires. 77 00:04:04,044 --> 00:04:06,578 Instead it's equipped with tank like tracks. 78 00:04:06,647 --> 00:04:08,179 They provide better traction 79 00:04:08,249 --> 00:04:10,983 and make the driving experience nothing like that of a car. 80 00:04:12,653 --> 00:04:13,785 - [SPC. James] In an automobile, 81 00:04:13,853 --> 00:04:14,987 when you were to take out left turn, 82 00:04:16,590 --> 00:04:17,923 you would slow down, 83 00:04:17,991 --> 00:04:20,525 but in this, in order to take a left turn, 84 00:04:20,728 --> 00:04:21,726 you have to press on the gas 85 00:04:21,795 --> 00:04:22,995 because that's how the track works. 86 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:29,001 - [Narrator] But along with the challenges, comes some fun. 87 00:04:30,604 --> 00:04:32,004 No car can do this. 88 00:04:34,274 --> 00:04:37,943 The tracks enabled the tightest turning radius imaginable. 89 00:04:38,011 --> 00:04:41,013 That's 27 tons of vehicle turning on a dime. 90 00:04:42,816 --> 00:04:43,748 With that precision handling comes 91 00:04:43,817 --> 00:04:45,984 some pretty heavy duty firepower. 92 00:04:46,753 --> 00:04:48,420 Sitting just behind the driver, 93 00:04:48,622 --> 00:04:49,755 the gunner fires away 94 00:04:49,957 --> 00:04:52,557 with a Bradley's high-powered machine gun, 95 00:04:52,760 --> 00:04:53,992 an anti-tank missile launcher. 96 00:04:55,628 --> 00:04:57,028 And if anyone fires back, 97 00:04:57,097 --> 00:04:59,831 it's nice to know that the aluminum armor surrounding 98 00:04:59,899 --> 00:05:01,766 the crew can really take a beating. 99 00:05:01,835 --> 00:05:04,436 - Able to withstand several rounds 100 00:05:04,638 --> 00:05:06,038 of 50-cal point blank. 101 00:05:06,240 --> 00:05:11,009 We can take anything up to a direct hit from a missile. 102 00:05:11,712 --> 00:05:15,013 (tank tires screeching) 103 00:05:18,052 --> 00:05:20,986 - [Narrator] For a slightly roomier driver's seat, 104 00:05:24,524 --> 00:05:26,992 (upbeat band music) 105 00:05:28,929 --> 00:05:29,995 let's try out this heavily armored ride. 106 00:05:35,736 --> 00:05:37,669 It's official designation is 107 00:05:37,871 --> 00:05:39,538 the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected 108 00:05:39,740 --> 00:05:41,006 Military All-terrain Vehicle 109 00:05:42,943 --> 00:05:44,343 but soldiers learning how to operate it, 110 00:05:44,545 --> 00:05:46,011 call it the MRAP. 111 00:05:48,148 --> 00:05:50,882 - All terrain is basically what you see out here. 112 00:05:51,084 --> 00:05:54,886 It climbs mountains, deserts, sand, snow, mud, 113 00:05:55,088 --> 00:05:56,988 anything you name, it's capable of encountering. 114 00:05:58,625 --> 00:06:01,893 (loud screeching tires) 115 00:06:01,962 --> 00:06:03,895 - [Narrator] Floor the accelerator of the MRAP, 116 00:06:03,963 --> 00:06:06,497 and it's 370 horsepower engine will speed 117 00:06:06,566 --> 00:06:08,567 up to 72 miles per hour. 118 00:06:08,635 --> 00:06:10,902 Not exactly blistering, 119 00:06:10,971 --> 00:06:11,903 but keep in mind that the MRAP weighs more 120 00:06:11,972 --> 00:06:16,641 than 12 tons as much as four full-size SUVs. 121 00:06:16,710 --> 00:06:19,711 - This vehicle is extremely fast 122 00:06:19,913 --> 00:06:22,013 compared to other military vehicles. 123 00:06:22,916 --> 00:06:23,849 - [Narrator] Encasing the driver's seat 124 00:06:24,051 --> 00:06:26,985 is the MRAP's heavy duty composite armor. 125 00:06:29,923 --> 00:06:31,990 It's just the protection the driver needs 126 00:06:32,192 --> 00:06:34,993 since one of the MRAP's main purposes is to carry up 127 00:06:35,062 --> 00:06:37,996 to three soldiers on missions to clear minefields, 128 00:06:40,067 --> 00:06:42,000 All that armor also shields everyone on board 129 00:06:42,202 --> 00:06:45,003 from one of the deadliest hazards found in war zones, 130 00:06:45,672 --> 00:06:48,806 (loud exploding bombs) 131 00:06:48,875 --> 00:06:52,010 The improvised explosive device or IED. 132 00:06:55,882 --> 00:06:57,616 There's another feature that keeps 133 00:06:57,818 --> 00:06:59,985 the drivers safe from IED blasts. 134 00:07:00,821 --> 00:07:02,754 Unlike the seat in a car or truck, 135 00:07:02,822 --> 00:07:05,756 this seat is suspended in midair. 136 00:07:05,826 --> 00:07:07,826 - This driver's seat if you notice 137 00:07:07,894 --> 00:07:08,826 it's not mounted to the floor at all, 138 00:07:08,895 --> 00:07:11,896 it's suspended by D-rings and harnesses, 139 00:07:11,965 --> 00:07:13,965 in case if this vehicle gets an IED blast, 140 00:07:14,033 --> 00:07:16,167 by the seats not being mounted to the floor, 141 00:07:16,236 --> 00:07:19,004 the body doesn't absorb the full shock or the full blast. 142 00:07:20,107 --> 00:07:20,839 - [Narrator] One incredible statistics speaks 143 00:07:21,041 --> 00:07:23,508 to how well the MRAP protects the soldier 144 00:07:23,577 --> 00:07:24,576 in the driver's seat. 145 00:07:24,778 --> 00:07:26,578 In a study of 18 months of use 146 00:07:26,780 --> 00:07:29,047 during the war in Afghanistan, 147 00:07:29,115 --> 00:07:32,984 MRAPs reduced deaths and injuries by more than 30%. 148 00:07:39,927 --> 00:07:41,526 To face an entirely different type of combat 149 00:07:41,595 --> 00:07:43,995 in a much larger machine, 150 00:07:45,131 --> 00:07:47,999 let's take the wheel of the Oshkosh Striker 4500. 151 00:07:50,737 --> 00:07:52,870 No problem with visibility here. 152 00:07:52,939 --> 00:07:56,875 The Striker 4500 is a colossal firetruck 153 00:07:57,077 --> 00:07:58,543 used to combat blazes at some of the largest 154 00:07:58,611 --> 00:07:59,878 airports in the world. 155 00:07:59,947 --> 00:08:02,948 Like here at Dallas Fort Worth International. 156 00:08:03,016 --> 00:08:06,418 - The Striker 4500 is not just a key tool, 157 00:08:06,486 --> 00:08:08,019 this is the tool. 158 00:08:08,087 --> 00:08:09,153 Without this tool, we wouldn't be able to rescue 159 00:08:09,222 --> 00:08:10,955 (unintelligible) passengers out of a burning aircraft. 160 00:08:11,024 --> 00:08:14,025 And that's what we're here for, is to save lives. 161 00:08:14,093 --> 00:08:15,627 - [Narrator] Fires that result from plane crashes 162 00:08:15,695 --> 00:08:17,295 can be the deadliest of all. 163 00:08:17,497 --> 00:08:19,998 (dramatic music) 164 00:08:21,834 --> 00:08:23,902 Jet fuel can burn at temperatures 165 00:08:23,970 --> 00:08:25,003 of up to a thousand degrees Fahrenheit. 166 00:08:26,706 --> 00:08:27,772 The Striker is designed to allow 167 00:08:27,841 --> 00:08:29,840 its one and only operator to fight a fire 168 00:08:29,910 --> 00:08:32,010 without ever leaving the driver's seat. 169 00:08:35,582 --> 00:08:37,449 But first things first, 170 00:08:37,651 --> 00:08:40,986 (noisy engine reeling) 171 00:08:42,055 --> 00:08:44,990 Step one is driving to the site of the fire 172 00:08:45,659 --> 00:08:47,858 and that's no easy task. 173 00:08:47,928 --> 00:08:48,927 - [Brian B.] The airport is mainly concrete 174 00:08:49,129 --> 00:08:51,730 but airplanes don't always crash on the concrete 175 00:08:51,932 --> 00:08:53,598 so, this course here trains drivers 176 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:55,467 on how the truck actually handles 177 00:08:55,669 --> 00:08:57,535 going up and down slopes, 178 00:08:57,604 --> 00:08:59,004 going through thick mud. 179 00:09:01,141 --> 00:09:02,674 - [Narrator] Imagine going off road in a vehicle 180 00:09:02,876 --> 00:09:05,010 as long as a four story building. 181 00:09:07,948 --> 00:09:10,015 It weighs as much as 20 pickup trucks. 182 00:09:12,952 --> 00:09:13,818 But thanks to the Striker's eight wheels, 183 00:09:13,886 --> 00:09:15,987 each operating on an independent axle, 184 00:09:18,091 --> 00:09:19,991 the driver can maneuver some pretty tough terrain. 185 00:09:20,960 --> 00:09:22,994 - It's pretty stable for how big it is. 186 00:09:25,032 --> 00:09:25,964 There's not a lot of places that it can't go. 187 00:09:26,033 --> 00:09:27,699 - [Narrator] Although driving this massive truck 188 00:09:27,767 --> 00:09:30,001 does take some getting used to. 189 00:09:30,970 --> 00:09:31,636 - [Tom] The way these axles are set up, 190 00:09:31,705 --> 00:09:32,771 they both turn at the same time. 191 00:09:32,839 --> 00:09:34,572 So, you feel like you're drifting 192 00:09:34,641 --> 00:09:36,974 when you turn the vehicle. 193 00:09:37,043 --> 00:09:38,910 So, an ordinary person would feel like the truck 194 00:09:38,978 --> 00:09:41,112 was out of control when they drive this. 195 00:09:41,314 --> 00:09:43,982 - [Narrator] When the driver masters steering the Striker, 196 00:09:44,051 --> 00:09:46,918 it won't take long to get to the scene of the fire. 197 00:09:46,986 --> 00:09:48,987 It's got a top speed of 70 miles per hour. 198 00:09:53,526 --> 00:09:54,859 Once at the scene, 199 00:09:54,928 --> 00:09:56,861 the driver takes hold of this joy stick, 200 00:09:57,064 --> 00:09:58,596 which gives him control of this turret hose 201 00:09:58,665 --> 00:09:59,998 mounted on the front bumper. 202 00:10:02,269 --> 00:10:05,203 Then, he unleashes up to 1200 gallons of water a minute. 203 00:10:06,073 --> 00:10:09,074 - [Brian B.] As first unit on, on my main priority 204 00:10:09,142 --> 00:10:11,009 is to create a point of egress for the passengers. 205 00:10:13,146 --> 00:10:14,012 You want to make sure they have an escape corridor 206 00:10:14,080 --> 00:10:16,014 for them to get out and not get burned. 207 00:10:17,283 --> 00:10:20,618 - [Narrator] Storage tanks holding 4,500 gallons of water 208 00:10:20,687 --> 00:10:21,886 help accomplish that mission. 209 00:10:21,954 --> 00:10:23,989 That's why they call it the Striker 4500. 210 00:10:29,029 --> 00:10:31,997 After extinguishing the burning plane's exterior, 211 00:10:33,032 --> 00:10:34,432 the Striker driver has to put out the blaze 212 00:10:34,501 --> 00:10:35,567 inside the fuselage. 213 00:10:35,769 --> 00:10:38,003 To do that, he uses this control 214 00:10:39,773 --> 00:10:41,773 which extends a 50-foot boom. 215 00:10:41,842 --> 00:10:43,908 Then, he remotely controls the device 216 00:10:43,976 --> 00:10:46,111 on the end of the boom called a schnozzle 217 00:10:46,779 --> 00:10:48,013 which pierces the plane's skin. 218 00:10:51,117 --> 00:10:54,986 Then, spews out more water or foam inside the cabin. 219 00:10:57,858 --> 00:10:59,591 Total elapsed time for the Striker 4500 220 00:10:59,793 --> 00:11:00,992 to put out most airplane fires, 221 00:11:02,396 --> 00:11:04,595 just two minutes 222 00:11:04,665 --> 00:11:06,998 and hopefully all from his seat. 223 00:11:11,137 --> 00:11:15,006 Nearly 90% of American adults have a driver's license, 224 00:11:16,943 --> 00:11:18,610 but some of the coolest rides on earth 225 00:11:18,678 --> 00:11:21,012 require a pilot's license. 226 00:11:23,550 --> 00:11:24,616 And from this seat, 227 00:11:24,684 --> 00:11:26,985 a pilot can launch an assault on a raging inferno. 228 00:11:32,225 --> 00:11:35,994 An average of 60,000 wildfires erupt in the US every year, 229 00:11:38,030 --> 00:11:40,432 many in the dry expanses of the American West. 230 00:11:40,634 --> 00:11:42,834 Areas so vast and remote 231 00:11:43,036 --> 00:11:45,003 that the best countermeasure comes by air. 232 00:11:47,173 --> 00:11:50,709 The crew that mans this converted commercial jetliner 233 00:11:50,911 --> 00:11:52,043 preps for that challenge every day. 234 00:11:52,712 --> 00:11:54,044 - Before take off checklist. 235 00:11:54,114 --> 00:11:57,015 - Before take off checklist, ignition is continous. 236 00:11:57,851 --> 00:11:59,984 - [Capt. Dennis] This is the DC-10, 237 00:12:00,052 --> 00:12:05,123 its length is 181 feet, wingspan is 165 feet. 238 00:12:05,792 --> 00:12:06,991 And it's just like the aircraft that 239 00:12:07,194 --> 00:12:10,328 used to carry passengers except for one big difference. 240 00:12:10,530 --> 00:12:11,996 (ominous music) 241 00:12:14,134 --> 00:12:16,000 - [Narrator] The difference is these massive tanks. 242 00:12:16,069 --> 00:12:20,871 They hold 12,000 gallons of water or foam retardant, 243 00:12:20,940 --> 00:12:22,474 which can be dumped on a raging wildfire 244 00:12:22,676 --> 00:12:24,008 in a matter of seconds. 245 00:12:25,011 --> 00:12:26,544 That means this aircraft doesn't accept 246 00:12:26,613 --> 00:12:28,012 any additional passengers. 247 00:12:31,885 --> 00:12:33,985 - This is the inside of our DC-10 248 00:12:35,088 --> 00:12:38,088 in past configuration, it carried 350 passengers. 249 00:12:38,158 --> 00:12:41,158 All the seats, carpeting and paneling has been removed. 250 00:12:41,227 --> 00:12:45,697 And, my job as a pilot takes place up here in the cockpit. 251 00:12:45,899 --> 00:12:47,565 Now where it may take just one person 252 00:12:47,767 --> 00:12:49,901 to drive an automobile or a car, 253 00:12:49,970 --> 00:12:53,638 in this plane we have, it takes three people. 254 00:12:53,707 --> 00:12:55,173 Pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer. 255 00:12:55,708 --> 00:12:58,042 We all have specific duties 256 00:12:58,110 --> 00:13:02,246 that we perform to lead a successful operation. 257 00:13:02,983 --> 00:13:03,915 - [Narrator] Today, the three-man crew 258 00:13:03,984 --> 00:13:05,449 of this firefighting wide body is conducting 259 00:13:05,518 --> 00:13:06,985 a training exercise. 260 00:13:09,455 --> 00:13:10,188 - Front brake? 261 00:13:10,257 --> 00:13:11,122 - Set. 262 00:13:11,190 --> 00:13:12,923 - [Narrator] Before getting airborne, 263 00:13:12,992 --> 00:13:14,458 they must make sure every inch of the plane 264 00:13:14,528 --> 00:13:15,326 is functioning properly. 265 00:13:15,395 --> 00:13:17,262 - Ignition. 266 00:13:17,330 --> 00:13:18,196 - Off. 267 00:13:18,265 --> 00:13:19,264 V.I.E? 268 00:13:19,332 --> 00:13:20,799 - 218. 269 00:13:21,001 --> 00:13:21,399 - [Flight Engineer] Engine and the ice. 270 00:13:21,467 --> 00:13:22,666 - [Fred] Off. 271 00:13:22,735 --> 00:13:24,001 The full check is now complete. 272 00:13:24,070 --> 00:13:26,003 - [Narrator] Prior to takeoff, the pilot punches 273 00:13:26,072 --> 00:13:29,007 the coordinates of the fire into the on board GPS. 274 00:13:30,076 --> 00:13:33,544 Much like the GPS units available for most cars. 275 00:13:33,613 --> 00:13:36,014 - Two, niner, 84, set. 276 00:13:37,216 --> 00:13:38,683 - [Air Traffic Control] 82910 ready, roger, runway 17, 277 00:13:38,885 --> 00:13:41,619 winds 1808, cleared for take-off. 278 00:13:41,688 --> 00:13:42,553 Cleared for take-off, runway 17. 279 00:13:42,622 --> 00:13:46,991 (airplane engine whirring) 280 00:13:48,762 --> 00:13:50,562 As we're lifting off the runway, 281 00:13:50,764 --> 00:13:51,696 that's a bit more complicated 282 00:13:51,764 --> 00:13:54,031 than pulling out of a driveway. 283 00:13:54,100 --> 00:13:55,767 The control panel of a jetliner makes the dashboard 284 00:13:55,969 --> 00:13:59,170 of a car look like a kindergarten toy. 285 00:13:59,239 --> 00:14:02,440 - [Capt. Dennis] Zero, three, and we'll roll out to the end. 286 00:14:02,642 --> 00:14:05,509 (quick electronic beeps) 287 00:14:05,578 --> 00:14:08,846 (loud airplane take-off) 288 00:14:08,915 --> 00:14:10,982 - [Narrator] Take-off requires thrust 289 00:14:11,851 --> 00:14:13,517 and that's what this throttle control 290 00:14:13,586 --> 00:14:15,453 beside the seat is for. 291 00:14:15,789 --> 00:14:17,989 Push forward and each of the DC-10's 292 00:14:18,058 --> 00:14:21,993 three engines thunders with 40,000 pounds of thrust, 293 00:14:22,996 --> 00:14:24,996 more than enough to get this plane airborne. 294 00:14:26,599 --> 00:14:30,001 (loud airplane take-off) 295 00:14:39,612 --> 00:14:41,612 - At level of 4400... 296 00:14:41,681 --> 00:14:43,013 - [Narrator] Once in altitude, 297 00:14:43,082 --> 00:14:45,083 the pilot controls the plane largely with a yoke, 298 00:14:45,151 --> 00:14:47,986 which resembles a steering wheel with more movement. 299 00:14:50,089 --> 00:14:52,490 Turn the yoke left or right to move the ailerons 300 00:14:52,692 --> 00:14:54,959 and the wings up and down, 301 00:14:55,027 --> 00:14:56,995 making the jet bank to one side of the other. 302 00:14:57,897 --> 00:14:59,897 Pull the yoke back or push it forward 303 00:14:59,966 --> 00:15:01,899 and the elevator on the jet's tail moves 304 00:15:01,968 --> 00:15:06,004 up or down making the jet climb or descend. 305 00:15:07,774 --> 00:15:08,839 That covers the flight basics 306 00:15:08,909 --> 00:15:11,009 but the water drop requires more support. 307 00:15:13,045 --> 00:15:14,445 That comes from the pilot of a scout aircraft 308 00:15:14,514 --> 00:15:15,913 near the fire zone, 309 00:15:15,982 --> 00:15:18,983 who offers advice on the best angle of attack. 310 00:15:19,786 --> 00:15:20,919 Then it's all up to the DC pilot 311 00:15:21,121 --> 00:15:24,989 to make a run as low as 200 feet above the flames 312 00:15:26,192 --> 00:15:27,992 and drop the load of water with pinpoint accuracy. 313 00:15:30,730 --> 00:15:31,863 - We have three separate tanks. 314 00:15:32,065 --> 00:15:34,732 So, what we're gonna call out to the captain 315 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:38,403 is we have three tanks set at 50%, 316 00:15:38,605 --> 00:15:41,605 coverage level five 317 00:15:41,674 --> 00:15:43,073 and these will all be five, 318 00:15:43,142 --> 00:15:47,011 three green lights, three-drop checklist is complete. 319 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:49,013 - [Fred] Just standby. 320 00:15:52,218 --> 00:15:54,986 - [Narrator] Every move this crew makes has to be perfect. 321 00:15:56,756 --> 00:15:57,621 When they're over the target, 322 00:15:57,690 --> 00:15:58,822 the press of one button relays 323 00:15:58,891 --> 00:16:00,992 the drop sequence to the storage tanks. 324 00:16:02,896 --> 00:16:05,563 - Coming up to our drop start point. 325 00:16:05,631 --> 00:16:06,431 - [Fred] Hit that button, 326 00:16:06,633 --> 00:16:07,431 that button is live now. 327 00:16:07,500 --> 00:16:08,899 - Drop. - Drop. 328 00:16:08,969 --> 00:16:10,702 - [Narrator] The crew can program the tanks 329 00:16:10,904 --> 00:16:12,704 to drop their 12,000 gallons of water 330 00:16:12,906 --> 00:16:15,006 and a drizzle covering a wide area 331 00:16:16,042 --> 00:16:18,009 or a downpour confined to a specific zone. 332 00:16:21,114 --> 00:16:23,714 But shedding 50 tons of water in just eight seconds 333 00:16:23,783 --> 00:16:25,850 can send the plane swooping upward, 334 00:16:25,919 --> 00:16:28,987 like cresting up the hill of a rollercoaster. 335 00:16:30,056 --> 00:16:31,990 And, it's up to the pilot to instantly adjust. 336 00:16:52,145 --> 00:16:54,611 - [Narrator] Months can pass between wildfires, 337 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:56,013 but during peak fire season, 338 00:16:56,082 --> 00:16:58,348 the crew might fly as many as eight or nine missions 339 00:16:58,418 --> 00:17:00,818 in a single day. 340 00:17:00,886 --> 00:17:02,019 Weekly training ones like this one, 341 00:17:02,088 --> 00:17:04,889 keep them sharp until that crucial time arrives. 342 00:17:05,091 --> 00:17:07,024 - [Capt. Dennis] DC-10 and the firefighting role 343 00:17:07,093 --> 00:17:09,827 has been the most satisfying flying I've ever done. 344 00:17:09,896 --> 00:17:12,029 Not only do we get to enjoy the flying 345 00:17:12,098 --> 00:17:15,700 of flying a larger aircraft close to the ground 346 00:17:15,902 --> 00:17:18,969 and flying it closer to its limits, 347 00:17:19,039 --> 00:17:23,007 but we also get to do something that is helping. 348 00:17:27,113 --> 00:17:29,914 While some may find battling a blaze from the cockpit 349 00:17:29,983 --> 00:17:31,983 of a DC-10 to be the ultimate adrenaline rush, 350 00:17:35,121 --> 00:17:38,990 for an airborne wild ride with a little less heat 351 00:17:39,926 --> 00:17:42,527 take to the skies in the serene cockpit 352 00:17:42,729 --> 00:17:43,995 of by helium filled airshow. 353 00:17:45,465 --> 00:17:46,998 Behold the Eureka, 354 00:17:48,801 --> 00:17:49,867 it flew is one of a new generation 355 00:17:49,936 --> 00:17:51,869 of German-made zeppelins before the company 356 00:17:52,071 --> 00:17:54,005 that operated it moved on to other ventures. 357 00:17:56,543 --> 00:17:57,675 With a semi-rigid frame, 358 00:17:57,743 --> 00:18:00,944 it's 14-feet longer than a 747 359 00:18:01,013 --> 00:18:04,414 and each of its 14 seats including the pilot's 360 00:18:04,484 --> 00:18:05,983 is first class. 361 00:18:09,021 --> 00:18:12,089 - [Brian Hall] It's not a blimp, it is an airship. 362 00:18:12,158 --> 00:18:16,561 And the main difference is that a blimp is a envelope 363 00:18:16,763 --> 00:18:17,962 with no rigid structure inside 364 00:18:18,030 --> 00:18:21,832 with the gondola suspended from the envelope. 365 00:18:21,901 --> 00:18:23,634 In our case, we have a rigid air frame 366 00:18:23,836 --> 00:18:26,003 made of aluminum and carbon fiber. 367 00:18:26,773 --> 00:18:27,905 - [Narrator] Unlike a blimp, 368 00:18:28,107 --> 00:18:29,974 the engines are attached to its semi-rigid frame 369 00:18:30,042 --> 00:18:33,010 far above the cabin, not to the cabinet itself. 370 00:18:36,983 --> 00:18:37,915 - [Capt. Oliver] Look at this incredible view. 371 00:18:38,117 --> 00:18:40,718 You don't find that in an airplane, for example. 372 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:43,921 Or a helicopter and it's not so loud. 373 00:18:43,990 --> 00:18:46,991 I mean we can even have a nice conversation. 374 00:18:50,596 --> 00:18:51,662 This airship combines 375 00:18:51,864 --> 00:18:54,798 characteristics from an airplane, 376 00:18:54,868 --> 00:18:57,001 a helicopter and a balloon, all in one. 377 00:18:58,872 --> 00:19:00,604 - [Narrator] What made flying the Eureka 378 00:19:00,673 --> 00:19:02,873 unlike most aircraft is that 379 00:19:02,942 --> 00:19:05,743 its three 200-horsepower engines can rotate 380 00:19:05,811 --> 00:19:09,146 up to 120 degrees using joysticks. 381 00:19:09,215 --> 00:19:12,750 The pilot can control precisely how much each one pivots. 382 00:19:12,952 --> 00:19:13,951 - [Capt. Oliver] We can go into hover. 383 00:19:14,153 --> 00:19:18,956 That means we can stand still over a certain point 384 00:19:19,024 --> 00:19:21,492 and be able to make like a left, right movements, 385 00:19:21,560 --> 00:19:23,627 or 360 for example. 386 00:19:23,696 --> 00:19:25,763 That is similar to a helicopter 387 00:19:25,831 --> 00:19:28,065 but the controls are way different. 388 00:19:28,901 --> 00:19:30,968 - [Narrator] And so is the top speed. 389 00:19:31,037 --> 00:19:34,005 The Eureka maxes out at about 80 miles an hour, 390 00:19:34,974 --> 00:19:36,640 and though the pilot can take the ship 391 00:19:36,709 --> 00:19:39,176 to an altitude of 10,000 feet, 392 00:19:39,979 --> 00:19:43,047 he's likely to stay much closer to the ground. 393 00:19:43,249 --> 00:19:44,982 That's because like a child's balloon on a windy day, 394 00:19:47,253 --> 00:19:49,987 an airship is at the mercy of air currents and thermals. 395 00:19:50,856 --> 00:19:52,990 Pilots have to adjust accordingly. 396 00:19:53,058 --> 00:19:55,459 - [Katherine] You really have to feel what the air 397 00:19:55,528 --> 00:19:56,928 is doing to the ship 398 00:19:57,130 --> 00:19:58,462 and it's not so much physically demanding to fly 399 00:19:58,531 --> 00:19:59,596 like the other blimps. 400 00:19:59,665 --> 00:20:01,799 They have pedals and wheels 401 00:20:01,868 --> 00:20:02,733 and it's really physically demanding. 402 00:20:02,802 --> 00:20:04,936 This is far more mentally demanding. 403 00:20:05,138 --> 00:20:08,072 You really have to fly by the seat of your pants. 404 00:20:08,140 --> 00:20:09,340 - [Narrator] But for the few veterans Zeppelin pilots 405 00:20:09,542 --> 00:20:10,474 around the world, 406 00:20:10,543 --> 00:20:12,409 that's not the catch, 407 00:20:12,478 --> 00:20:13,010 that's the fun. 408 00:20:13,880 --> 00:20:16,013 If this wild ride just seems too tame, 409 00:20:18,217 --> 00:20:21,986 imagine a high-tech vehicle so difficult to operate 410 00:20:25,825 --> 00:20:26,891 that learning the ropes takes even 411 00:20:26,959 --> 00:20:29,994 the most experienced drivers, two years. 412 00:20:32,231 --> 00:20:34,632 That's the challenge for every licensed helicopter pilot 413 00:20:34,700 --> 00:20:36,701 who wants to grab the reins 414 00:20:36,903 --> 00:20:40,004 of a US Army's AH 64 Apache Longbow. 415 00:20:42,642 --> 00:20:45,776 (indistinct radio chatter) 416 00:20:45,978 --> 00:20:49,046 This driver's seat is in the backseat. 417 00:20:49,115 --> 00:20:51,849 - The design was with a tandem seat, the back-seater 418 00:20:51,917 --> 00:20:53,517 his primary focus is actually piloting 419 00:20:53,586 --> 00:20:54,985 and flying the aircraft 420 00:20:55,054 --> 00:20:56,854 while the front-seater is conducting the majority 421 00:20:57,056 --> 00:20:59,924 of the reconnaissance and attack operations. 422 00:21:00,126 --> 00:21:01,658 - [Narrator] With a pilot seated behind the gunner, 423 00:21:01,727 --> 00:21:03,995 the Apache is ready for action. 424 00:21:05,264 --> 00:21:05,997 - [Traffic Control] Whenever you're ready, you're clear. 425 00:21:10,002 --> 00:21:11,735 - [Narrator] Designed to protect ground troops 426 00:21:11,804 --> 00:21:14,005 by launching devastating assaults, 427 00:21:14,540 --> 00:21:17,608 (loud bomb blasts) 428 00:21:17,677 --> 00:21:19,010 This machine is a flying tank. 429 00:21:21,014 --> 00:21:22,079 - [CW4 Chris] The primary function of the Apache 430 00:21:22,281 --> 00:21:24,748 is to a deal death and destruction on the battlefield. 431 00:21:24,817 --> 00:21:25,816 The Apache has the distinct honor 432 00:21:25,885 --> 00:21:29,620 of being the most lethal attack helicopter 433 00:21:29,689 --> 00:21:30,988 in the United States inventory. 434 00:21:37,764 --> 00:21:39,563 - [Narrator] The Apache can soar 435 00:21:39,766 --> 00:21:41,165 as fast as 167 miles per hour 436 00:21:41,700 --> 00:21:44,001 and as high as 15,000 feet. 437 00:21:45,838 --> 00:21:48,706 It can also execute evasive maneuvers 438 00:21:48,774 --> 00:21:50,708 impossible for most helicopters 439 00:21:50,776 --> 00:21:52,009 including barrel rolls and loops. 440 00:21:54,647 --> 00:21:57,982 (loud helicopter throttling) 441 00:22:05,991 --> 00:22:08,993 Any pilot who begins training on the Apache 442 00:22:09,061 --> 00:22:10,995 has already earned his wings as a chopper pilot. 443 00:22:15,001 --> 00:22:16,467 But for those whose experience might be 444 00:22:16,536 --> 00:22:18,602 limited to the freeways, 445 00:22:18,671 --> 00:22:20,004 here's an idea of the basics. 446 00:22:21,807 --> 00:22:23,607 The key instrument in the cockpit 447 00:22:23,676 --> 00:22:25,076 is the cyclic control stick. 448 00:22:26,012 --> 00:22:27,144 It gives the pilot control over the helicopters 449 00:22:27,213 --> 00:22:31,015 four rotor blades which are essentially rotating wings. 450 00:22:33,085 --> 00:22:35,819 Moving the stick causes the rotor blades to tilt, 451 00:22:35,888 --> 00:22:37,955 which changes how much lift they provide, 452 00:22:38,023 --> 00:22:40,825 adjusting the tilt equally for all the blades 453 00:22:41,027 --> 00:22:42,893 lifts the helicopter straight up and down. 454 00:22:42,961 --> 00:22:44,829 Changing the tilt for some of the blades 455 00:22:45,031 --> 00:22:47,497 creates uneven lift causing the helicopter 456 00:22:47,566 --> 00:22:50,000 to climb, dive, or turn. 457 00:22:54,974 --> 00:22:56,707 The Apache helicopter has been a vital part 458 00:22:56,909 --> 00:22:57,841 of army combat missions ever since 459 00:22:57,910 --> 00:23:00,977 they first entered service in the 1980s. 460 00:23:01,046 --> 00:23:04,915 The Apache is the army's premier attack helicopter 461 00:23:04,984 --> 00:23:06,517 capable of destroying a multitude of targets 462 00:23:06,585 --> 00:23:08,586 in both day and night. 463 00:23:08,788 --> 00:23:10,588 And, it's not only the backbone 464 00:23:10,790 --> 00:23:11,989 of the US Army helicopter fleet 465 00:23:12,057 --> 00:23:16,059 but also 14 other international defense forces, 466 00:23:16,128 --> 00:23:18,996 including the United Kingdom, Egypt, Greece and India. 467 00:23:21,200 --> 00:23:22,065 But sitting in the driver's seat of this helicopter 468 00:23:22,134 --> 00:23:25,803 requires tough training and nerves of steel. 469 00:23:26,005 --> 00:23:28,005 Flying this chopper is so sophisticated 470 00:23:28,073 --> 00:23:30,875 and the enemy territory traversed is so hostile, 471 00:23:31,077 --> 00:23:34,345 the pilots referred to it as riding the dragon. 472 00:23:34,547 --> 00:23:36,547 (ominous music) 473 00:23:37,015 --> 00:23:38,949 - [Capt. Hummel] In the eyes of the enemy, 474 00:23:39,017 --> 00:23:40,985 the Apache is a very dangerous helicopter, 475 00:23:42,754 --> 00:23:43,888 in the eyes of friendly forces, 476 00:23:43,956 --> 00:23:46,423 it's also a very, very dangerous aircraft 477 00:23:46,492 --> 00:23:48,025 to learn how to fly. 478 00:23:48,093 --> 00:23:50,961 Typically, an aviator will go through approximately 479 00:23:51,029 --> 00:23:52,830 anywhere from a year and a half to two years 480 00:23:52,899 --> 00:23:54,498 of flight training from start to finish 481 00:23:54,700 --> 00:23:56,000 to become an Apache pilot. 482 00:23:58,037 --> 00:24:00,037 - [Narrator] One of the most difficult things 483 00:24:00,106 --> 00:24:02,706 about flying the Apache is having to constantly shift 484 00:24:02,774 --> 00:24:04,074 focus from one eye to the other 485 00:24:05,043 --> 00:24:07,911 because the helmet is fitted with a monocle 486 00:24:07,980 --> 00:24:10,014 that's fixed in front of the pilot's right eye. 487 00:24:13,119 --> 00:24:14,852 12 different instrument readings from the cockpit 488 00:24:14,920 --> 00:24:16,854 are projected onto the monocles screen. 489 00:24:16,922 --> 00:24:19,924 Other images can be superimposed there 490 00:24:19,992 --> 00:24:21,525 from those shot by the helicopters cameras 491 00:24:21,593 --> 00:24:22,993 to radar information. 492 00:24:25,198 --> 00:24:27,798 While the pilots right eye is interpreting all that data, 493 00:24:27,867 --> 00:24:30,534 his left has to be free to scan outside 494 00:24:30,603 --> 00:24:31,869 the aircraft for threats. 495 00:24:32,071 --> 00:24:34,805 All the while sensors are detecting exactly 496 00:24:35,007 --> 00:24:37,007 where his monocled right eye is looking. 497 00:24:37,076 --> 00:24:39,810 Just move the monocle across hairs on a target below, 498 00:24:39,879 --> 00:24:41,745 and the weapons he selects will swivel 499 00:24:41,948 --> 00:24:44,014 and aim precisely where he's looking. 500 00:24:47,620 --> 00:24:49,619 - I think the biggest thing 501 00:24:49,688 --> 00:24:51,956 that everybody asks us about is, 502 00:24:52,024 --> 00:24:54,625 if the gun really does follow the line of sight 503 00:24:54,694 --> 00:24:55,492 or where the pilot's looking at 504 00:24:55,561 --> 00:24:56,994 and it absolute does. 505 00:25:00,833 --> 00:25:03,033 - [Narrator] The Apaches arsenal includes 506 00:25:03,101 --> 00:25:05,903 the M230 automatic canon, moded under the fuselage. 507 00:25:06,105 --> 00:25:09,006 It can take out a target more than two miles away. 508 00:25:10,976 --> 00:25:12,509 - [Capt. Hummel] You can shoot an excess 509 00:25:12,578 --> 00:25:14,011 of 600 rounds a minute. 510 00:25:14,713 --> 00:25:15,846 We don't generally do that 511 00:25:15,914 --> 00:25:18,916 but I like to compare it to each round 512 00:25:18,985 --> 00:25:20,985 has almost the capability of a single grenade. 513 00:25:22,922 --> 00:25:23,654 - [Narrator] With the touch of a button, 514 00:25:23,856 --> 00:25:25,922 the pilot can also deploy a variety 515 00:25:25,991 --> 00:25:27,991 of smaller missiles and free flight rockets, 516 00:25:28,060 --> 00:25:30,995 usually mounted and fired from underneath the wings. 517 00:25:31,664 --> 00:25:33,663 But the most powerful weapon 518 00:25:33,732 --> 00:25:36,800 at his disposal is the AGM-114, 519 00:25:36,868 --> 00:25:39,003 aptly known as the hellfire missile. 520 00:25:41,007 --> 00:25:42,806 - [CW4 Chris] That's a missile that'll penetrate 521 00:25:42,874 --> 00:25:44,875 any known armor on the battlefield 522 00:25:45,077 --> 00:25:45,676 and this thing will reach out and touch you 523 00:25:45,878 --> 00:25:49,013 five miles plus, pinpoint accuracy. 524 00:25:51,016 --> 00:25:53,017 - [Narrator] For all the on board firepower, 525 00:25:53,219 --> 00:25:55,953 one of the most reassuring aspects of flying an Apache 526 00:25:56,155 --> 00:25:58,989 is the blanket of security that protects the crew. 527 00:25:59,959 --> 00:26:01,892 The windshield is made of reinforced glass 528 00:26:01,961 --> 00:26:04,995 that can withstand every type of small arms fire. 529 00:26:05,698 --> 00:26:07,565 And the pilot seat is covered 530 00:26:07,767 --> 00:26:08,999 in a heavy duty layer of Kevlar. 531 00:26:12,304 --> 00:26:14,638 - [Capt. Hummel] This aircraft withstood significant damage 532 00:26:14,707 --> 00:26:15,772 in both Iraq and Afghanistan, 533 00:26:15,841 --> 00:26:18,008 a lot of small arms fire, RPG fire. 534 00:26:19,779 --> 00:26:20,644 I think some of them features 535 00:26:20,713 --> 00:26:23,781 that make this aircraft as amazing as it is, 536 00:26:23,849 --> 00:26:25,449 its capability to stay in the fight 537 00:26:25,651 --> 00:26:27,117 for long periods of time. 538 00:26:27,185 --> 00:26:29,786 It's ability to take an excessive amount of enemy fire 539 00:26:29,855 --> 00:26:31,988 and still stay in the fight and provide 540 00:26:32,057 --> 00:26:33,991 that capability to guys that desperately need it. 541 00:26:37,863 --> 00:26:39,730 - [Narrator] It's what makes the Apache 542 00:26:39,932 --> 00:26:40,998 one of the militaries most advanced 543 00:26:44,670 --> 00:26:47,004 and most celebrated aircraft. 544 00:26:49,942 --> 00:26:50,674 For a thrill ride without the heights 545 00:26:50,743 --> 00:26:53,010 and the two-year training course, 546 00:26:56,549 --> 00:26:59,749 (loud engine whirring) 547 00:26:59,818 --> 00:27:01,885 let's try on the wintry speed machine 548 00:27:02,088 --> 00:27:04,989 owned by nearly 2 million people in North America. 549 00:27:08,094 --> 00:27:10,894 - [Patrick] The main lure to riding snowmobiles, 550 00:27:10,963 --> 00:27:13,564 jumping snowmobiles, hill climbing snowmobiles 551 00:27:13,632 --> 00:27:14,999 is the adrenaline rush. 552 00:27:15,968 --> 00:27:18,435 I think that's what drives most people, 553 00:27:18,637 --> 00:27:20,571 Everyone sets up goals 554 00:27:20,773 --> 00:27:22,006 and they want to jump higher, 555 00:27:24,577 --> 00:27:27,011 climb higher, go faster 556 00:27:29,982 --> 00:27:32,983 than they've ever even dreamed possible. 557 00:27:34,853 --> 00:27:36,520 - [Narrator] Racing souped up models 558 00:27:36,588 --> 00:27:37,787 up to 150 miles per hour 559 00:27:37,856 --> 00:27:40,991 and riding big air like these experts 560 00:27:41,994 --> 00:27:43,994 isn't for the average weekend snowmobiler 561 00:27:45,531 --> 00:27:46,997 but it's a ton of fun. 562 00:27:48,801 --> 00:27:51,001 Even without pushing the envelope 563 00:27:51,804 --> 00:27:54,404 and driving isn't that complicated. 564 00:27:54,473 --> 00:27:55,805 - Unlike your car, 565 00:27:55,874 --> 00:27:56,740 snowmobiling is a little bit different 566 00:27:56,942 --> 00:27:59,008 where the controlling of the vehicle 567 00:27:59,078 --> 00:28:01,611 are done with your fingers as opposed to your feet. 568 00:28:01,681 --> 00:28:03,681 As you can see on my snowmobile, 569 00:28:03,883 --> 00:28:06,016 I've got a thumb lever for the gas, 570 00:28:06,085 --> 00:28:09,987 and then I also have a finger lever for your brake. 571 00:28:10,956 --> 00:28:12,756 - [Narrator] Pressing down the gas lever 572 00:28:12,825 --> 00:28:14,992 engages the snowmobiles belt track 573 00:28:17,897 --> 00:28:19,829 which operates on a friction system, 574 00:28:19,898 --> 00:28:21,631 similar to the Bradley fighting vehicle. 575 00:28:21,701 --> 00:28:23,900 Once the belt track is engaged, 576 00:28:23,969 --> 00:28:27,036 how extreme the ride gets is up to the driver. 577 00:28:27,106 --> 00:28:29,573 There are virtually no limits in terms of climbing, 578 00:28:29,775 --> 00:28:30,841 no limits in terms of handling 579 00:28:30,909 --> 00:28:34,011 and as far as jumping in these things, 580 00:28:35,847 --> 00:28:38,015 I mean they've got so much power. 581 00:28:39,118 --> 00:28:41,985 The only thing limiting a rider is their own nerve. 582 00:28:43,188 --> 00:28:45,456 You can carve these snowmobiles through deep powder, 583 00:28:45,658 --> 00:28:46,990 just like it was water. 584 00:28:49,728 --> 00:28:50,861 - [Narrator] And who needs snow? 585 00:28:50,930 --> 00:28:53,130 With a little creativity and the right parts, 586 00:28:53,199 --> 00:28:57,134 the snowmobile can be modified to drive virtually anywhere. 587 00:28:57,202 --> 00:28:58,936 - [Patrick] There's truly nowhere a snowmobile can't go. 588 00:28:59,138 --> 00:29:03,607 You put a few wheels on the skis, a flat track, 589 00:29:03,809 --> 00:29:05,476 you can take it to the asphalt. 590 00:29:05,678 --> 00:29:08,946 You can extend the track, 591 00:29:09,148 --> 00:29:11,682 put a bigger lug on it, take it to the mountains, 592 00:29:11,750 --> 00:29:12,950 or you can take your seat off 593 00:29:13,152 --> 00:29:16,019 and use your standard track and walk across water. 594 00:29:16,222 --> 00:29:19,622 So, with a few simple mods that anybody can do at home, 595 00:29:19,691 --> 00:29:20,991 a snowmobile can go anywhere. 596 00:29:24,563 --> 00:29:26,997 (upbeat drum beats) 597 00:29:29,235 --> 00:29:33,003 Say hello to one of the largest mega machines on the planet, 598 00:29:34,640 --> 00:29:38,008 the 8050 Dragline Crane. 599 00:29:40,980 --> 00:29:43,013 The 8050 Dragline and two others just like it, 600 00:29:45,050 --> 00:29:46,516 do the heavy lifting at this phosphate mine 601 00:29:46,585 --> 00:29:48,986 in Aurora, North Carolina. 602 00:29:51,190 --> 00:29:53,991 The machine weighs a whopping eight million pounds, 603 00:29:55,661 --> 00:29:57,995 thunders with 8,000 horsepower 604 00:30:01,066 --> 00:30:03,000 and sports a boom as tall as the Statue of Liberty. 605 00:30:05,070 --> 00:30:06,870 - The amazing thing about it is it's operated 606 00:30:06,939 --> 00:30:09,006 by one man in that little perch over there. 607 00:30:15,014 --> 00:30:15,946 - [Narrator] Like the driver's seat of a car, 608 00:30:16,148 --> 00:30:18,815 the Dragline 8050 is equipped with a windshield 609 00:30:18,884 --> 00:30:20,884 that allows the operator to watch out 610 00:30:21,086 --> 00:30:23,954 for any potential dangers with one big difference. 611 00:30:24,156 --> 00:30:27,691 In a car, his attention is usually directed ahead, 612 00:30:27,893 --> 00:30:30,827 here, he needs to broaden his focus. 613 00:30:30,896 --> 00:30:32,762 - In a car, you're looking forward to see 614 00:30:32,831 --> 00:30:33,831 what the next driver is going to do 615 00:30:34,033 --> 00:30:35,565 and here, you don't have to worry about that. 616 00:30:35,634 --> 00:30:36,833 You're always looking down 617 00:30:36,902 --> 00:30:38,702 and looking off to your right or left 618 00:30:38,770 --> 00:30:41,037 out of these two windows to see 619 00:30:41,106 --> 00:30:44,174 if anyone has pulled and ended up in your swing path. 620 00:30:44,243 --> 00:30:47,644 Right here, this is like your car steering wheel right here, 621 00:30:47,713 --> 00:30:50,046 and your brake pedal down here. 622 00:30:50,115 --> 00:30:51,447 - [Narrator] The foot pedal swing the enormous boom 623 00:30:51,516 --> 00:30:52,983 from side to side, 624 00:30:58,123 --> 00:31:01,992 levers on the left control the boom's vertical movement 625 00:31:02,194 --> 00:31:04,995 and a panel on the right manipulates the giant bucket. 626 00:31:05,063 --> 00:31:09,666 Every scoop was 52 cubic yards of dirt and rocks 627 00:31:09,734 --> 00:31:11,067 enough to fill a two car garage. 628 00:31:11,136 --> 00:31:14,671 - [Steve] In order to be competitive in this business, 629 00:31:14,873 --> 00:31:15,939 you have to move a lot of materials 630 00:31:16,007 --> 00:31:18,942 and so, the key to it is the amount of ore 631 00:31:19,144 --> 00:31:21,011 that these big guys can pull out of the ground. 632 00:31:22,948 --> 00:31:23,881 - [Narrator] Every scoop contains phosphate, 633 00:31:24,083 --> 00:31:26,950 a substance vital to the production of everything 634 00:31:27,152 --> 00:31:29,987 from toothpaste to soft drinks to flat-screen TVs. 635 00:31:31,824 --> 00:31:32,990 Mining it all is a costly endeavor 636 00:31:33,758 --> 00:31:35,625 and a huge chunk of that expense 637 00:31:35,694 --> 00:31:36,693 is the electricity that powers 638 00:31:36,762 --> 00:31:38,996 each of the mines three Draglines. 639 00:31:39,698 --> 00:31:41,764 - [Steve] It's all electric. 640 00:31:41,833 --> 00:31:42,632 So, our electric bill here at Aurora 641 00:31:42,701 --> 00:31:44,968 is around $3 million a month 642 00:31:45,037 --> 00:31:48,005 and this machine consumes a large part of that. 643 00:31:49,041 --> 00:31:50,440 - [Narrator] Who knew consuming electricity 644 00:31:50,642 --> 00:31:52,009 could be so much fun. 645 00:31:53,912 --> 00:31:55,846 - Oh yeah, it's fun to get on them. 646 00:31:55,914 --> 00:31:57,581 I mean it's like being on a battleship 647 00:31:57,649 --> 00:31:58,915 when you're in the back 648 00:31:58,984 --> 00:32:00,784 and you can't see out, it's rotating around. 649 00:32:00,852 --> 00:32:02,452 So yeah, they are definitely amazing 650 00:32:02,521 --> 00:32:03,987 pieces of equipment. 651 00:32:07,192 --> 00:32:09,993 - [Narrator] This wild ride may be a bucket full of fun. 652 00:32:12,597 --> 00:32:15,999 (loud engine whirring) 653 00:32:17,202 --> 00:32:21,004 But out on the farm, this machine is the pick of the crop. 654 00:32:22,073 --> 00:32:25,676 It's the 32 ton custom built 440 horsepower, 655 00:32:25,878 --> 00:32:27,944 Carrot Harvester. Designed and used 656 00:32:28,013 --> 00:32:31,014 by Bolthouse Farms in Bakersfield, California. 657 00:32:33,619 --> 00:32:35,986 (loud engine revving) 658 00:32:42,961 --> 00:32:45,895 This mega machine is the only one of its kind 659 00:32:45,965 --> 00:32:47,998 and driving it might seem highly complicated 660 00:32:50,903 --> 00:32:53,437 but the truth is the Bolthouse harvester 661 00:32:53,639 --> 00:32:55,005 virtually drives itself. 662 00:32:57,977 --> 00:32:59,910 - We just turned on the machine pretty good 663 00:32:59,978 --> 00:33:03,046 and we turn on your GPS and your screen. 664 00:33:03,115 --> 00:33:05,983 Make sure everything's okay and we're ready to go. 665 00:33:06,985 --> 00:33:09,920 - Like most high-tech harvesters today, 666 00:33:09,988 --> 00:33:11,788 these giant carrot plucker has a specialized 667 00:33:11,856 --> 00:33:13,856 GPS navigation system that keeps it 668 00:33:13,925 --> 00:33:16,860 almost flawlessly aligned with every row. 669 00:33:16,929 --> 00:33:18,595 So, the driver can just sit back and enjoy 670 00:33:18,664 --> 00:33:20,797 the three mile per hour ride. 671 00:33:20,866 --> 00:33:23,000 - Your steering here is steering free. 672 00:33:23,936 --> 00:33:27,070 You don't got your steering no more. 673 00:33:27,139 --> 00:33:28,338 - [Narrator] If he does have to make an adjustment, 674 00:33:28,407 --> 00:33:30,007 it's always tiny 675 00:33:30,209 --> 00:33:33,010 and only takes it his one finger on this touch screen. 676 00:33:33,679 --> 00:33:34,878 Unlike driving a car, 677 00:33:34,947 --> 00:33:37,481 the trick is to not keep eyes on the road, 678 00:33:37,683 --> 00:33:39,683 but on the instruments. 679 00:33:39,751 --> 00:33:40,617 - Well, in a car, you gotta see 680 00:33:40,686 --> 00:33:42,752 'cause you're looking straight, 681 00:33:42,821 --> 00:33:45,021 on these machines you gotta look down 682 00:33:45,090 --> 00:33:47,557 because you got to keep it pretty much straight 683 00:33:47,625 --> 00:33:48,758 to see where you're at. 684 00:33:48,827 --> 00:33:49,960 So, see like right now, right here, 685 00:33:50,028 --> 00:33:52,896 I'm moving just about half an inch to my left, 686 00:33:52,964 --> 00:33:55,498 so I gotta go a half an inch to the right 687 00:33:55,567 --> 00:33:57,767 so I could get lined up, 688 00:33:57,836 --> 00:33:58,635 so I could pick up all the carrots 689 00:33:58,704 --> 00:34:00,003 from the front end pretty good. 690 00:34:03,975 --> 00:34:05,775 - [Narrator] Another big difference between 691 00:34:05,844 --> 00:34:07,778 a car and the Bolthouse harvester 692 00:34:07,980 --> 00:34:09,645 is when it reaches the end of the field 693 00:34:09,714 --> 00:34:11,014 and the driver needs to stop. 694 00:34:12,718 --> 00:34:14,384 Don't look for the brake pedal, 695 00:34:14,452 --> 00:34:15,786 there isn't one. 696 00:34:15,988 --> 00:34:17,587 That's because the harvester is equipped 697 00:34:17,656 --> 00:34:18,989 with a hydrostatic transmission. 698 00:34:20,926 --> 00:34:22,792 That means pressure from hydraulic fluid 699 00:34:22,861 --> 00:34:23,994 is used to turn the drive motors. 700 00:34:26,064 --> 00:34:27,864 To brake, the driver just eases off the throttle 701 00:34:27,933 --> 00:34:29,466 and the flow of fluid to the drive motors 702 00:34:29,535 --> 00:34:32,002 is reduced or stopped. 703 00:34:32,737 --> 00:34:33,936 - So, similar to a forklift, 704 00:34:34,005 --> 00:34:35,872 what we're able to do is by throttling it up 705 00:34:35,941 --> 00:34:38,875 and back and slowly putting it into reverse, 706 00:34:38,944 --> 00:34:40,744 we actually use it as negative pressure, 707 00:34:40,946 --> 00:34:43,412 which creates us to be able to stop it. 708 00:34:43,482 --> 00:34:45,015 (engine whirring) 709 00:34:48,487 --> 00:34:50,687 (upbeat drum beats) 710 00:34:50,755 --> 00:34:51,955 - [Narrator] When it's rolling, 711 00:34:52,157 --> 00:34:53,557 the driver gets a little help from an operator riding 712 00:34:53,759 --> 00:34:55,091 on the rear of the harvester. 713 00:34:55,160 --> 00:34:57,760 It's his job to make sure the conveyor system plucking 714 00:34:57,830 --> 00:34:59,996 the carrots is operating as designed. 715 00:35:00,832 --> 00:35:02,832 At the time the work day is done, 716 00:35:02,901 --> 00:35:05,836 they've picked 500,000 pounds of carrots. 717 00:35:06,038 --> 00:35:09,439 Enough to build 2.7 million three-ounce bags 718 00:35:09,641 --> 00:35:11,007 for kids' lunch boxes. 719 00:35:15,580 --> 00:35:19,115 (upbeat rock music) 720 00:35:19,184 --> 00:35:21,784 Some of the fastest and most dangerous rides around 721 00:35:21,854 --> 00:35:22,719 are experienced from the driver's seats 722 00:35:22,788 --> 00:35:24,988 of two utterly different vehicles, 723 00:35:26,658 --> 00:35:28,992 speed boats and airplanes. 724 00:35:30,862 --> 00:35:32,929 Combining the best elements of each 725 00:35:32,998 --> 00:35:35,932 results in one of the wildest rides of all. 726 00:35:36,001 --> 00:35:39,002 Welcome to the driver's seat of a hydroplane. 727 00:35:45,877 --> 00:35:46,943 - These boats are called hydroplanes 728 00:35:47,012 --> 00:35:50,213 so hydro for the water and plane for the air. 729 00:35:50,281 --> 00:35:52,983 - [Narrator] Here at Mission Bay in San Diego, California, 730 00:35:56,955 --> 00:35:59,155 professional hydroplane drivers are dueling 731 00:35:59,224 --> 00:36:02,993 for top honors at the world series of power boat racing. 732 00:36:03,895 --> 00:36:06,429 But first the driver has to squeeze 733 00:36:06,632 --> 00:36:08,031 into a cockpit so small, 734 00:36:08,233 --> 00:36:12,002 the steering wheel has to come out before he can go in. 735 00:36:12,904 --> 00:36:14,437 - So as you can see in the cockpit, 736 00:36:14,640 --> 00:36:16,006 it seats one, barely. 737 00:36:17,042 --> 00:36:19,042 - [Narrator] The cramped conditions are similar 738 00:36:19,110 --> 00:36:21,578 to the ones found behind the wheel of a Formula One 739 00:36:21,646 --> 00:36:23,013 or Indy style race car. 740 00:36:24,783 --> 00:36:26,583 And, just like race car drivers, 741 00:36:26,785 --> 00:36:27,850 behind the wheel of a hydroplane, 742 00:36:27,920 --> 00:36:30,987 standard attire is a flame resistant suit. 743 00:36:31,857 --> 00:36:33,590 - We have to have a fireproof suit 744 00:36:33,659 --> 00:36:35,592 just in case it catches on fire. 745 00:36:35,661 --> 00:36:37,661 We also have to have the shoes 746 00:36:37,863 --> 00:36:38,728 and the socks and the whole deal. 747 00:36:38,797 --> 00:36:40,596 Next is a helmet, certified helmet. 748 00:36:40,665 --> 00:36:42,932 You gotta have it crash lit. 749 00:36:43,001 --> 00:36:46,002 And in my case, I came across these visors 750 00:36:46,071 --> 00:36:49,472 from the military that I've mounted onto my helmet 751 00:36:49,541 --> 00:36:50,473 in case there's glare. 752 00:36:50,542 --> 00:36:52,008 I got a good visor. 753 00:36:52,944 --> 00:36:53,677 - [Narrator] Underneath the helmet, 754 00:36:53,879 --> 00:36:55,879 he's wearing form fitted ear pieces 755 00:36:55,947 --> 00:36:57,947 that protect his ears from engine noise 756 00:36:58,016 --> 00:37:00,950 and keep him in constant contact with his team. 757 00:37:01,019 --> 00:37:04,821 - It's also works real good to keep the water 758 00:37:04,890 --> 00:37:06,756 out of your ears if you're upside down. 759 00:37:06,958 --> 00:37:09,092 Unfortunately, sometimes that'll happen. 760 00:37:09,161 --> 00:37:11,094 - [Narrator] Anyone in the driver's seat of a hydroplane 761 00:37:11,163 --> 00:37:15,765 also wears a specialized neck brace called a Hans device 762 00:37:15,834 --> 00:37:17,767 which keeps the head and neck secure 763 00:37:17,836 --> 00:37:19,569 during even the most brutal crashes. 764 00:37:19,771 --> 00:37:21,571 - Sometimes we're in so tight, 765 00:37:21,773 --> 00:37:22,572 it's hard to breathe at first 766 00:37:22,640 --> 00:37:25,008 but you get used to it. 767 00:37:26,245 --> 00:37:29,712 And then, last but not least very critical is our air mask. 768 00:37:29,781 --> 00:37:32,648 And it's like an F16 fighter mask. 769 00:37:32,717 --> 00:37:33,716 Got my communication in here. 770 00:37:33,785 --> 00:37:35,584 It seals really tight to my face. 771 00:37:35,654 --> 00:37:37,721 In case, we are upside down, 772 00:37:37,923 --> 00:37:39,990 the cockpits will fill up with water. 773 00:37:41,593 --> 00:37:45,996 (melodic electronic music) 774 00:37:47,065 --> 00:37:48,665 - [Narrator] The only thing hydroplane drivers 775 00:37:48,867 --> 00:37:51,868 need more than safety is stamina. 776 00:37:52,070 --> 00:37:53,602 - [J.W.] Just physically exhausting to be able 777 00:37:53,672 --> 00:37:54,136 to turn the steering wheel, 778 00:37:54,205 --> 00:37:55,604 run the canard wings 779 00:37:55,674 --> 00:37:57,941 and just physically hold on 780 00:37:58,009 --> 00:37:59,608 and keep your head up and keep your focus 781 00:37:59,678 --> 00:38:02,612 is unbelievably exhausting. 782 00:38:02,680 --> 00:38:05,982 (loud hydroplane skimming) 783 00:38:06,885 --> 00:38:08,484 It's not a paved track like you'd find 784 00:38:08,553 --> 00:38:09,819 typical in auto racing. 785 00:38:09,888 --> 00:38:11,888 It's very bumpy and you're going through 786 00:38:12,090 --> 00:38:16,559 a turn at anywhere between three to 4 1/2 g's. 787 00:38:16,762 --> 00:38:17,994 It becomes extremely violent. 788 00:38:18,897 --> 00:38:20,630 - [Narrator] Traveling at a max speed 789 00:38:20,698 --> 00:38:22,899 of 200 plus miles per hour, 790 00:38:22,968 --> 00:38:25,001 a hydroplane is the fastest thing on water. 791 00:38:27,105 --> 00:38:29,105 Though as the driver of one of these crafts knows 792 00:38:29,174 --> 00:38:32,008 very little of the vehicle actually touches the water. 793 00:38:33,978 --> 00:38:36,579 In fact, a hydroplane is designed to keep 794 00:38:36,782 --> 00:38:38,581 as little of the boat in contact 795 00:38:38,784 --> 00:38:40,717 with the surface as possible. 796 00:38:40,919 --> 00:38:43,052 Essentially it flies over the water. 797 00:38:43,588 --> 00:38:45,588 Here's how it works. 798 00:38:45,657 --> 00:38:47,656 The bottom of the craft is flat, 799 00:38:47,726 --> 00:38:49,793 but the deck is a smooth curve, 800 00:38:49,995 --> 00:38:51,995 shaped like the edge of an airplane wing. 801 00:38:52,063 --> 00:38:55,064 The design forces oncoming air to travel slower 802 00:38:55,133 --> 00:39:00,003 over the top of the craft than the bottom creating lift. 803 00:39:00,071 --> 00:39:02,539 Ideally only the propeller remains in the water 804 00:39:02,607 --> 00:39:04,007 to provide propulsion. 805 00:39:05,143 --> 00:39:08,812 - [J.W.] A hydroplane relies on air pressure to run. 806 00:39:08,880 --> 00:39:10,613 So it's got a tunnel in the middle 807 00:39:10,816 --> 00:39:12,816 and the sponsons on the outside 808 00:39:12,884 --> 00:39:13,883 and the air rushing through there, 809 00:39:13,952 --> 00:39:16,986 it actually suspends the boat above the water. 810 00:39:17,756 --> 00:39:18,621 - [Mark] And due to the fact that 811 00:39:18,690 --> 00:39:21,024 we got a lot of aerodynamics, 812 00:39:21,226 --> 00:39:23,827 we have a front wing now that we run with our left foot 813 00:39:24,029 --> 00:39:25,094 and I could actually bring this thing down 814 00:39:25,163 --> 00:39:28,030 and create lift and get the nose of the boat to come up, 815 00:39:28,100 --> 00:39:29,766 which is pretty dangerous especially when it's windy. 816 00:39:29,835 --> 00:39:30,633 And then, if we get going too fast, 817 00:39:30,702 --> 00:39:31,768 I can just bring it back down. 818 00:39:31,836 --> 00:39:33,002 So, we literally just fly the boat. 819 00:39:35,039 --> 00:39:36,906 - [Narrator] But the craft's aerodynamic shape 820 00:39:37,108 --> 00:39:39,776 and its front wing aren't the only design features 821 00:39:39,845 --> 00:39:41,511 that make the experience behind the wheel 822 00:39:41,579 --> 00:39:43,012 less about boating, 823 00:39:46,518 --> 00:39:47,984 and more about flying. 824 00:39:52,057 --> 00:39:54,590 The most commonly used engine in hydroplanes 825 00:39:54,659 --> 00:39:58,128 is a 3000-horsepower turbine. 826 00:39:58,330 --> 00:40:00,997 The same one used on the army's hulking Chinook helicopters. 827 00:40:02,801 --> 00:40:04,600 As this driver races atop of water 828 00:40:04,669 --> 00:40:06,803 at more than 200 miles per hour, 829 00:40:07,005 --> 00:40:09,806 he's riding a fine edge between control. 830 00:40:09,875 --> 00:40:11,541 - [Announcer] Jeff Bernard crashes out 831 00:40:11,609 --> 00:40:12,608 at the end of block one. 832 00:40:12,677 --> 00:40:14,010 - [Narrator] And catastrophe. 833 00:40:18,150 --> 00:40:21,985 Generate too much lift and the results could be fatal. 834 00:40:25,290 --> 00:40:28,758 In one terrifying incident at a race on the Detroit River, 835 00:40:28,826 --> 00:40:31,761 a malfunction sent J.W. careening 836 00:40:31,963 --> 00:40:33,496 toward a seawall crowded with spectators 837 00:40:33,565 --> 00:40:35,999 at 70 miles per hour. 838 00:40:37,969 --> 00:40:40,035 The wreck could have been life-threatening, 839 00:40:40,104 --> 00:40:43,373 but thanks to the arsenal of safety equipment inside 840 00:40:43,575 --> 00:40:44,174 the driver's seat, 841 00:40:44,376 --> 00:40:46,443 J.W. only suffered a broken foot. 842 00:40:46,645 --> 00:40:48,043 - I'm extremely lucky. 843 00:40:48,112 --> 00:40:51,981 The cockpits that we have now are unbelievably safe. 844 00:40:52,050 --> 00:40:53,916 And, nobody, when they engineered these cockpits, 845 00:40:53,985 --> 00:40:56,585 never, ever would have thought of a scenario 846 00:40:56,654 --> 00:40:58,922 going straight into a wall. 847 00:40:58,990 --> 00:41:00,990 Yeah, I got a broken foot but that, big deal. 848 00:41:05,530 --> 00:41:06,996 - On the glassy water, 849 00:41:10,001 --> 00:41:13,002 over rough terrain and through smokey skies, 850 00:41:14,139 --> 00:41:16,005 some of the most action packed moments in life 851 00:41:17,542 --> 00:41:20,009 happen in a wild ride. 852 00:41:21,012 --> 00:41:23,546 All it takes is an expertly designed vehicle, 853 00:41:23,615 --> 00:41:25,014 a mastery of the controls 854 00:41:25,750 --> 00:41:27,984 and the will to push the limits. 855 00:41:30,489 --> 00:41:31,988 Add it all together 856 00:41:33,024 --> 00:41:34,991 and you've got the recipe for a wild ride.