1 00:00:01,068 --> 00:00:04,003 - [Narrator] They can go anywhere and see everything. 2 00:00:04,205 --> 00:00:07,539 - You can run, but you're only gonna go to jail tired. 3 00:00:07,607 --> 00:00:09,007 (helicopter rumbling) 4 00:00:09,076 --> 00:00:09,741 - [Narrator] They can bring death from above. 5 00:00:09,810 --> 00:00:11,143 (bomb explodes) (dramatic music) 6 00:00:11,212 --> 00:00:14,479 - The most devastating killer for ground force commanders. 7 00:00:14,548 --> 00:00:15,881 (helicopter rumbling) 8 00:00:16,083 --> 00:00:17,816 - [Narrator] Or they can be an aerial lifeline. 9 00:00:17,884 --> 00:00:18,951 (helicopter whirring) (dramatic music) 10 00:00:19,153 --> 00:00:20,285 - [Pilot] Roger, looks like we found our survivor. 11 00:00:20,488 --> 00:00:21,820 (water sloshing) 12 00:00:21,888 --> 00:00:22,688 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 13 00:00:22,890 --> 00:00:24,423 - [Narrator] They're heavy lifters. 14 00:00:24,625 --> 00:00:25,424 (helicopter whirring) 15 00:00:25,492 --> 00:00:26,425 And firefighters. 16 00:00:26,627 --> 00:00:27,892 (helicopter whirring) 17 00:00:27,961 --> 00:00:31,096 Start your preflight checks and buckle in, 18 00:00:31,165 --> 00:00:35,500 because now it's ultimate helicopters on "Modern Marvels". 19 00:00:35,569 --> 00:00:37,368 (helicopter rumbling) 20 00:00:37,438 --> 00:00:38,303 (upbeat music) 21 00:00:38,506 --> 00:00:41,006 (gears cranking) 22 00:00:42,510 --> 00:00:45,376 (water bubbling) 23 00:00:45,446 --> 00:00:49,514 (gentle music) 24 00:00:49,583 --> 00:00:51,850 (helicopters whirring) 25 00:00:51,918 --> 00:00:54,853 Helicopters, our skies are full of them. 26 00:00:55,055 --> 00:00:57,055 Unlike airplanes, they offer the unique ability 27 00:00:57,124 --> 00:01:01,460 to fly in any direction or just hover in one spot. 28 00:01:01,529 --> 00:01:03,061 (helicopter whirring) 29 00:01:03,130 --> 00:01:05,730 And when this ability is combined with lethal firepower, 30 00:01:05,800 --> 00:01:09,334 you get the Apache AH-64D Longbow. 31 00:01:09,403 --> 00:01:10,536 (upbeat music) 32 00:01:10,604 --> 00:01:12,404 One of the deadliest helicopters in the army's arsenal. 33 00:01:12,472 --> 00:01:15,007 (upbeat music) 34 00:01:16,077 --> 00:01:19,545 - The AH-64D, it's primarily an attack helicopter 35 00:01:19,747 --> 00:01:20,812 or a gunship as we call it. 36 00:01:20,881 --> 00:01:22,881 Its primary mission is to attack. 37 00:01:23,083 --> 00:01:25,150 And what it does is it actually goes to where 38 00:01:25,219 --> 00:01:28,019 the tracers are coming from and actually engages the enemy 39 00:01:28,089 --> 00:01:30,488 that are engaging our friendly forces on the ground. 40 00:01:30,557 --> 00:01:32,023 (helicopter whirring) 41 00:01:32,093 --> 00:01:35,627 - [Narrator] With a top speed of 166 miles per hour, 42 00:01:35,695 --> 00:01:36,828 the Apache gets there fast. 43 00:01:36,897 --> 00:01:40,365 Ready to unload an array of deadly fire. 44 00:01:40,568 --> 00:01:41,766 (missile wheezing) 45 00:01:41,836 --> 00:01:42,501 - These are the 19-shot rocket pods. 46 00:01:42,703 --> 00:01:44,836 Inside each we can fit 19, 47 00:01:44,905 --> 00:01:47,839 2.75-inch folding fin aerial rockets. 48 00:01:47,908 --> 00:01:50,576 They come in multiple configurations. 49 00:01:50,644 --> 00:01:52,844 And on the inboard pylon, 50 00:01:52,913 --> 00:01:53,846 you have the Hellfire missile rack. 51 00:01:54,048 --> 00:01:57,382 These are laser-guided anti-tank missiles. 52 00:01:57,451 --> 00:01:58,383 (missile whirring) 53 00:01:58,452 --> 00:02:00,919 (missile booming) 54 00:02:00,988 --> 00:02:02,988 - [Narrator] The Apache could be configured 55 00:02:03,056 --> 00:02:05,457 to hold multiple rocket pods or missile racks, 56 00:02:05,659 --> 00:02:07,058 depending on the mission. 57 00:02:07,127 --> 00:02:09,928 (helicopter whirring) (pilot speaking indistinctly) 58 00:02:09,996 --> 00:02:12,597 The last of the AH-64's weapons is located 59 00:02:12,666 --> 00:02:14,332 right underneath the cockpit. 60 00:02:14,401 --> 00:02:15,601 (upbeat music) 61 00:02:15,803 --> 00:02:17,135 - If you ask most Apache pilots 62 00:02:17,204 --> 00:02:18,870 this is their favorite weapon system on the aircraft. 63 00:02:18,939 --> 00:02:21,472 This is a 30-millimeter chain cannon. 64 00:02:21,542 --> 00:02:22,340 - [Pilot] And fire. 65 00:02:22,409 --> 00:02:24,142 (cannon popping) 66 00:02:24,211 --> 00:02:26,745 - [Narrator] Carrying up to 1,200 rounds of ammunition, 67 00:02:26,814 --> 00:02:29,615 the chain cannon can fire 600 to 650 68 00:02:29,817 --> 00:02:30,983 anti-personnel rounds a minute. 69 00:02:33,086 --> 00:02:35,620 They explode on impact and can punch through trucks 70 00:02:35,689 --> 00:02:37,488 and even light armored vehicles. 71 00:02:37,558 --> 00:02:39,091 (gentle upbeat music) 72 00:02:39,293 --> 00:02:41,159 To control the cannon, the pilot uses a monocular eyepiece 73 00:02:41,228 --> 00:02:44,629 attached to the helmet that displays targeting information. 74 00:02:44,698 --> 00:02:46,965 This connects to the chain cannon 75 00:02:47,167 --> 00:02:49,501 and automatically aims where the pilot is looking. 76 00:02:49,703 --> 00:02:50,769 Sensors track the movement 77 00:02:50,837 --> 00:02:52,837 and direction of the pilot's helmet 78 00:02:52,906 --> 00:02:55,373 and direct the cannon where to point. 79 00:02:55,442 --> 00:02:57,843 (dramatic music) 80 00:02:57,911 --> 00:02:59,578 - So if I happen to look at a target, 81 00:02:59,646 --> 00:03:01,113 left, right, up and down, 82 00:03:01,315 --> 00:03:02,781 this gun will move left and right up and down and follow it. 83 00:03:02,850 --> 00:03:03,514 All you gotta do is pull the trigger. 84 00:03:03,584 --> 00:03:07,853 (helicopter whirring) 85 00:03:07,921 --> 00:03:09,187 - [Narrator] The Apache is also equipped 86 00:03:09,256 --> 00:03:11,590 with state-of-the-art sensors located on top of the rotor 87 00:03:11,659 --> 00:03:13,058 and on the bottom of the nose 88 00:03:13,127 --> 00:03:16,594 that allow pilots to see any enemies that can see them. 89 00:03:16,663 --> 00:03:17,863 (helicopter engine roaring) 90 00:03:17,931 --> 00:03:19,464 - The part on top of that is a new site 91 00:03:19,533 --> 00:03:20,732 for the Longbow radar. 92 00:03:20,934 --> 00:03:23,935 It's the Fire Control Radar system. 93 00:03:24,004 --> 00:03:26,604 We can look out with a millimeter wave radar, 94 00:03:26,673 --> 00:03:28,673 look for tanks in the open. 95 00:03:28,742 --> 00:03:30,809 Get all that data to our computers 96 00:03:30,878 --> 00:03:32,678 that'll translate to a firing solution. 97 00:03:32,746 --> 00:03:34,546 (pilot speaking indistinctly) 98 00:03:34,614 --> 00:03:35,546 (helicopter whirring) 99 00:03:35,616 --> 00:03:36,481 - [Narrator] Night combat presents few problems 100 00:03:36,684 --> 00:03:38,416 for the Apache Longbow. 101 00:03:39,219 --> 00:03:41,486 - This is the Target Acquisition and Designating System, 102 00:03:41,555 --> 00:03:43,989 also known as the TADS. 103 00:03:44,892 --> 00:03:45,757 It's on the bottom side of this turret 104 00:03:45,826 --> 00:03:47,626 and we have a night system right here 105 00:03:47,695 --> 00:03:50,095 which is Forward Looking Infared. 106 00:03:50,297 --> 00:03:52,898 It uses different temperatures and heat to detect targets. 107 00:03:53,100 --> 00:03:55,900 This side is the day TV side for day television. 108 00:03:55,970 --> 00:03:59,104 Also has a laser range finder and designator 109 00:03:59,172 --> 00:04:00,972 for designating targets for laser-guided munitions. 110 00:04:01,041 --> 00:04:03,775 On the top here is the pilot night vision sensor. 111 00:04:03,844 --> 00:04:05,978 That's purely for flying at nighttime. 112 00:04:06,180 --> 00:04:08,380 - [Narrator] These sensors allow the Apache pilots 113 00:04:08,582 --> 00:04:09,715 to see everything. 114 00:04:09,917 --> 00:04:11,383 Even who is friend and who is foe. 115 00:04:11,451 --> 00:04:12,984 (dramatic music) 116 00:04:13,053 --> 00:04:15,053 - We don't indiscriminately just shoot at people. 117 00:04:15,122 --> 00:04:17,722 With this aircraft because of it's digital capability 118 00:04:17,791 --> 00:04:20,592 we can zero in on just those people 119 00:04:20,660 --> 00:04:22,794 that are doing bad things. 120 00:04:22,863 --> 00:04:23,861 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 121 00:04:23,930 --> 00:04:25,730 - [Narrator] The Apache's extreme lethality 122 00:04:25,799 --> 00:04:27,933 also makes it a threat deterrent. 123 00:04:28,001 --> 00:04:29,735 The mere presence of the Apache in the sky 124 00:04:29,937 --> 00:04:30,869 is often enough to dissuade the enemy 125 00:04:30,937 --> 00:04:34,138 from attacking friendly ground forces. 126 00:04:35,075 --> 00:04:36,942 - [Jerry] Sometimes all takes is for us to show up 127 00:04:37,144 --> 00:04:39,745 and the enemy stops shooting and they disappear. 128 00:04:39,947 --> 00:04:41,012 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 129 00:04:41,081 --> 00:04:42,881 - [Narrator] But the Apache isn't the only tool 130 00:04:42,949 --> 00:04:44,983 in the military's fleet of helicopters. 131 00:04:46,286 --> 00:04:48,820 Different missions required different kinds of abilities. 132 00:04:49,022 --> 00:04:51,823 Like those found in the UH-60M Black Hawk. 133 00:04:51,891 --> 00:04:53,692 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 134 00:04:53,761 --> 00:04:54,760 Unlike the Apache that's designed 135 00:04:54,828 --> 00:04:56,828 for the specific purpose of attack, 136 00:04:57,030 --> 00:04:58,430 the Black Hawk serves a multipurpose role. 137 00:04:58,632 --> 00:04:59,765 (helicopter whirring) 138 00:04:59,967 --> 00:05:02,834 - This is a UH-60 Mike model Black Hawk. 139 00:05:02,903 --> 00:05:05,970 And the UH-60 is a utility helicopter. 140 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:08,106 The UH-60 is probably one of the versatile aircraft 141 00:05:08,174 --> 00:05:10,709 in the army and it can conduct mission from ranges of 142 00:05:10,911 --> 00:05:12,977 air assault operations in combat, 143 00:05:13,046 --> 00:05:14,913 which we can take fully loaded combat soldiers 144 00:05:14,982 --> 00:05:17,182 and air assault missions onto the battlefield. 145 00:05:17,251 --> 00:05:20,919 And then we can turn around and pick up logistical supplies 146 00:05:20,988 --> 00:05:24,856 from swing loading water, pallets or MRE pallets 147 00:05:24,925 --> 00:05:27,592 or ammunition to help resupply soldiers. 148 00:05:27,661 --> 00:05:29,060 We can do a medevac missions, 149 00:05:29,129 --> 00:05:30,929 which is picking up casualties on the battlefield, 150 00:05:30,998 --> 00:05:34,065 delivering to the medical treatment facilities, 151 00:05:34,134 --> 00:05:35,400 which has drastically increased their survivability 152 00:05:35,602 --> 00:05:36,802 on the battlefield. 153 00:05:36,870 --> 00:05:38,937 - Number one and number two battery, 154 00:05:39,005 --> 00:05:41,873 battery utility bus, circuit breakers are in. 155 00:05:41,942 --> 00:05:42,473 - [Narrator] The Black Hawk helicopter crew 156 00:05:42,542 --> 00:05:43,475 includes two pilots. 157 00:05:43,544 --> 00:05:46,945 (helicopter whirring) 158 00:05:47,014 --> 00:05:49,814 To fly it the pilots must use both hands and feet. 159 00:05:49,883 --> 00:05:51,416 The helicopter's superior maneuverability 160 00:05:51,618 --> 00:05:53,418 comes with complexity. 161 00:05:53,620 --> 00:05:54,886 (helicopter whirring) 162 00:05:55,088 --> 00:05:56,754 The key to understanding how to fly a Black Hawk 163 00:05:56,823 --> 00:05:58,990 or any helicopter starts at the hub. 164 00:06:00,094 --> 00:06:03,094 - The hub is the central portion of the rotor system. 165 00:06:03,163 --> 00:06:06,497 It's the part where all four rotor blades hook together. 166 00:06:06,566 --> 00:06:07,698 (helicopter whirring) 167 00:06:07,768 --> 00:06:08,900 - [Narrator] The hub or rotor disc 168 00:06:09,102 --> 00:06:11,703 tilts to give the helicopter directional flight 169 00:06:11,905 --> 00:06:14,572 and it's controlled by the cyclic. 170 00:06:14,641 --> 00:06:15,440 (helicopter engine roaring) 171 00:06:15,642 --> 00:06:17,108 - This is the cyclic. 172 00:06:17,177 --> 00:06:19,644 This provides us directional control either at a hover 173 00:06:19,712 --> 00:06:24,048 or in a cruise flight mode. 174 00:06:24,118 --> 00:06:27,919 With the cyclic, I'm actually tilting the rotor disc 175 00:06:27,988 --> 00:06:29,588 in the direction that I'm pushing the cyclic. 176 00:06:29,790 --> 00:06:31,790 So therefore, if I'm at a hover 177 00:06:31,858 --> 00:06:34,058 and I move the cyclic to the right, 178 00:06:34,128 --> 00:06:36,728 then the aircraft rotor disc is gonna tilt to the right 179 00:06:36,797 --> 00:06:38,463 and I'm gonna drift to the right. 180 00:06:38,532 --> 00:06:39,197 (helicopter whirring) 181 00:06:39,266 --> 00:06:40,799 If I push the cyclic forward, 182 00:06:41,001 --> 00:06:42,867 the rotor system is gonna tilt forward, 183 00:06:42,936 --> 00:06:44,936 the aircraft is gonna go into the descent 184 00:06:45,005 --> 00:06:47,605 and I look outside and the houses on the ground 185 00:06:47,674 --> 00:06:48,873 are actually getting bigger 186 00:06:48,942 --> 00:06:49,541 because I'm getting closer to the ground. 187 00:06:49,609 --> 00:06:50,608 (helicopter whirring) 188 00:06:50,677 --> 00:06:52,210 - [Narrator] To control the lift 189 00:06:52,278 --> 00:06:56,080 or thrust of the helicopter, the pilot uses the collective. 190 00:06:57,150 --> 00:06:58,483 - The flight control that I have in my left hand here 191 00:06:58,552 --> 00:06:59,617 is called the collective. 192 00:06:59,686 --> 00:07:01,887 And it's called the collective 193 00:07:02,089 --> 00:07:04,823 because it collectively puts blade pitch angle 194 00:07:05,025 --> 00:07:07,892 into all four rotor blades at the same time. 195 00:07:07,961 --> 00:07:09,828 The more pitch I want in the rotor blade, 196 00:07:09,896 --> 00:07:10,295 the higher up I pull the collective. 197 00:07:10,497 --> 00:07:11,830 (upbeat music) 198 00:07:11,898 --> 00:07:13,899 - The pitch angle determines how fast 199 00:07:14,101 --> 00:07:16,701 the helicopter will lift off the ground in a hover 200 00:07:16,904 --> 00:07:18,437 or how fast it will fly in flight. 201 00:07:18,639 --> 00:07:19,770 (helicopter whirring) 202 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:22,507 A zero angle will produce zero lift. 203 00:07:22,576 --> 00:07:23,775 As the pitch increases, 204 00:07:23,977 --> 00:07:25,510 the blades will push more air downward, 205 00:07:25,712 --> 00:07:27,512 resulting in greater lift. 206 00:07:27,581 --> 00:07:28,980 (helicopter whirring) 207 00:07:29,182 --> 00:07:31,917 Once in the air, the pilot pushes the cyclic forward 208 00:07:32,119 --> 00:07:33,318 to start the helicopter in a forward direction. 209 00:07:33,387 --> 00:07:34,519 (upbeat music) 210 00:07:34,587 --> 00:07:35,253 (helicopter whirring) 211 00:07:35,455 --> 00:07:36,854 (indistinct) 212 00:07:36,923 --> 00:07:38,923 - [Pilot] Slow down you're in the orbit 213 00:07:38,992 --> 00:07:39,991 and just let you catch up to us, how about that? 214 00:07:40,059 --> 00:07:41,459 - [Narrator] As the pilot flies the aircraft, 215 00:07:41,528 --> 00:07:42,994 he uses the tail rotor 216 00:07:43,196 --> 00:07:44,996 to keep the nose of the helicopter pointing forward. 217 00:07:47,200 --> 00:07:49,935 - The purpose of that tail rotor is to provide thrust 218 00:07:50,137 --> 00:07:52,937 in the opposite direction of the main rotor turning 219 00:07:53,006 --> 00:07:55,940 so that we can maintain our direction on flight. 220 00:07:56,009 --> 00:07:57,475 (upbeat music) - Since the main rotor system 221 00:07:57,544 --> 00:07:58,743 turns counter-clockwise, 222 00:07:58,946 --> 00:08:00,745 there's an equal and opposite reaction 223 00:08:00,948 --> 00:08:02,013 that forces the fuselage clockwise. 224 00:08:03,617 --> 00:08:04,816 Tail rotor counters that. 225 00:08:04,884 --> 00:08:05,816 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 226 00:08:05,886 --> 00:08:07,953 It works the same way as the main rotor 227 00:08:08,155 --> 00:08:10,822 in that its blades increase pitch to gain thrust. 228 00:08:10,890 --> 00:08:12,757 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 229 00:08:12,826 --> 00:08:13,558 To maintain a pitch that will keep 230 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:15,961 the helicopter moving forward, 231 00:08:16,163 --> 00:08:17,996 the pilot uses his feet to control the tail rotor. 232 00:08:19,566 --> 00:08:21,099 - If I push left pedal, 233 00:08:21,168 --> 00:08:24,002 then that causes the nose of the helicopter to turn left. 234 00:08:24,637 --> 00:08:26,037 (helicopter rumbling) 235 00:08:26,106 --> 00:08:28,439 And then I use counter pressure on the opposite pedal 236 00:08:28,509 --> 00:08:30,508 to stop that motion. 237 00:08:30,577 --> 00:08:32,376 (helicopter rumbling) 238 00:08:32,445 --> 00:08:33,912 (upbeat music) 239 00:08:33,981 --> 00:08:34,779 - [Narrator] The Black Hawk has two crew chiefs 240 00:08:34,848 --> 00:08:35,714 who are responsible for everything 241 00:08:35,916 --> 00:08:37,983 that happens from the cockpit, back. 242 00:08:39,586 --> 00:08:40,785 - We have two crew members 243 00:08:40,854 --> 00:08:42,053 that sit in the back of the aircraft 244 00:08:42,122 --> 00:08:44,322 and they're predominantly crew chiefs and door gunners. 245 00:08:44,391 --> 00:08:45,056 (upbeat music) 246 00:08:45,125 --> 00:08:45,790 And they assist with the loading 247 00:08:45,858 --> 00:08:47,525 and unloading of the aircraft. 248 00:08:47,594 --> 00:08:48,660 We're a utility helicopter 249 00:08:48,862 --> 00:08:49,995 so we want to get in and get out. 250 00:08:50,197 --> 00:08:52,197 And the door guns are predominantly there to assist 251 00:08:52,265 --> 00:08:55,533 in the suppression of the enemy and provide area coverage. 252 00:08:55,602 --> 00:08:57,002 (helicopter rumbling) 253 00:08:57,070 --> 00:08:58,202 - [Narrator] The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter 254 00:08:58,272 --> 00:09:02,807 is the successor to the old UH-1 Huey from the Vietnam war. 255 00:09:02,876 --> 00:09:04,008 (helicopter whirring) (dramatic music) 256 00:09:04,077 --> 00:09:06,143 The Hueys became the workhorses of the military. 257 00:09:06,212 --> 00:09:10,015 And much like the Black Hawks, held many different roles. 258 00:09:10,217 --> 00:09:12,950 They evacuated wounded soldiers, transported troops, 259 00:09:13,019 --> 00:09:16,488 dropped supplies and were even used as gunships. 260 00:09:16,556 --> 00:09:18,557 (missiles whirring) 261 00:09:18,759 --> 00:09:20,091 But while the Huey pilots flew 262 00:09:20,159 --> 00:09:22,994 using only visual references on the ground and maps, 263 00:09:24,230 --> 00:09:26,631 Black Hawk pilots fly with state-of-the-art instruments. 264 00:09:26,699 --> 00:09:28,032 (helicopter engine roaring) 265 00:09:28,101 --> 00:09:29,901 - This aircraft really takes the technology we have 266 00:09:30,103 --> 00:09:32,504 in the civilian sector and moves army aviation 267 00:09:32,572 --> 00:09:33,505 to the 21st century. 268 00:09:33,707 --> 00:09:34,772 It really does two things. 269 00:09:34,841 --> 00:09:35,906 It increases our situational awareness 270 00:09:35,976 --> 00:09:39,043 so that when we have the moving map displays, 271 00:09:39,112 --> 00:09:41,912 it's very easy for an aviator to know where he's at 272 00:09:41,982 --> 00:09:43,181 and to know what's going on the battlefield, 273 00:09:43,250 --> 00:09:45,917 whether it's an enemy situation that's graphically depicted 274 00:09:46,119 --> 00:09:49,320 or the GPS technology of knowing his exact location 275 00:09:49,389 --> 00:09:50,388 at all times. 276 00:09:50,456 --> 00:09:52,857 (upbeat music) 277 00:09:52,926 --> 00:09:55,126 - Along with modern navigation systems, 278 00:09:55,195 --> 00:09:57,529 the Black Hawk incorporates an on board autopilot system 279 00:09:57,731 --> 00:09:59,330 known as a flight director. 280 00:09:59,399 --> 00:10:00,732 (dramatic music) 281 00:10:00,934 --> 00:10:02,734 It allows the helicopter to fly itself. 282 00:10:02,936 --> 00:10:04,135 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 283 00:10:04,204 --> 00:10:07,004 - And you actually control the airspeed, altitude, heading 284 00:10:07,073 --> 00:10:10,808 or course to make the aircraft fly a flight plan 285 00:10:10,877 --> 00:10:12,611 with the flight director and never touch 286 00:10:12,813 --> 00:10:13,678 the conventional flight controls. 287 00:10:13,747 --> 00:10:15,146 That reduces the pilot workload 288 00:10:15,348 --> 00:10:18,817 and allows the pilot to focus his attention in other areas. 289 00:10:18,885 --> 00:10:20,752 (helicopter rumbling) (dramatic music) 290 00:10:20,954 --> 00:10:21,553 - [Narrator] These Black Hawks are used 291 00:10:21,755 --> 00:10:23,621 for many different operations. 292 00:10:23,690 --> 00:10:25,557 But sometimes there's a mission 293 00:10:25,759 --> 00:10:26,691 that even a versatile chopper 294 00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:28,827 like the Black Hawk can't handle. 295 00:10:28,895 --> 00:10:29,995 (dramatic music) (helicopter rumbling) 296 00:10:34,367 --> 00:10:35,700 (upbeat music) - [Narrator] Helicopters, they're sleek machines 297 00:10:35,902 --> 00:10:38,169 able to quickly fly in any direction 298 00:10:39,039 --> 00:10:40,438 and a crucial component of our nation's arsenal 299 00:10:40,507 --> 00:10:42,374 on the battlefield. 300 00:10:42,576 --> 00:10:43,308 (missile explodes) 301 00:10:43,510 --> 00:10:44,442 (dramatic music) 302 00:10:44,510 --> 00:10:45,643 While the Army's Apache is primarily designed 303 00:10:45,712 --> 00:10:48,013 to be a lethal killing machine, 304 00:10:49,182 --> 00:10:51,983 and the Black Hawk, a multipurpose combat helicopter, 305 00:10:52,919 --> 00:10:54,452 when it's time to do some heavy lifting, 306 00:10:54,521 --> 00:10:56,320 you call in the Marines. 307 00:10:56,390 --> 00:10:57,988 (dramatic music) 308 00:10:58,058 --> 00:10:59,590 The workhorse of the military's helicopter fleet 309 00:10:59,659 --> 00:11:03,394 is the CH-53K King Stallion. 310 00:11:03,463 --> 00:11:04,996 (dramatic music) 311 00:11:05,065 --> 00:11:09,000 And it's older brother, the CH-53E Super Stallion. 312 00:11:11,071 --> 00:11:14,805 A Black Hawk weighs just over 10 1/2 thousand pounds 313 00:11:14,874 --> 00:11:17,408 and stands 16 feet, 10 inches high. 314 00:11:17,477 --> 00:11:18,943 (upbeat music) 315 00:11:19,012 --> 00:11:21,813 The Apache weighs in at nearly 11,500 pounds 316 00:11:21,882 --> 00:11:24,348 and stands 12 feet, seven inches high. 317 00:11:24,418 --> 00:11:25,884 (upbeat music) 318 00:11:26,086 --> 00:11:29,888 But the Super Stallion weighs over 33,000 pounds 319 00:11:30,090 --> 00:11:33,357 and towers nearly three stories high at 28 feet. 320 00:11:33,426 --> 00:11:34,959 (upbeat music) 321 00:11:35,162 --> 00:11:38,096 It can carry internal loads of up to 20,000 pounds 322 00:11:38,164 --> 00:11:41,632 in the cargo hold or external loads of 32,000 pounds 323 00:11:41,701 --> 00:11:43,367 hung underneath the aircraft. 324 00:11:43,436 --> 00:11:44,903 (dramatic music) 325 00:11:44,971 --> 00:11:47,005 It can carry everything from armed troops 326 00:11:48,040 --> 00:11:48,906 to armored vehicles. (helicopter whirring) 327 00:11:48,975 --> 00:11:51,442 - Well, the primary mission of the helicopter 328 00:11:51,511 --> 00:11:53,044 is assault support. 329 00:11:53,112 --> 00:11:54,579 Carrying troops and equipment around the theater 330 00:11:54,781 --> 00:11:56,046 or wherever we're operating at 331 00:11:56,116 --> 00:11:58,650 to make sure that they get the supplies they need, 332 00:11:58,718 --> 00:11:59,784 the equipment, the ammunition 333 00:11:59,853 --> 00:12:02,387 and basically moving Marines around. 334 00:12:02,455 --> 00:12:03,855 (upbeat music) 335 00:12:03,923 --> 00:12:04,923 - [Narrator] To complete these missions, 336 00:12:04,991 --> 00:12:07,992 it takes two pilots and three crew chiefs 337 00:12:08,060 --> 00:12:10,395 who are responsible for loading up the inside. 338 00:12:10,463 --> 00:12:11,863 (upbeat music) 339 00:12:11,932 --> 00:12:12,730 - We call it beans, Band-Aids and bullets. 340 00:12:12,799 --> 00:12:14,999 We can take anything in the back. 341 00:12:15,202 --> 00:12:16,534 - [Narrator] Or hooking up external loads underneath. 342 00:12:16,602 --> 00:12:19,070 (helicopter whirring) 343 00:12:19,139 --> 00:12:22,940 - It's either a single point lift or a dual point lift. 344 00:12:23,009 --> 00:12:25,943 Dual points are usually for longer, wider loads. 345 00:12:26,012 --> 00:12:29,614 So that you can keep the load from spinning. 346 00:12:29,683 --> 00:12:32,349 (pilot speaking indistinctly) 347 00:12:32,418 --> 00:12:33,952 (dramatic music) 348 00:12:34,154 --> 00:12:36,086 - [Narrator] The seven rotor blades that sit on top 349 00:12:36,156 --> 00:12:38,556 of this metal monster are the reason the Super Stallion 350 00:12:38,624 --> 00:12:40,090 can carry so much weight. 351 00:12:40,160 --> 00:12:43,561 They're so strong that the blades create downward winds 352 00:12:43,763 --> 00:12:45,763 in excess of 85 miles an hour. 353 00:12:45,832 --> 00:12:47,965 (helicopter rumbling) (upbeat music) 354 00:12:48,034 --> 00:12:49,767 - We're up on the rotor head on the CH-53 Echo 355 00:12:49,836 --> 00:12:52,036 and from here out is about 400 pounds. 356 00:12:52,105 --> 00:12:54,506 To put things in perspective, there's seven of them. 357 00:12:54,708 --> 00:12:56,774 That's up to 2,800 pounds. 358 00:12:56,843 --> 00:13:00,377 2,800 pounds can lift 73,500 pounds. 359 00:13:00,446 --> 00:13:02,113 (upbeat music) 360 00:13:02,315 --> 00:13:03,715 - [Narrator] The mechanical muscles that move these blades 361 00:13:03,917 --> 00:13:05,583 come in the form of three GE engines 362 00:13:05,785 --> 00:13:07,385 that produce 12,000 horsepower. 363 00:13:07,453 --> 00:13:09,053 (upbeat music) 364 00:13:09,256 --> 00:13:10,655 - We're not worried about how much power we have to pull 365 00:13:10,857 --> 00:13:13,725 to make a turn or climb or descend. 366 00:13:13,927 --> 00:13:14,792 We've got it there at our fingertips. 367 00:13:14,861 --> 00:13:16,861 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 368 00:13:16,929 --> 00:13:17,929 When you're operating in environments 369 00:13:17,998 --> 00:13:19,998 where it's very difficult to travel over roads, 370 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:23,067 especially in the environments where we've seen IEDs, 371 00:13:23,270 --> 00:13:27,005 explosive devices, roadside bombs become a major issue, 372 00:13:27,073 --> 00:13:29,741 we're able to move a lot of equipment over the air 373 00:13:29,943 --> 00:13:31,676 without that threat to worry about. 374 00:13:31,744 --> 00:13:34,011 (upbeat music) (explosion) 375 00:13:34,080 --> 00:13:35,013 - [Narrator] Nevertheless, in these environments 376 00:13:35,081 --> 00:13:37,415 there's a real threat of being shot down. 377 00:13:37,483 --> 00:13:38,283 (upbeat music) 378 00:13:38,485 --> 00:13:40,951 If the worst happens and the engines fail, 379 00:13:41,020 --> 00:13:43,888 CH-53 pilots rely on an aerodynamic phenomenon 380 00:13:44,090 --> 00:13:47,992 common to all helicopters called auto rotation. 381 00:13:49,562 --> 00:13:50,895 As the helicopter falls, 382 00:13:50,963 --> 00:13:52,897 the upward flow of air through the rotor 383 00:13:52,966 --> 00:13:55,499 provides enough force to keep the blades turning, 384 00:13:55,568 --> 00:13:56,701 much like a pinwheel. 385 00:13:56,903 --> 00:13:58,703 The pilot will lower the collective 386 00:13:58,905 --> 00:14:01,005 decreasing the angle of the blades. 387 00:14:01,774 --> 00:14:02,840 This creates just enough lift 388 00:14:02,909 --> 00:14:05,176 to slow the descent of the helicopter. 389 00:14:05,244 --> 00:14:09,380 And in ideal conditions, allows the pilot to land safely. 390 00:14:09,449 --> 00:14:10,648 (dramatic music) 391 00:14:10,716 --> 00:14:12,851 - [Man] The problem with this aircraft is it's very heavy. 392 00:14:13,053 --> 00:14:15,586 It falls like a rock if the engines are out. 393 00:14:15,655 --> 00:14:17,989 And if you get that one shot, 394 00:14:18,058 --> 00:14:20,858 it's gonna be a hard landing no matter what you do. 395 00:14:20,927 --> 00:14:22,593 - [Narrator] But while the Super Stallion 396 00:14:22,662 --> 00:14:24,863 carries the heaviest loads, 397 00:14:25,065 --> 00:14:27,465 and the Apache can rain death on the enemy. 398 00:14:27,533 --> 00:14:29,133 (missile whirring) 399 00:14:29,202 --> 00:14:31,802 It's the helicopters ability to hover over a sinking ship 400 00:14:31,871 --> 00:14:33,804 or a survivor floating in the ocean 401 00:14:33,873 --> 00:14:36,875 that makes it an essential rescue tool 402 00:14:37,077 --> 00:14:39,811 for the men and women of the US Coast Guard. 403 00:14:40,013 --> 00:14:41,946 And it's this capability that sets it apart 404 00:14:42,015 --> 00:14:43,814 from the planes and boats the Coast Guard uses 405 00:14:43,883 --> 00:14:45,883 in conjunction with the helicopter. 406 00:14:45,952 --> 00:14:47,885 - Well, the helicopter allows the Coast Guard 407 00:14:47,954 --> 00:14:49,687 to do the rescue part of search and rescue. 408 00:14:49,889 --> 00:14:52,623 We can always go find somebody with, 409 00:14:52,692 --> 00:14:53,958 with some other kind of asset. 410 00:14:54,160 --> 00:14:56,627 But the helicopter is really what lets us go out, 411 00:14:56,696 --> 00:14:57,996 get somebody and bring 'em home. 412 00:15:02,435 --> 00:15:03,034 (dramatic music) 413 00:15:03,236 --> 00:15:03,968 - [Narrator] For over 75 years, 414 00:15:04,170 --> 00:15:05,302 the helicopter has been an essential tool 415 00:15:05,371 --> 00:15:08,372 in the Coast Guard's mission to save lives on the high seas. 416 00:15:08,441 --> 00:15:09,907 (upbeat music) 417 00:15:09,976 --> 00:15:12,443 At the US Coast Guard Aviation Training Center 418 00:15:12,512 --> 00:15:14,312 in Mobile, Alabama, 419 00:15:14,915 --> 00:15:16,047 pilots and crews learn to fly and operate 420 00:15:16,116 --> 00:15:18,316 one of the most technologically advanced helicopters 421 00:15:18,385 --> 00:15:19,450 in the fleet. 422 00:15:19,519 --> 00:15:21,519 The MH-60T Jayhawk. 423 00:15:21,587 --> 00:15:24,922 (helicopter whirring) 424 00:15:24,991 --> 00:15:27,392 It's a variant of the Navy's SH-60 Seahawk. 425 00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:28,592 (upbeat music) 426 00:15:28,662 --> 00:15:30,795 With several key modifications 427 00:15:30,997 --> 00:15:32,529 that allow it to fly in extreme weather, 428 00:15:32,598 --> 00:15:34,532 to perform water rescueS. 429 00:15:34,734 --> 00:15:35,867 - It's a very safe aircraft. 430 00:15:36,069 --> 00:15:38,535 I know we can go out in any kind of weather, 431 00:15:38,604 --> 00:15:40,471 do any kind of mission. 432 00:15:40,540 --> 00:15:42,073 (helicopter whirring) 433 00:15:42,141 --> 00:15:44,075 - [Narrator] These helicopters are made to take off 434 00:15:44,143 --> 00:15:46,477 and fly in winds that can exceed 100 miles per hour. 435 00:15:46,546 --> 00:15:47,745 (helicopter whirring) 436 00:15:47,947 --> 00:15:50,881 Flying in a hurricane can be scary, 437 00:15:50,951 --> 00:15:53,751 but doing it at night can be even scarier. 438 00:15:53,953 --> 00:15:56,887 - We have a term, dark and stormy night, 439 00:15:56,957 --> 00:16:00,758 you really have to rely on the capabilities 440 00:16:00,827 --> 00:16:02,560 of the helicopter to a certain extent 441 00:16:02,762 --> 00:16:05,029 because nighttime over the ocean 442 00:16:05,097 --> 00:16:08,566 if there's no illumination out there, whatsoever, 443 00:16:08,768 --> 00:16:10,435 it's like flying in a closet. 444 00:16:10,637 --> 00:16:11,168 (helicopter whirring) 445 00:16:11,237 --> 00:16:12,971 - [Pilot] Survivor is coming up. 446 00:16:13,173 --> 00:16:14,972 - [Narrator] Pilots must rely on the helicopter's GPS 447 00:16:15,041 --> 00:16:16,908 and infrared systems to show them where they are 448 00:16:16,976 --> 00:16:19,010 and how close they are to surging waves. 449 00:16:21,047 --> 00:16:24,382 The typical Jayhawk crew consists of two pilots, 450 00:16:24,451 --> 00:16:26,384 a rescue swimmer. 451 00:16:26,452 --> 00:16:27,384 (upbeat music) 452 00:16:27,453 --> 00:16:29,854 And a flight mechanic that operates the hoist 453 00:16:29,923 --> 00:16:32,390 during a rescue and maintains the rear cabin 454 00:16:32,459 --> 00:16:32,991 during operations. 455 00:16:33,926 --> 00:16:35,860 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 456 00:16:35,929 --> 00:16:37,995 The Jayhawk conducts a number of missions, 457 00:16:38,064 --> 00:16:41,599 including security patrols and disaster relief. 458 00:16:41,668 --> 00:16:42,600 But it's primarily responsible 459 00:16:42,802 --> 00:16:44,001 for search and rescue missions. 460 00:16:44,070 --> 00:16:46,537 "Modern Marvels" joined this training exercise 461 00:16:46,605 --> 00:16:48,872 in the Gulf of Mexico. 462 00:16:48,941 --> 00:16:49,740 - [Pilot] Guys we've been diverted to go 463 00:16:49,809 --> 00:16:52,009 search for a person in the water. 464 00:16:52,078 --> 00:16:55,013 We're gonna show up on scene and do a sector search 465 00:16:55,215 --> 00:16:57,815 and standby to recover anybody we find in the water. 466 00:16:57,884 --> 00:16:58,816 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 467 00:16:58,884 --> 00:17:01,219 - [Narrator] After the command center 468 00:17:01,287 --> 00:17:04,088 receives a distress call, it dispatches a rescue helicopter. 469 00:17:04,290 --> 00:17:05,957 Who will then either give the helicopter exact coordinates 470 00:17:06,159 --> 00:17:08,993 of a ship in danger or its last known coordinates. 471 00:17:10,896 --> 00:17:12,629 - The primary job of myself as a pilot 472 00:17:12,698 --> 00:17:14,565 is to get the aircraft on scene. 473 00:17:14,633 --> 00:17:15,966 Once we show up on scene, 474 00:17:16,035 --> 00:17:18,836 the avionics system and the glass cockpit here 475 00:17:18,905 --> 00:17:20,505 and this new helicopter will actually fly 476 00:17:20,707 --> 00:17:22,173 the search pattern for me. 477 00:17:22,241 --> 00:17:25,109 And so it me the ability to use my night vision goggles 478 00:17:25,178 --> 00:17:28,979 to look out the window and actually search for the survivor 479 00:17:29,049 --> 00:17:31,115 or the subject vessel that we might be looking for. 480 00:17:31,184 --> 00:17:32,382 - [Pilot] Roger, looks like we found our survivor there 481 00:17:32,452 --> 00:17:33,851 at two o'clock. 482 00:17:34,053 --> 00:17:35,920 Let's go ahead and do rescue check part two 483 00:17:35,988 --> 00:17:37,522 for free fall (indistinct) rescue swimmer. 484 00:17:37,590 --> 00:17:38,989 (helicopter whirring) 485 00:17:39,059 --> 00:17:41,125 - [Narrator] Once the crew spots the distressed ship 486 00:17:41,193 --> 00:17:43,528 or floating survivor, the rescue swimmer gets the call. 487 00:17:43,596 --> 00:17:45,063 (helicopter whirring) 488 00:17:45,265 --> 00:17:49,199 - First thing that'll happen is they'll survey the scene 489 00:17:49,268 --> 00:17:52,736 If the conditions are met, then the swimmer will free fall. 490 00:17:52,806 --> 00:17:55,739 - [Flight Mechanic] Swimmer away. 491 00:17:55,808 --> 00:17:56,607 - [Omar] Once the summer free falls 492 00:17:56,676 --> 00:17:58,609 they'll go down to the victim 493 00:17:58,678 --> 00:18:00,944 and based upon their evaluation, 494 00:18:01,013 --> 00:18:03,014 they'll give hand signals to the flight mech. 495 00:18:03,082 --> 00:18:04,948 - [Flight Mechanic] Please ready for evac two. 496 00:18:05,017 --> 00:18:06,950 Recovery of the rescue swimmer and survivor. 497 00:18:07,019 --> 00:18:08,085 - [Narrator] Unlike its military counterpart, 498 00:18:08,154 --> 00:18:10,955 the Jayhawk is equipped with another modification, 499 00:18:11,157 --> 00:18:13,557 the hoist, mounted on the right side of the aircraft 500 00:18:13,626 --> 00:18:15,826 to aid in survivor rescues. 501 00:18:15,895 --> 00:18:17,094 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 502 00:18:17,163 --> 00:18:19,496 The Coast Guard's Jayhawk also lets the flight mechanic 503 00:18:19,565 --> 00:18:21,498 fine tune the rescue. 504 00:18:21,567 --> 00:18:23,100 (helicopter whirring) 505 00:18:23,169 --> 00:18:26,637 - This aircraft has the capability that if I need to, 506 00:18:26,705 --> 00:18:28,973 I can control from the back, 507 00:18:29,175 --> 00:18:32,009 small movements either left, right, forward or aft. 508 00:18:33,646 --> 00:18:34,978 - [Narrator] At this point, 509 00:18:35,047 --> 00:18:36,914 the flight mechanic takes control of the operation 510 00:18:36,983 --> 00:18:38,916 to bring the survivor on board the helicopter. 511 00:18:38,984 --> 00:18:40,450 - [Flight Mechanic] Target's at two o'clock, 512 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:41,385 beginning to hoist. 513 00:18:41,454 --> 00:18:42,920 - [Pilot] Roger-- 514 00:18:42,988 --> 00:18:44,856 - I'm gonna hook the hoist hook to the basket 515 00:18:45,058 --> 00:18:48,058 and then I'm going to send it out the door. 516 00:18:48,127 --> 00:18:50,661 And I'm gonna be advising the pilot as it's going down 517 00:18:50,729 --> 00:18:52,796 as to whether it's halfway down, 518 00:18:52,866 --> 00:18:54,398 or holding five feet above the water. 519 00:18:54,466 --> 00:18:56,066 Halfway down. 520 00:18:56,135 --> 00:18:59,069 The pilot's gonna tell me to direct him to that person 521 00:18:59,139 --> 00:19:02,339 and I will give commands as far as increments in feet, 522 00:19:02,408 --> 00:19:03,274 where to go. 523 00:19:03,476 --> 00:19:06,610 (indistinct) 524 00:19:06,679 --> 00:19:07,812 Once we get to that person, 525 00:19:08,014 --> 00:19:10,014 I'm going to set the basket in the water. 526 00:19:10,082 --> 00:19:11,482 I'm going to advise the pilot that they're in 527 00:19:11,551 --> 00:19:12,884 and ready for pickup. 528 00:19:13,086 --> 00:19:15,286 - [Pilot] Survivor out of the water on the way up. 529 00:19:15,488 --> 00:19:16,354 (upbeat music) 530 00:19:16,556 --> 00:19:18,689 - [Jonathan] At that point I will hoist the basket. 531 00:19:18,757 --> 00:19:19,357 And they'll be on their way up. 532 00:19:19,425 --> 00:19:21,425 (indistinct) 533 00:19:21,628 --> 00:19:22,493 (helicopter whirring) 534 00:19:22,695 --> 00:19:23,827 When they get to the door, 535 00:19:23,896 --> 00:19:24,996 I'll bring them inside the helicopter. 536 00:19:26,699 --> 00:19:28,098 - [Narrator] The flight mechanic 537 00:19:28,167 --> 00:19:29,767 will then send the basket down to retrieve the swimmer. 538 00:19:29,836 --> 00:19:33,771 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 539 00:19:33,839 --> 00:19:34,705 Coast Guard crews are responsible 540 00:19:34,773 --> 00:19:36,773 for hundreds of miles of ocean. 541 00:19:36,842 --> 00:19:39,042 So fuel can be a major consideration. 542 00:19:39,111 --> 00:19:43,580 - The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter maximum load of fuel 543 00:19:43,649 --> 00:19:45,516 is just over 6,000 pounds. 544 00:19:45,585 --> 00:19:46,650 With 6,000 pounds of fuel, 545 00:19:46,719 --> 00:19:48,586 you can probably plan on flying 546 00:19:48,655 --> 00:19:50,588 for about five and a half hours. 547 00:19:50,657 --> 00:19:53,658 We can go 300 miles off shore, 548 00:19:53,726 --> 00:19:55,793 remain on scene for 30 minutes 549 00:19:55,861 --> 00:19:57,728 and return back to where we started. 550 00:19:57,930 --> 00:19:59,196 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 551 00:19:59,265 --> 00:20:02,266 - [Narrator] Sometimes their missions aren't far out at sea, 552 00:20:02,468 --> 00:20:03,401 but on land. 553 00:20:03,469 --> 00:20:06,604 When Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf coast in 2021, 554 00:20:06,673 --> 00:20:09,940 and hurricane Katrina in 2005, 555 00:20:10,009 --> 00:20:11,742 the Coast Guard helicopter crews got the call. 556 00:20:11,944 --> 00:20:13,944 (dramatic music) (helicopter whirring) 557 00:20:14,013 --> 00:20:15,079 - And we showed up on scene in New Orleans 558 00:20:15,281 --> 00:20:18,416 and we started seeing flickers of light coming from roofs 559 00:20:18,618 --> 00:20:19,750 and windows and stuff. 560 00:20:19,952 --> 00:20:21,485 And those were people that were trapped 561 00:20:21,554 --> 00:20:22,953 in their flooded houses. 562 00:20:23,022 --> 00:20:25,956 So we immediately went into a hoisting situation 563 00:20:26,025 --> 00:20:28,693 where we start picking people up off their roofs. 564 00:20:28,895 --> 00:20:30,094 We went to the first people we saw, 565 00:20:30,162 --> 00:20:32,430 put the basket down, they even climbed in the basket, 566 00:20:32,632 --> 00:20:33,898 got them in the aircraft 567 00:20:34,100 --> 00:20:35,632 and then we took them to the nearest, safe place 568 00:20:35,701 --> 00:20:36,567 that they weren't gonna drown. 569 00:20:36,769 --> 00:20:38,835 We unloaded 'em, went right back 570 00:20:38,904 --> 00:20:39,837 into the neighborhood we got 'em from 571 00:20:39,906 --> 00:20:41,772 and went to the next house down the line. 572 00:20:41,974 --> 00:20:43,908 We did this all night until daylight. 573 00:20:44,110 --> 00:20:46,910 And in one day we would pick up over 100 people. 574 00:20:46,980 --> 00:20:49,447 And I did that for the first four days straight 575 00:20:49,515 --> 00:20:50,781 over New Orleans. 576 00:20:50,850 --> 00:20:52,116 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 577 00:20:52,184 --> 00:20:53,984 - [Narrator] The Coast Guard led the way as military 578 00:20:54,053 --> 00:20:56,721 and civilian helicopters saved thousands of lives. 579 00:20:56,923 --> 00:20:57,788 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 580 00:20:57,857 --> 00:20:59,523 - [Brian] The sky was literally filled 581 00:20:59,726 --> 00:21:01,325 with helicopters everywhere. 582 00:21:01,394 --> 00:21:02,526 (upbeat music) 583 00:21:02,594 --> 00:21:03,727 (helicopter whirring) 584 00:21:03,796 --> 00:21:06,530 - [Narrator] The US Coast Guard effectively uses helicopters 585 00:21:06,599 --> 00:21:07,798 to save people from water. 586 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:10,735 But one helicopter saves people with water. 587 00:21:10,937 --> 00:21:11,802 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 588 00:21:11,871 --> 00:21:14,805 It's called the Erickson Air Crane. 589 00:21:14,874 --> 00:21:16,940 With its unique dragon fly appearance, 590 00:21:17,010 --> 00:21:18,743 it's never mistaken for any other helicopter. 591 00:21:18,945 --> 00:21:21,078 (upbeat music) (helicopter rumbling) 592 00:21:21,146 --> 00:21:24,548 The Air Crane is built for one thing, heavy lifting. 593 00:21:24,617 --> 00:21:25,883 It has two turbine engines 594 00:21:25,951 --> 00:21:28,986 that provide 9,000 horsepower to the shaft. 595 00:21:29,822 --> 00:21:32,823 Allowing the 19,500 pound helicopter 596 00:21:32,891 --> 00:21:35,759 to carry an additional 20,000 pounds. 597 00:21:35,828 --> 00:21:36,894 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 598 00:21:37,096 --> 00:21:39,830 This capability makes the Air Crane a perfect tool 599 00:21:40,032 --> 00:21:42,499 for fighting large forest and brush fires. 600 00:21:42,568 --> 00:21:43,968 (helicopter whirring) 601 00:21:44,170 --> 00:21:48,973 The Air Crane can be fitted with a 2,650 gallon tank 602 00:21:49,041 --> 00:21:50,640 that can be filled with a suctioning device 603 00:21:50,710 --> 00:21:51,909 called the ram scoop hydrofoil 604 00:21:51,978 --> 00:21:54,378 that can fill the tank in less than 40 seconds. 605 00:21:54,447 --> 00:21:55,913 (upbeat music) 606 00:21:55,982 --> 00:21:58,982 This tank empties over a 265,000 square foot area 607 00:21:59,052 --> 00:22:01,719 and can extinguish fires that might take ground crews 608 00:22:01,921 --> 00:22:03,721 precious hours to control and put out. 609 00:22:03,923 --> 00:22:05,990 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 610 00:22:09,996 --> 00:22:11,929 - [Narrator] This is the helicopter that dominated 611 00:22:11,997 --> 00:22:14,598 the civilian market for nearly four decades. 612 00:22:14,667 --> 00:22:17,134 It's called the Bell Jet Ranger. 613 00:22:17,203 --> 00:22:20,004 - The Bell helicopter was the first helicopter that really 614 00:22:21,874 --> 00:22:22,939 was successful in the commercial market 615 00:22:23,008 --> 00:22:26,477 and the ones that you see on TV, for instance, 616 00:22:26,545 --> 00:22:27,745 in the old movies. 617 00:22:27,947 --> 00:22:28,612 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 618 00:22:28,680 --> 00:22:31,015 - [Narrator] Born in 1967, 619 00:22:31,083 --> 00:22:33,150 it soon became a favorite of police departments, 620 00:22:33,218 --> 00:22:35,820 news stations and wealthy businessman all over the world. 621 00:22:35,888 --> 00:22:36,887 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 622 00:22:36,955 --> 00:22:39,556 But these jet turbine driven helicopters 623 00:22:39,625 --> 00:22:40,991 came with a high price tag. 624 00:22:41,827 --> 00:22:46,830 By 1971, they cost nearly $115,000. 625 00:22:46,899 --> 00:22:49,366 The equivalent of nearly $800,000 today. 626 00:22:49,435 --> 00:22:51,635 (upbeat music) 627 00:22:51,704 --> 00:22:53,637 Ex Bell engineer, Frank Robinson 628 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:54,839 decided he could make a helicopter 629 00:22:55,041 --> 00:22:58,108 that would be cheaper to fly and maintain. 630 00:22:58,177 --> 00:23:01,379 In 1979, Robinson Helicopters started to manufacture 631 00:23:01,581 --> 00:23:04,114 the two-seat R-22. 632 00:23:04,183 --> 00:23:06,383 Selling them for the same price as a high-end luxury car. 633 00:23:06,452 --> 00:23:08,385 About $40,000. 634 00:23:08,454 --> 00:23:10,921 (upbeat music) 635 00:23:10,990 --> 00:23:14,792 Then in 1992, Robinson began selling the R-44, 636 00:23:14,860 --> 00:23:18,395 a four-seat version for $235,000. 637 00:23:18,464 --> 00:23:20,064 (upbeat music) 638 00:23:20,266 --> 00:23:23,000 Robinson started with a cheaper, more efficient engine. 639 00:23:24,070 --> 00:23:27,537 The R-22 model uses a four cylinder piston engine 640 00:23:27,606 --> 00:23:29,006 instead of a jet turbine. 641 00:23:31,076 --> 00:23:34,545 While the larger R-44 uses a six-cylinder engine. 642 00:23:34,613 --> 00:23:35,746 (helicopter whirring) 643 00:23:35,814 --> 00:23:38,816 - That is by far the most practical type of engine to use 644 00:23:38,884 --> 00:23:40,951 in a small light helicopter like ours 645 00:23:41,020 --> 00:23:44,488 because it burns a lot less fuels than a turbine. 646 00:23:44,557 --> 00:23:46,089 (helicopter whirring) 647 00:23:46,158 --> 00:23:47,758 - [Narrator] Though less powerful than a turbine engine, 648 00:23:47,827 --> 00:23:50,760 the piston engine still pushes the R22 649 00:23:50,830 --> 00:23:53,564 to a top speed of 117 miles per hour 650 00:23:53,766 --> 00:23:56,500 and a range of almost 300 miles. 651 00:23:56,569 --> 00:23:57,701 (helicopter rumbling) 652 00:23:57,904 --> 00:23:59,836 The R-44 has even better performance 653 00:23:59,905 --> 00:24:03,574 with a top speed of 125 miles per hour 654 00:24:03,776 --> 00:24:06,010 and a range of almost 350 miles. 655 00:24:07,179 --> 00:24:12,583 Finally, Robinson also introduced the R-66 in 2007. 656 00:24:13,186 --> 00:24:16,320 Which seats five and has a top speed of 160 miles per hour. 657 00:24:16,389 --> 00:24:18,122 (upbeat music) 658 00:24:18,324 --> 00:24:21,591 - Well we've kept the design, very simple, very lightweight, 659 00:24:21,660 --> 00:24:23,994 and yet very, very reliable. 660 00:24:25,330 --> 00:24:30,801 The features of our helicopters are designed for efficiency, 661 00:24:31,003 --> 00:24:33,737 for speed, to keep the noise level down. 662 00:24:33,806 --> 00:24:35,605 And that you'd probably recognize 663 00:24:35,674 --> 00:24:37,741 if you see when flying over, 664 00:24:37,810 --> 00:24:39,476 it tells you that it's one of ours. 665 00:24:39,545 --> 00:24:42,479 It has a tall mast. 666 00:24:42,548 --> 00:24:44,814 (helicopter whirring) 667 00:24:44,884 --> 00:24:46,550 The rotor is up considerably higher 668 00:24:46,752 --> 00:24:47,884 than the rest of the fuselage. 669 00:24:47,953 --> 00:24:50,487 And we do that because it allows us to use 670 00:24:50,556 --> 00:24:52,089 a large diameter rotor, 671 00:24:52,157 --> 00:24:56,960 which is more efficient than a smaller diameter rotor. 672 00:24:57,029 --> 00:24:58,562 - [Narrator] The larger mast allows the blades 673 00:24:58,764 --> 00:25:00,431 to extend over the aft rotor. 674 00:25:00,633 --> 00:25:02,165 (helicopter whirring) 675 00:25:02,234 --> 00:25:07,004 But before they fly, they all start out as nuts and bolts. 676 00:25:08,507 --> 00:25:09,906 And sheet metal. 677 00:25:09,975 --> 00:25:11,842 - [Frank] The raw materials come in one door 678 00:25:11,910 --> 00:25:14,778 and they end up going out another door 679 00:25:14,846 --> 00:25:17,014 as a finished, flying helicopter. 680 00:25:18,517 --> 00:25:19,583 (upbeat music) 681 00:25:19,652 --> 00:25:21,918 - [Narrator] Nearly every part of every Robinson Helicopter 682 00:25:21,987 --> 00:25:25,322 is made in house and entirely built by hand. 683 00:25:25,391 --> 00:25:26,924 (upbeat music) 684 00:25:26,992 --> 00:25:28,659 That process starts with cutting and shaping 685 00:25:28,727 --> 00:25:30,727 the metal into specific sizes 686 00:25:30,796 --> 00:25:32,396 to be sent to the sub-assemblies. 687 00:25:32,464 --> 00:25:33,930 (upbeat music) 688 00:25:33,999 --> 00:25:35,732 This is where all the parts are constructed 689 00:25:35,801 --> 00:25:37,334 before being sent to final assembly. 690 00:25:37,403 --> 00:25:38,602 (upbeat music) 691 00:25:38,804 --> 00:25:41,805 Here, parts like the tail boom, 692 00:25:41,874 --> 00:25:44,942 rotor blades, cabin and landing skids 693 00:25:45,011 --> 00:25:46,410 are assembled into a complete helicopter shell. 694 00:25:46,478 --> 00:25:49,013 (upbeat music) 695 00:25:49,215 --> 00:25:52,483 - And then the helicopter is moved on its landing gear 696 00:25:52,685 --> 00:25:53,817 on down the assembly line, 697 00:25:54,020 --> 00:25:56,886 getting it's electrical harness installed. 698 00:25:56,956 --> 00:26:01,292 Its gearbox put in and engine is installed. 699 00:26:01,494 --> 00:26:02,759 (upbeat music) 700 00:26:02,828 --> 00:26:03,961 - [Narrator] After the helicopter is 701 00:26:04,163 --> 00:26:06,764 completely assembled, it's painted, flight tested 702 00:26:06,966 --> 00:26:09,300 and ready for the customer to fly it home. 703 00:26:09,502 --> 00:26:10,300 (upbeat music) 704 00:26:10,369 --> 00:26:12,769 Of course they cost a little more now. 705 00:26:12,838 --> 00:26:16,640 The R-22 sells for about $300,000. 706 00:26:16,842 --> 00:26:20,911 And they R-44 for nearly $500,000. 707 00:26:21,113 --> 00:26:24,014 And the R-66 will set you back over $900,000. 708 00:26:25,584 --> 00:26:27,117 (helicopter whirring) 709 00:26:27,186 --> 00:26:30,920 One agency that realizes the value of a Robinson Helicopter 710 00:26:30,990 --> 00:26:33,390 is the El Monte California Police Department. 711 00:26:33,458 --> 00:26:34,725 (upbeat music) 712 00:26:34,793 --> 00:26:36,860 They maintain two R-44 helicopters 713 00:26:36,928 --> 00:26:38,996 that have been converted for police use. 714 00:26:39,998 --> 00:26:41,999 - You have a high candle power searchlight, 715 00:26:42,201 --> 00:26:45,536 which is used to illuminate ground person at night. 716 00:26:45,604 --> 00:26:46,803 We also have the FLIR, 717 00:26:46,872 --> 00:26:48,939 which is the forward looking infrared, 718 00:26:49,141 --> 00:26:52,942 which enables the observer to see heat signatures 719 00:26:53,012 --> 00:26:54,878 on the ground at night and even during the day. 720 00:26:54,946 --> 00:26:57,213 We also have a different radio package 721 00:26:57,282 --> 00:27:00,551 which allows us to talk to a wide variety of police agencies 722 00:27:00,753 --> 00:27:02,886 within the Los Angeles County. 723 00:27:02,954 --> 00:27:04,688 And there's other equipment such as LoJack, 724 00:27:04,890 --> 00:27:07,825 which has a vehicle locating device. 725 00:27:07,893 --> 00:27:09,893 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 726 00:27:09,962 --> 00:27:10,961 - [Narrator] Even with these extra add-ons, 727 00:27:11,163 --> 00:27:13,964 Robinson Helicopters operate for a 1/3 of the cost 728 00:27:14,032 --> 00:27:16,433 of larger, more expensive police helicopters. 729 00:27:16,635 --> 00:27:17,901 (helicopter whirring) 730 00:27:17,970 --> 00:27:20,504 - [Jeff] That allows us to stay in business 731 00:27:20,573 --> 00:27:21,504 and do what we do best. 732 00:27:21,573 --> 00:27:23,907 (helicopter rumbling) 733 00:27:23,976 --> 00:27:25,976 And that's providing a safe aerial platform 734 00:27:26,045 --> 00:27:28,779 and a safe environment for the citizens we serve. 735 00:27:28,848 --> 00:27:32,850 (helicopter rumbling) (upbeat music) 736 00:27:33,052 --> 00:27:34,651 - [Narrator] Having that helicopter in the sky 737 00:27:34,720 --> 00:27:35,986 is equivalent to having anywhere 738 00:27:36,054 --> 00:27:38,856 from five to eight ground officers in the area. 739 00:27:39,058 --> 00:27:40,724 It also gives the police a significant advantage. 740 00:27:40,926 --> 00:27:45,996 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 741 00:27:49,068 --> 00:27:50,868 The police pilot relies on ground communication 742 00:27:51,070 --> 00:27:53,803 to get the helicopter into the right position. 743 00:27:53,872 --> 00:27:56,807 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 744 00:27:56,875 --> 00:27:58,875 Once he locates the fleeing suspect, 745 00:27:58,944 --> 00:28:00,544 the co-pilot or tactical flight officer 746 00:28:00,613 --> 00:28:02,746 directs the ground forces. 747 00:28:02,948 --> 00:28:04,748 (helicopter rumbling) (upbeat music) 748 00:28:04,950 --> 00:28:06,149 He will also monitor the FLIR System 749 00:28:06,218 --> 00:28:09,420 and searchlight at night until the suspect is apprehended. 750 00:28:09,622 --> 00:28:11,288 (helicopter whirring) 751 00:28:11,490 --> 00:28:12,422 (upbeat music) 752 00:28:12,491 --> 00:28:13,824 - Regardless of how much time and effort is put forth 753 00:28:14,026 --> 00:28:15,892 in trying to escape from the police officers, 754 00:28:15,961 --> 00:28:17,695 they already know that the helicopters is there 755 00:28:17,897 --> 00:28:20,030 they're gonna go to jail eventually. 756 00:28:20,099 --> 00:28:22,833 You can run, but you're only gonna go to jail tired. 757 00:28:22,901 --> 00:28:24,701 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 758 00:28:24,770 --> 00:28:25,569 - [Narrator] The police departments 759 00:28:25,771 --> 00:28:27,104 aren't the only organizations 760 00:28:27,172 --> 00:28:28,839 taking advantage of Robinson Helicopters' low costs. 761 00:28:28,907 --> 00:28:30,106 (helicopter whirring) (upbeat music) 762 00:28:30,175 --> 00:28:33,577 - We have other versions of that same basic helicopter 763 00:28:33,779 --> 00:28:36,914 which are used for TV broadcast. 764 00:28:37,116 --> 00:28:40,050 So the TV stations can buy that particular model 765 00:28:40,119 --> 00:28:42,853 and all the equipment for their gyro-stabilized cameras 766 00:28:42,922 --> 00:28:45,656 and microwave transmissions are all built 767 00:28:45,724 --> 00:28:47,725 right into the basic helicopter. 768 00:28:47,927 --> 00:28:50,060 (upbeat music) (helicopter rumbling) 769 00:28:50,129 --> 00:28:51,795 - [Narrator] These helicopters fly all over the world. 770 00:28:51,864 --> 00:28:54,998 From Europe to Africa to New Zealand. 771 00:28:56,335 --> 00:29:00,337 Look up and you just might see a Robinson buzzing overhead. 772 00:29:00,406 --> 00:29:01,004 (upbeat music) 773 00:29:05,144 --> 00:29:06,409 [NARRATOR] Helicopters aren't just for police forces 774 00:29:06,478 --> 00:29:08,011 and the military, 775 00:29:08,814 --> 00:29:11,014 some individuals and corporations 776 00:29:11,082 --> 00:29:12,949 like the luxury of commuting as the crow flies. 777 00:29:13,018 --> 00:29:16,987 For that, many people turn to Bell Helicopters. 778 00:29:17,957 --> 00:29:19,990 - We offer any helicopter for any need. 779 00:29:20,959 --> 00:29:22,826 Whether that's corporate or VIP travel 780 00:29:23,028 --> 00:29:25,895 to and from the golf course and boardroom, 781 00:29:25,964 --> 00:29:27,564 any of our products in our line currently 782 00:29:27,633 --> 00:29:28,298 can suit any of those needs. 783 00:29:28,500 --> 00:29:29,632 (upbeat music) 784 00:29:29,701 --> 00:29:32,002 Once you decide on a helicopter, 785 00:29:33,638 --> 00:29:34,704 Edwards and Associates is 786 00:29:34,773 --> 00:29:37,007 Bell's completion house of choice. 787 00:29:38,911 --> 00:29:40,043 - [Narrator] Edwards and Associates 788 00:29:40,112 --> 00:29:42,779 takes a Bell helicopter like this, right off the line 789 00:29:42,848 --> 00:29:44,781 and customizes it from the inside out. 790 00:29:44,850 --> 00:29:46,917 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 791 00:29:46,985 --> 00:29:48,585 - When a customer wants to buy an aircraft 792 00:29:48,787 --> 00:29:49,919 the first thing we need to know 793 00:29:49,988 --> 00:29:52,389 is what kind of configuration do they need? 794 00:29:52,457 --> 00:29:52,923 Is it corporate? 795 00:29:52,991 --> 00:29:54,858 Is it utility, VIP? 796 00:29:54,927 --> 00:29:57,727 Just what type of equipment do they need? 797 00:29:57,797 --> 00:29:59,596 We figure out what would best suit 798 00:29:59,664 --> 00:30:01,064 their mission requirements 799 00:30:01,132 --> 00:30:04,001 and then we build the aircraft from that proposal. 800 00:30:04,937 --> 00:30:05,802 - [Narrator] And that can be costly. 801 00:30:05,871 --> 00:30:09,472 Up to $2 million just for customizing. 802 00:30:09,542 --> 00:30:10,740 (helicopter whirring) 803 00:30:10,809 --> 00:30:12,676 It starts with an 800 mile flight 804 00:30:12,744 --> 00:30:14,011 from Bell's manufacturing plant. 805 00:30:16,882 --> 00:30:19,015 Using only a basic instrument panel, 806 00:30:19,084 --> 00:30:21,818 the helicopters make their way from Mirabel, Canada 807 00:30:21,887 --> 00:30:25,154 to a facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee. 808 00:30:25,224 --> 00:30:27,758 - This is what we start with when we begin our completion. 809 00:30:27,826 --> 00:30:29,759 It's what we call a green aircraft. 810 00:30:29,829 --> 00:30:31,762 It has no avionics, nothing installed 811 00:30:31,830 --> 00:30:33,297 just the bare bone of the aircraft. 812 00:30:33,499 --> 00:30:36,033 (upbeat music) 813 00:30:36,101 --> 00:30:37,768 - [Narrator] Edwards disassembled the helicopter 814 00:30:37,836 --> 00:30:40,003 to start the customizing process. 815 00:30:41,172 --> 00:30:43,040 The helicopter then goes into the completions hangar 816 00:30:43,242 --> 00:30:46,977 where workers install the wiring and flight instruments. 817 00:30:47,046 --> 00:30:49,780 - Avionics installation is done in this facility. 818 00:30:49,848 --> 00:30:52,716 This aircraft is probably about 30% 819 00:30:52,785 --> 00:30:54,784 into the customizing at this point. 820 00:30:54,853 --> 00:30:56,453 We have begun to install all the wiring 821 00:30:56,522 --> 00:30:58,321 and all the equipment. 822 00:30:58,390 --> 00:30:59,857 (upbeat music) 823 00:31:00,059 --> 00:31:00,590 - [Narrator] One piece of high-tech equipment 824 00:31:00,659 --> 00:31:01,724 going into this helicopter 825 00:31:01,793 --> 00:31:04,327 is what's known as a glass cockpit. 826 00:31:04,396 --> 00:31:05,461 (upbeat music) 827 00:31:05,530 --> 00:31:07,531 - This puts about five gauges into these two panels 828 00:31:07,599 --> 00:31:08,932 and they're redundant. 829 00:31:09,134 --> 00:31:11,401 So if one fails, you have the backup on the bottom. 830 00:31:11,469 --> 00:31:12,669 (upbeat music) 831 00:31:12,738 --> 00:31:14,071 - [Narrator] The glass cockpit, 832 00:31:14,139 --> 00:31:15,738 as opposed to the traditional analog instruments, 833 00:31:15,807 --> 00:31:18,608 is just one of the avionics options 834 00:31:18,677 --> 00:31:20,010 that customers can choose. 835 00:31:21,013 --> 00:31:23,747 Their choices also include 3D map displays 836 00:31:23,949 --> 00:31:25,415 and even an advanced warning system. 837 00:31:25,483 --> 00:31:27,150 (upbeat music) 838 00:31:27,218 --> 00:31:31,288 - It gives you warnings if you're getting close to aircraft 839 00:31:31,357 --> 00:31:33,023 or antennas. 840 00:31:33,092 --> 00:31:34,825 - [Narrator] Workers run wiring through the helicopter 841 00:31:35,027 --> 00:31:36,826 to connect the instrument panel in the front 842 00:31:36,895 --> 00:31:39,629 to the computer systems that control it, 843 00:31:39,698 --> 00:31:40,998 placed in a rear compartment. 844 00:31:42,167 --> 00:31:45,168 - After we finish the installation of the avionics 845 00:31:45,236 --> 00:31:46,903 and all the wiring and we've buttoned up all the panels, 846 00:31:46,972 --> 00:31:49,772 this is when we start to install the interior. 847 00:31:49,841 --> 00:31:51,708 - [Narrator] Customizing the interior 848 00:31:51,776 --> 00:31:53,844 starts with a plastic trim kit. 849 00:31:53,912 --> 00:31:55,645 It will cover any wiring or equipment 850 00:31:55,714 --> 00:31:57,380 that was previously installed. 851 00:31:57,449 --> 00:31:58,448 (upbeat music) 852 00:31:58,517 --> 00:31:59,850 Next comes carpet. 853 00:31:59,918 --> 00:32:01,918 - And if you don't want a solid color, 854 00:32:01,987 --> 00:32:05,923 we can have something such as this or this, 855 00:32:06,125 --> 00:32:08,725 all we gotta do is get your design that you want, 856 00:32:08,927 --> 00:32:09,592 have a computer rendering done of it 857 00:32:09,662 --> 00:32:11,594 and sent to the carpet company 858 00:32:11,664 --> 00:32:13,063 where they can manufacture it, 859 00:32:13,131 --> 00:32:14,398 whatever your logo is, however you want it to look. 860 00:32:14,466 --> 00:32:16,066 (upbeat music) 861 00:32:16,268 --> 00:32:18,802 - [Narrator] The seat covers come with the same options. 862 00:32:18,871 --> 00:32:20,203 Once the customer has chosen the colors 863 00:32:20,272 --> 00:32:24,007 and materials for the seats, they're handmade and installed. 864 00:32:24,743 --> 00:32:26,877 - The next step is plating. 865 00:32:27,079 --> 00:32:28,545 We have several examples here of some plating. 866 00:32:28,613 --> 00:32:29,813 Here's some door trim, 867 00:32:30,015 --> 00:32:32,082 this goes around where you open the door. 868 00:32:32,284 --> 00:32:35,151 There's hundreds of colors of plating, different styles, 869 00:32:35,220 --> 00:32:38,488 fresh aluminum, brush gold, whatever you would like to have. 870 00:32:38,690 --> 00:32:39,957 We put reclining seats in, 871 00:32:40,159 --> 00:32:42,492 add cabinets up where they could talk on the phone 872 00:32:42,561 --> 00:32:43,894 or work on their laptop. 873 00:32:43,962 --> 00:32:46,429 And monitors that actually would rise up. 874 00:32:46,498 --> 00:32:47,431 The sky's the limit. 875 00:32:47,633 --> 00:32:49,299 Anything you want to do. 876 00:32:49,501 --> 00:32:50,900 (upbeat music) 877 00:32:50,969 --> 00:32:51,635 - [Narrator] But they aren't finished yet. 878 00:32:51,703 --> 00:32:53,570 The last step is the paint. 879 00:32:53,772 --> 00:32:54,905 And this is where the customer 880 00:32:55,107 --> 00:32:56,840 can really make the helicopter his or her own. 881 00:32:56,908 --> 00:33:02,111 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 882 00:33:02,180 --> 00:33:04,781 In just four months, the workers at Edwards and Associates 883 00:33:04,983 --> 00:33:06,783 take a helicopter straight off the line 884 00:33:06,985 --> 00:33:09,386 and turn it into a hovering luxury suite. 885 00:33:09,454 --> 00:33:10,921 (upbeat music) 886 00:33:11,123 --> 00:33:13,456 For those who can't afford an Edwards conversion, 887 00:33:13,525 --> 00:33:14,391 there's still hope. 888 00:33:14,593 --> 00:33:16,459 Just do it yourself. 889 00:33:16,528 --> 00:33:17,594 (helicopter whirring) 890 00:33:17,796 --> 00:33:21,798 In 2021, Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing acquired RotorWay. 891 00:33:21,867 --> 00:33:23,599 Creators of an experimental helicopter 892 00:33:23,668 --> 00:33:25,936 that you build on your own. 893 00:33:26,004 --> 00:33:29,005 - An experimental helicopter is a helicopter 894 00:33:29,074 --> 00:33:34,077 that is within easy reach of anybody to purchase 895 00:33:34,146 --> 00:33:37,880 and it allows them to build the helicopter themselves. 896 00:33:37,949 --> 00:33:40,550 It also allows them to invest their time 897 00:33:40,752 --> 00:33:41,818 and save exponential dollars. 898 00:33:41,887 --> 00:33:43,753 - [Narrator] RotorWay's innovation is a 899 00:33:43,822 --> 00:33:46,423 two-seat helicopter called the A600. 900 00:33:46,625 --> 00:33:48,024 (helicopter whirring) 901 00:33:48,093 --> 00:33:52,095 - [Mark] It can fly as fast as 100 miles per hour. 902 00:33:52,163 --> 00:33:55,432 It can reach a ceiling height of approximately 8,000 903 00:33:55,500 --> 00:33:56,766 to 10,000 feet. 904 00:33:56,835 --> 00:34:00,904 And it is designed to give everyone 905 00:34:00,973 --> 00:34:02,772 the satisfaction of flying in a helicopter. 906 00:34:02,841 --> 00:34:04,507 - [Narrator] The company makes it easy 907 00:34:04,576 --> 00:34:05,975 on the garage mechanic. 908 00:34:06,045 --> 00:34:07,977 They assemble some of the more complex components 909 00:34:08,047 --> 00:34:11,014 for the customer, including the drive assembly, 910 00:34:12,050 --> 00:34:15,986 tail boom, but most importantly, the engine. 911 00:34:17,656 --> 00:34:18,988 One man who knows all about them 912 00:34:19,057 --> 00:34:21,858 is helicopter flight instructor, Chris Strachan, 913 00:34:22,193 --> 00:34:25,328 who built three in his hangar in Van Nuys, California. 914 00:34:25,397 --> 00:34:26,062 (upbeat music) 915 00:34:26,131 --> 00:34:26,863 - It's a very simple process. 916 00:34:27,065 --> 00:34:28,598 They do most of the difficult stuff 917 00:34:28,667 --> 00:34:31,000 and it's this 49%-51% rule. 918 00:34:31,069 --> 00:34:34,071 The 49% that they do is all the difficult stuff 919 00:34:34,273 --> 00:34:36,873 and then the other 51 is you just putting bolts together 920 00:34:37,075 --> 00:34:38,942 and brackets and actually putting it together. 921 00:34:39,010 --> 00:34:40,610 It's almost like you just need normal tools 922 00:34:40,812 --> 00:34:41,611 that you have in your backyard, 923 00:34:41,680 --> 00:34:43,346 that's pretty much all you need. 924 00:34:43,415 --> 00:34:44,948 (upbeat music) 925 00:34:45,016 --> 00:34:45,748 - [Narrator] The idea is to carefully plan 926 00:34:45,818 --> 00:34:48,018 each step of construction in advance. 927 00:34:48,086 --> 00:34:51,288 All the buyer has to do is follow the instructions. 928 00:34:51,490 --> 00:34:52,422 (upbeat music) 929 00:34:52,490 --> 00:34:53,823 - Here are the factory we make the parts cards 930 00:34:53,892 --> 00:34:55,825 where we take each part that you need, 931 00:34:55,894 --> 00:34:57,994 put it on the parts card, laminate it. 932 00:34:59,498 --> 00:35:01,832 (machine whirring) 933 00:35:02,034 --> 00:35:05,001 Put it in your crate and you're good to go. 934 00:35:07,038 --> 00:35:09,972 Each parts card has a specific label on them 935 00:35:10,041 --> 00:35:11,641 with our new blueprints explain to you exactly 936 00:35:11,709 --> 00:35:14,111 where each part needs to go. 937 00:35:14,313 --> 00:35:15,846 - What I really like is rather than getting a box of bolts 938 00:35:16,048 --> 00:35:17,914 they kind of shrink wrap them onto the card. 939 00:35:17,983 --> 00:35:20,584 Each bolt with a number, exactly where it goes. 940 00:35:20,652 --> 00:35:22,052 - As a first-time builder, 941 00:35:22,120 --> 00:35:24,921 we supply you with construction manuals and videos 942 00:35:25,123 --> 00:35:27,390 which take you step-by-step through each phrase. 943 00:35:27,458 --> 00:35:28,258 (upbeat music) 944 00:35:28,460 --> 00:35:29,726 - [Narrator] The process begins with ordering 945 00:35:29,928 --> 00:35:32,129 the first of four shipments of crates. 946 00:35:32,331 --> 00:35:34,330 Then the customer decides when to receive the next shipment. 947 00:35:34,399 --> 00:35:37,133 (upbeat music) 948 00:35:37,202 --> 00:35:40,937 - When you are ready for stage two of your helicopter kit, 949 00:35:41,006 --> 00:35:44,140 it will include some very high-end components, 950 00:35:44,209 --> 00:35:47,878 which are the drive and main drive systems and the body. 951 00:35:48,080 --> 00:35:51,214 The main drive system is a very intricate part 952 00:35:51,283 --> 00:35:54,284 of the helicopter and that is the second step you will take. 953 00:35:54,486 --> 00:35:56,019 (upbeat music) 954 00:35:56,221 --> 00:35:57,420 - [Narrator] The drive assembly is what links the engine 955 00:35:57,489 --> 00:35:58,955 to the rotor blades. 956 00:35:59,024 --> 00:36:02,292 The helicopter begins to take shape at this stage. 957 00:36:02,494 --> 00:36:03,693 (upbeat music) 958 00:36:03,761 --> 00:36:04,894 - Once you receive group three, 959 00:36:04,963 --> 00:36:07,630 that will include your tail rotor system, 960 00:36:07,699 --> 00:36:09,966 some of your main drive pulleys, 961 00:36:10,034 --> 00:36:12,969 your oil system and your engine cooling system. 962 00:36:13,038 --> 00:36:16,506 Four will include your engine, your rotor blades 963 00:36:16,575 --> 00:36:17,641 and your ignition system. 964 00:36:17,843 --> 00:36:20,109 Once you receive this final stage, 965 00:36:20,179 --> 00:36:23,313 you will pretty much be able to complete your helicopter. 966 00:36:23,382 --> 00:36:25,048 (indistinct) 967 00:36:25,117 --> 00:36:26,916 - [Narrator] It typically takes about 400 to 650 hours 968 00:36:26,985 --> 00:36:29,986 from start to finish to complete the helicopter. 969 00:36:33,058 --> 00:36:35,791 - We will not allow you to go to the next stage 970 00:36:35,860 --> 00:36:37,927 of your build until we feel confident 971 00:36:37,996 --> 00:36:40,797 that you've reached the goal or accomplished 972 00:36:40,865 --> 00:36:42,799 what we are asking you to accomplish 973 00:36:42,867 --> 00:36:45,134 before the next stage is taken on. 974 00:36:45,203 --> 00:36:48,538 - [Narrator] But once the helicopter is completely built, 975 00:36:48,606 --> 00:36:50,006 it still can't be flown. 976 00:36:50,075 --> 00:36:53,877 The customer must contact a local FAA representative 977 00:36:53,945 --> 00:36:55,345 and have them look over the helicopter. 978 00:36:55,414 --> 00:36:57,948 (upbeat music) 979 00:36:58,150 --> 00:37:00,750 - They will take you through a sign-off procedure 980 00:37:00,952 --> 00:37:02,618 where they will inspect your helicopter. 981 00:37:02,687 --> 00:37:04,353 Be sure it's built correctly. 982 00:37:04,422 --> 00:37:06,155 (upbeat music) 983 00:37:06,225 --> 00:37:10,092 - [Narrator] Finally, it's given an airworthiness certificate. 984 00:37:10,161 --> 00:37:12,628 Then the owner is free to fly his brand new helicopter. 985 00:37:12,697 --> 00:37:14,096 - Most people don't realize that 986 00:37:14,165 --> 00:37:17,701 for the price of a good Corvette I can have a helicopter 987 00:37:17,903 --> 00:37:19,903 that can fly pretty much anywhere. 988 00:37:19,971 --> 00:37:21,638 Why even drive somewhere where you can fly? 989 00:37:21,707 --> 00:37:23,640 - [Narrator] So perhaps you too 990 00:37:23,709 --> 00:37:25,008 will be flying a helicopter soon. 991 00:37:26,110 --> 00:37:28,778 But in this age of rapidly changing technology 992 00:37:28,847 --> 00:37:30,646 flying a helicopter can also mean 993 00:37:30,715 --> 00:37:32,381 you don't need a pilot at all. 994 00:37:32,450 --> 00:37:32,983 (upbeat music) 995 00:37:37,189 --> 00:37:40,857 - [Narrator] Today, not all helicopters have a pilot inside. 996 00:37:40,926 --> 00:37:43,660 Take the Fire Scout from Northrop Grumman. 997 00:37:43,728 --> 00:37:44,994 At a length of nearly 24 feet 998 00:37:45,063 --> 00:37:47,998 and a height of almost 10 feet, the Fire Scout 999 00:37:48,200 --> 00:37:51,134 was developed for use by all branches of the military. 1000 00:37:51,202 --> 00:37:54,871 But it's the Navy that has become the primary customer. 1001 00:37:54,939 --> 00:37:56,606 It's linked to a ground control facility 1002 00:37:56,675 --> 00:37:58,008 that will give it coordinates. 1003 00:38:00,012 --> 00:38:02,745 Once programmed, it can fly to assigned area, 1004 00:38:02,814 --> 00:38:05,749 perform its mission and return home. 1005 00:38:05,951 --> 00:38:06,749 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 1006 00:38:06,818 --> 00:38:08,751 It can even autonomously take off from 1007 00:38:08,820 --> 00:38:10,987 and land on a moving aircraft carrier. 1008 00:38:14,092 --> 00:38:17,560 Northrop Grumman modified a full-sized Schweizer 333 1009 00:38:17,628 --> 00:38:19,895 to create the Fire Scout. 1010 00:38:19,964 --> 00:38:22,765 It has a top speed of 145 miles per hour. 1011 00:38:22,834 --> 00:38:25,034 (upbeat music) (helicopter whirring) 1012 00:38:25,103 --> 00:38:27,504 Although the original intent was to use the Fire Scout 1013 00:38:27,706 --> 00:38:28,838 to provide reconnaissance, 1014 00:38:29,040 --> 00:38:30,573 it can be outfitted with rocket launchers 1015 00:38:30,642 --> 00:38:32,008 and laser-guided missiles. 1016 00:38:35,180 --> 00:38:37,513 But while these breakthroughs in pilotless technology 1017 00:38:37,582 --> 00:38:38,982 began with the military, 1018 00:38:40,185 --> 00:38:43,920 today, there are more than 250 companies around the world 1019 00:38:44,122 --> 00:38:48,124 who manufacture UAVs or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. 1020 00:38:48,193 --> 00:38:51,861 Now anyone can own and fly these remotely operated drones, 1021 00:38:51,930 --> 00:38:54,397 which use that same helicopter technology. 1022 00:38:54,465 --> 00:38:56,065 (upbeat music) 1023 00:38:56,134 --> 00:38:58,868 Companies like the award-winning DraganFly Innovations 1024 00:38:58,937 --> 00:39:01,738 in Saskatoon, Canada are at the forefront 1025 00:39:01,807 --> 00:39:03,339 of this new wave of consumer drones. 1026 00:39:03,408 --> 00:39:05,875 (upbeat music) 1027 00:39:05,943 --> 00:39:07,744 The secret behind these high-tech fliers 1028 00:39:07,813 --> 00:39:09,945 is the carefully calibrated computer 1029 00:39:10,014 --> 00:39:12,015 which calculates every move the drone makes. 1030 00:39:12,884 --> 00:39:14,751 - It's virtually a flying computer. 1031 00:39:14,953 --> 00:39:17,553 There's very complicated software on board 1032 00:39:17,622 --> 00:39:19,756 to make it fly very stable 1033 00:39:19,825 --> 00:39:21,558 that typical helicopters don't have. 1034 00:39:21,760 --> 00:39:23,893 Flying a full size helicopter 1035 00:39:23,961 --> 00:39:25,995 it's like balancing a ball on a needle. 1036 00:39:27,365 --> 00:39:32,001 Now this is unique in that it senses acceleration and angles 1037 00:39:32,904 --> 00:39:35,705 and it always wants to keep level. 1038 00:39:35,907 --> 00:39:37,707 So right now we have full control. 1039 00:39:37,909 --> 00:39:40,777 We have yaw, which is this movement. 1040 00:39:40,979 --> 00:39:43,012 We have pitch forward, pitch backward. 1041 00:39:43,715 --> 00:39:46,116 And roll left and roll right. 1042 00:39:46,318 --> 00:39:49,786 So what I'm gonna do here is I'm going to take these sticks 1043 00:39:49,855 --> 00:39:53,656 and smash them around and you'll notice 1044 00:39:53,724 --> 00:39:55,191 how that always levels itself. 1045 00:39:55,260 --> 00:40:00,329 If you ever get confused or in trouble, let go of the stick. 1046 00:40:00,399 --> 00:40:03,065 (upbeat music) 1047 00:40:03,134 --> 00:40:04,868 - [Narrator] The operator flies the DraganFlyer drone 1048 00:40:04,936 --> 00:40:07,003 by manipulating it six separate rotors. 1049 00:40:08,940 --> 00:40:11,007 - [Zenon] It changes direction by speeding 1050 00:40:11,075 --> 00:40:14,677 and slowing up the RPM of the individual motors. 1051 00:40:14,746 --> 00:40:16,079 So if you wanted to go forward, 1052 00:40:16,147 --> 00:40:19,015 you would speed up their rear motors to push forward. 1053 00:40:20,618 --> 00:40:21,750 - [Narrator] To yaw right, 1054 00:40:21,820 --> 00:40:23,752 he would speed up all the top motors 1055 00:40:23,822 --> 00:40:25,621 and slow down all the bottom motors. 1056 00:40:25,690 --> 00:40:28,224 On the contrary, to yaw left, 1057 00:40:28,292 --> 00:40:30,994 you would speed up the bottom motors and slow down the top. 1058 00:40:33,298 --> 00:40:35,898 - [Zenon] So just the varying RPM of the individual motors 1059 00:40:35,967 --> 00:40:39,002 will make this go in a different direction. 1060 00:40:40,038 --> 00:40:41,771 - [Narrator] A typical helicopter uses the pitch 1061 00:40:41,973 --> 00:40:43,639 of the rotor blades to increase speed. 1062 00:40:43,708 --> 00:40:45,842 This drone has a fixed pitch. 1063 00:40:45,911 --> 00:40:48,445 Speed is controlled by simply increasing 1064 00:40:48,647 --> 00:40:49,378 the power of the motors. 1065 00:40:49,447 --> 00:40:51,380 (drone whirring) 1066 00:40:51,449 --> 00:40:53,049 (upbeat music) 1067 00:40:53,118 --> 00:40:55,451 Drones can make anyone feel like a helicopter pilot 1068 00:40:55,520 --> 00:40:56,852 in a matter of hours. 1069 00:40:56,921 --> 00:40:59,055 It's even outfitted with safety features 1070 00:40:59,123 --> 00:41:01,324 that allow it to auto land if anything goes wrong. 1071 00:41:01,393 --> 00:41:03,927 (upbeat music) 1072 00:41:04,129 --> 00:41:06,663 Today, the main reason many people operate drones 1073 00:41:06,731 --> 00:41:08,931 is to get images from heights 1074 00:41:09,000 --> 00:41:10,400 that used to require a traditional helicopter. 1075 00:41:10,468 --> 00:41:13,069 (upbeat music) 1076 00:41:13,138 --> 00:41:17,140 - [Zenon] It can lift approximately 500 to 600 grams. 1077 00:41:17,342 --> 00:41:21,477 That's more than enough weight to carry most consumer digital 1078 00:41:21,546 --> 00:41:23,012 and video cameras. 1079 00:41:24,148 --> 00:41:26,015 - [Narrator] But the DragaFlyers size and mobility, 1080 00:41:26,083 --> 00:41:28,350 given many different photographic applications. 1081 00:41:28,419 --> 00:41:29,886 (upbeat music) 1082 00:41:29,955 --> 00:41:32,021 - [Zenon] The civil applications are anywhere 1083 00:41:32,089 --> 00:41:35,992 between aerial photography, aerial videography. 1084 00:41:37,762 --> 00:41:40,997 Police work, fire inspection. 1085 00:41:42,367 --> 00:41:42,999 Archeology. 1086 00:41:44,101 --> 00:41:47,836 So there's a huge range of civil applications. 1087 00:41:47,906 --> 00:41:49,706 We've even done studies on bird nests. 1088 00:41:49,908 --> 00:41:52,641 So you can actually fly it to a tree 1089 00:41:52,710 --> 00:41:54,910 and take photographs of birds. 1090 00:41:54,979 --> 00:41:56,846 - [Narrator] Drones may not have the size 1091 00:41:56,914 --> 00:41:58,848 of some of their helicopter big brothers, 1092 00:41:58,917 --> 00:42:01,584 but like them, they have the versatility 1093 00:42:01,653 --> 00:42:02,986 to serve in multiple roles. 1094 00:42:04,722 --> 00:42:06,722 From fighting in the battlefield, 1095 00:42:06,791 --> 00:42:09,858 to reporting traffic on city streets, 1096 00:42:09,928 --> 00:42:12,661 the helicopter has transformed our world. 1097 00:42:12,730 --> 00:42:14,930 They're a unique type of aircraft 1098 00:42:14,999 --> 00:42:18,334 and an indispensable tool in aviation today. 1099 00:42:18,403 --> 00:42:19,002 (upbeat music)