Big, Bigger, Biggest 2

Tunnel (2009)

Unearth the technological leaps forward that have allowed the world's longest tunnel - the Gotthard Base Tunnel - to be built. The Gotthard Base Tunnel stretches 57 kilometres through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It is deeper than any other tunnel on Earth and paves the way for a vital high-speed rail link between Zurich and Milan. 2000 workers and four gigantic tunnel boring machines work flat-out to excavate 24 million tonnes of mountain rock to complete the tunnel. Explore how this structure was made possible through a series of six engineering breakthroughs. See how six landmark tunnels - including the Thames Tunnel and Channel Tunnel - each feature an ingenious technological innovation that have enabled tunnels to grow ever longer.

Directed By

Peter Oxley

Submarine (2009)

At 171 m long, the USS Pennsylvania is the biggest submarine in the US Navy. It can dive deeper than a thousand feet, sail for 20 years without refuelling, and remain submerged for up to six months. The vessel carries a crew of 155 men and a deadly nuclear arsenal. Uncover the innovations in six landmark submarines, including the tiny Turtle and colossal German U-boats, that made it possible for engineers to incorporate underwater breathing, torpedos, missile launch systems and stealth technology into ever bigger submarines.

Directed By

Martin Gorst

Aircraft (2009)

Continuing this week is the factual series that examines the evolution of modern engineering. The third instalment explores the leaps in aviation technology that led to the development of the world’s largest cargo plane – the Antonov An-124. Weighing in at 392 tons, the Antonov An-124 can carry tanks, trains and even other aircraft to the farthest corners of the globe. The pinnacle of modern aeronautical engineering, this gigantic cargo plane owes its existence to nearly 100 years of innovation...

Directed By

Martin Gorst

Oil Rig (2009)

Uncover the technological leaps forward that allowed the world's largest Oil Platform - the Perdido Spar in the Gulf of Mexico - to be built. The Perdido Spar sits in deeper water than any other oil platform, in an ocean over two kilometres deep. This floating factory is capable of drilling in any direction, and in depths of up to three kilometres below the sea floor. At maximum production it can generate enough oil daily to fill 132,000 cars with petrol. Count down the six technological leaps in landmark oil platforms like the Beryl Alpha platform, that enabled this, the world's largest oil platform, to be built and survive in ever deeper waters.

Directed By

Peter Oxley

Sky Wheel (2009)

Uncover the technological leaps forward that have enabled the world's largest observation wheel - the Singapore Flyer - to be built. The Singapore Flyer is the tallest observation wheel on Earth, rising 165 metres into the sky. It can whisk 1,260 passengers around hourly to see a stunning 45 km panorama of three different countries below. Count down the five major innovations in observation wheels like the original Ferris Wheel and London Eye that have allowed the world's highest observation wheel to be built.

Directed By

Martin Gorst