Decisive Weapons
Series chronicling the impact of technology on warfare.
- 1996-1997
- 2 seasons
- Documentary, Action & Adventure
- TV-G
Series chronicling the impact of technology on warfare.
Season 2 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 1997
Episode 1
The Forgotten Fighter
A profile of the RAF's lesser known WWII fighter the Hawker Hurricane.
Episode 2
Wings Over the Ocean
First invented by the British during the First World War, the aircraft carrier was frowned on by traditionalists. But Japanese recognition of the carrier's potential led to the devastating 1941 attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor.
Episode 3
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Accurate over distances of 500 meters, and with a vastly increased rate of fire, the Springfield rifle marked a great leap forward in rifle technology. The first weapon to be mass-produced, it was used to devastating effect by Union soldiers during the American Civil War.
Episode 4
U-Boat Killer
Initial U-Boat success in strangling the transatlantic supply routes began a battle to protect the Atlantic convoys. The Allies developed sophisticated anti-submarine warfare.
Episode 5
The Soul of The Samurai
This programme looks into the origins and history of the samurai sword, considering the processes and engineering that went into its design and making, and its importance as a weapon in battle when repelling the Mongol invasions.
Episode 6
Darkness Visible
The F-117 A Stealth Fighter is the world's first operational combat plane designed to be invisible to radar. But while powerfully impressive during the Gulf War, doubts have persisted over the plane's ability to avoid radar detection. Is its reputation justified?