NOVA Season 43 Episode 22
NOVA
Season 43

Ep 22. Bombing Hitler's Supergun

  • TV-PG
  • May 11, 2016
  • 53 min
  • 7.6  (62)

In NOVA season 43 episode 22, titled "Bombing Hitler's Supergun," viewers are taken on a journey through the race to develop a weapon capable of taking down Hitler's infamous supergun during World War II. The episode explores the history behind the V-3 cannon, a massive gun designed by the German army with the capability to launch a shell over 100 miles. The V-3 could have been a game-changer for the Nazis in the war effort, but Allied forces were determined to destroy it before it could be used.

The episode begins with a look at the construction of the V-3, an impressive feat of engineering that had to be built into a hillside in occupied France. Viewers get a sense of the scale of the project, with hundreds of workers toiling away in tunnels to create the necessary infrastructure. However, the Allies were aware of the project and were determined to sabotage it. They turned to a group of engineers and scientists to develop a weapon capable of destroying the supergun.

The episode explores the scientific theories behind the weapon that eventually took down the supergun: the Tallboy bomb. The viewer learns about the physics behind the bomb which enabled it to drill through layers of concrete before detonating. A number of different setbacks occurred during the bomb development process, but ultimately, the Tallboy was deemed ready for deployment.

Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as the episode depicts the mission to drop the Tallboy bomb on the V-3 cannon. The operation was incredibly risky, with pilots flying at low altitudes in order to accurately drop the bombs on the target. The episode explores the challenges of guiding the planes in to the target and the utter devastation created when the bombs finally hit their mark.

The aftermath of the V-3 cannon's destruction is explored in depth, as is the impact the failure of the supergun had on the German army. Viewers will learn about the ripple effect of the successful sabotage on the war effort, including how the German army lost a significant advantage when they were unable to use the V-3 cannon against Allied forces.

Throughout the episode, audiences will learn about the key players in the V-3 cannon story, from the scientists and engineers tasked with sabotaging the project, to the pilots who flew dangerous missions to drop the bombs on the target. Overall, the episode does an excellent job of bringing the historical events to life and showing viewers the extraordinary lengths that people went to during war times to fight for their respective sides.

In summary, NOVA season 43 episode 22, titled "Bombing Hitler's Supergun," is an engaging and informative look at the race to destroy a game-changing weapon during one of history's most devastating wars. Viewers will learn about the V-3 cannon, the Tallboy bomb, and the individuals who were key to the success of the sabotage mission. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in WWII history and technology.

Description
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NOVA, Season 43 Episode 22, is available to watch free on PBS and stream on PBS. You can also stream, download, buy, rent NOVA on demand at Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    May 11, 2016
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    53 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (62)