Ep 18. Velcro, Radar, The Hang Glider

Incredible Inventions season 2 episode 18 titled "Velcro, Radar, The Hang Glider" delves into the remarkable stories behind three iconic and game-changing inventions. The episode begins with the tale of how Swiss engineer George de Mestral came up with the simple yet revolutionary idea of Velcro. We learn how Mestral's curiosity about burrs sticking to his dog's fur led him to develop the hook-and-loop fastening system that has since transformed the way we fasten and unfasten everything from shoes to wallets. Through interviews with experts and archival footage, the show provides insight into the challenges Mestral faced in getting his invention recognized and how it eventually took off.

The second part of the episode explores the development of radar. The program highlights the work of Sir Robert Watson-Watt, a Scottish physicist who, during World War II, helped create the world's first radar system. Using meticulous research and clever animation, the show takes us through the incredible story of how Watson-Watt's inventions enabled Allied forces to detect incoming aircraft and ships, thereby helping them win key battles.

Finally, the episode concludes with the story of how hang gliders became a reality. We learn about the adventurous flight of Otto Lilienthal, who over 100 years ago, used wings to glide like birds. Using interviews with historians and reenactments, we get a glimpse into the struggles of those who tried to follow in Lilienthal's footsteps, including the Wright brothers. The show then goes on to highlight the work of Francis Rogallo, a NASA engineer who developed and tested a flexible wing that could be controlled to fly in a particular direction. We witness how this invention paved the way for modern-day hang gliding and eventually gave birth to an entire sport.

Overall, the episode does an excellent job of bringing to life the stories behind these three iconic inventions. Using a mix of expert interviews, vintage footage, and state-of-the-art animation, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how everyday objects and technologies that we take for granted today were once groundbreaking and game-changing. Viewers will come away with a renewed appreciation for the ingenuity and perseverance of inventors and the desire to create something great.