Ep 2. Iceberg Air Force

Mega Machines: Sea Giants takes an awe-inspiring look at some of the world's biggest floating and submarine vessels, technologies, and equipment. In season 2 episode 2, "Iceberg Air Force," viewers get an insight into how the world's most advanced and capable icebreakers use their technology to clear paths through frozen waters, preventing maritime accidents and protecting goods and supplies from damage.

The episode kicks off with an exploration of the Canadian Coast Guard's flagship vessel, the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, a massive icebreaker weighing in at almost 19,000 tons. Viewers get a bird's eye view of this behemoth, showcasing its impressive size and capabilities. With two 16-cylinder diesel-electric engines and two gas turbines generating 29,800 horsepower, the Louis S. St-Laurent can break through ice up to 2.5 meters thick at a speed of three knots. However, when an unexpected situation calls for it, this ship can ramp up its speed to a whopping 25 knots to blast through any obstructions in its path.

Next, the show takes us onboard another icebreaker, the Finnish vessel, Otso, helping to clear a path for a commercial cargo ship in the Baltic Sea. The Otso is a sleek and impressive ship powered by four Wärtsilä diesel engines that put out a combined 24,000 horsepower. It also has a sophisticated propulsion system that allows it to maneuver its bow and stern in different directions simultaneously, helping it effectively cut through thick ice. The Otso is also equipped with the latest technology, including state-of-the-art radar, sonar systems, and an icebreaker control system to help keep the crew and ship safe during icy conditions.

The episode shifts gears to focus on some of the more unusual machines used to detect icebergs. The first machine is the SARAS system, a miniature flying drone used by the Canadian icebreaker crew to scan the Arctic ocean for floating icebergs. The SARAS system is equipped with sensors that can detect water temperature fluctuations, satellite data, and radar cross-sections to identify icebergs that would be invisible to the naked eye. The system provides real-time data to the icebreaker's crew, helping them to make quick and effective navigation decisions in dangerous waters.

The second machine is the DShip, a unique buoy system developed by the Norwegian-based company, Miros. The DShip uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure the movement of icebergs, even when they are submerged. This data is transmitted to icebreaker crews in real-time, allowing them to plot more accurate maps of iceberg locations and track their movements. The DShip can also be used to locate oil spills, measure waves, and provide weather updates to help make shipping more efficient.

The episode returns to the icebreakers, showcasing a unique and massive vessel designed to break through thick Antarctic ice sheets: the Aurora Australis. With eight diesel engines and a flared hull design, the 95-meter-long Aurora Australis can break through ice up to 1.5 meters thick at a speed of two knots. However, this ship is no ordinary icebreaker. It is also a floating research station, equipped with labs, accommodation for a crew of 116, and a helipad for scientific missions across the Antarctic.

The episode concludes with a look at the U.S. Coast Guard's icebreaker, Polar Star. With a unique and innovative design, including a redundant propulsion system and a reinforced hull, Polar Star is capable of breaking through ice up to 2.1 meters thick. At 399 feet long and 83 feet wide, it is one of the largest and most powerful icebreakers in the world. The show provides exclusive footage of Polar Star's crew working tirelessly to keep the icebreaker operational in the harshest of Antarctic conditions.

Overall, "Iceberg Air Force" is a captivating episode of Mega Machines: Sea Giants, showcasing the latest in icebreaking technology and the sheer power of these impressive vessels. It highlights the crucial role icebreakers play in keeping the world's oceans moving, despite some of the harshest conditions on the planet.