Episode #1.14

The GRENADE LAUNCHER: In World War 1, the original grenade launchers were the infantrymen themselves. They both lit and lobbed the mini bombs from the trenches. They could throw the grenade 15 meters fairly accurately but then would have to duck for cover to avoid the shrapnel from the explosion. Today’s version, made in Illinois, USA, has both range and precision. The M203 Grenade Launcher is a single shot launcher designed to attach under a rifle barrel. Using the latest technology, harmless bits of plastic and a block of aluminum will be melted, molded, and cut to create a snap-on weapon that increases the firepower in a soldier’s hands by a long shot.The FLIGHT SIMULATOR: Prior to the advent of the flight simulator, learning to be a fighter pilot was actually more dangerous than flying combat missions. The first flight simulator, the Link Trainer, was invented in the 1920s by Edward Link. Despite initial rejection by the United States government, following a series of costly aircraft crashes in the mid-1930s, the United States decided to purchase the Link Trainer. By the time World War 2 broke out there were 10,000 Flight Simulators in service. Today, the difference between a simulated and real cockpit is virtually indistinguishable. And the sophisticated flight programs can throw any dangerous scenario imaginable at the trainee – extreme weather, equipment failure, emergency landings, and combat scenarios. It takes 2 years and millions of parts to create this structure, but by the time its pilots climb into the real cockpit they won’t be winging it. Because once you’ve flown a simulator, you’re ready to take off in the real thing.The RATION PACKS: 100 years ago, dinner in the trenches of World War 1 wasn’t very appetizing. Due to short supplies of staples and poor preservation, British troops subsisted on thin soups flavoured with mystery meat, canned corned beef, and bread substitute made from dried turnips. Tins of sugary tea masked