Engineering Connections

Richard kicks off proceedings at Wembley Stadium, the high-tech home of English football. No one can deny the magnificence of Wembley, but how is its towering arch inspired by a medieval crossbow and how did a simple rock climbers’ knot help engineers raise it into place? Richard tracks down the answers – and finds out how experts preserved the famous ‘Wembley Roar’.

Towering over Sydney Harbour, the famous Opera House is one of the most recognisable and iconic buildings in the world. Richard heads Down Under, takes a stroll along the incredible structure’s roof, learns how its unique “sails” work on the same principles as a simple child’s collapsible toy, and discovers a bizarre engineering connection with a First World War gas mask.

Presenter Richard Hammond looks at engineering achievements and how they were brought about by technological innovation. He climbs aboard the mighty aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, which, at 209 metres long, is a floating airport, a city, battleship and strike carrier, all in one.

Presenter Richard Hammond looks at engineering achievements and how they were brought about by technological innovation. Discover how a trundle wheel, Russian submarines and a Hawaiian volcano helped architect Frank Gehry design one of the world's most iconic buildings.

Richard uncovers why an ancient Celtic boat-building technique was crucial to the development of the tallest road bridge in the world.

Discover how a brass band, a WWII bomber and a vintage racing car contributed to the construction of one of the world's biggest airports.