Rise of the Supercarrier

Smithsonian Channel's Rise of the Supercarrier uncovers the behind-the-scenes world of one of the world's most technologically advanced ships, the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Launched in 2019, this enthralling documentary series delivers an in-depth look at how this mammoth vessel operates, exploring its technological advancements, immense power, and the people behind its operation.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship of the British Royal Navy, is a 65,000-tonne supercarrier considered one of the most sophisticated maritime creations. She's not just a ship, but a floating city with a flight deck large enough to accommodate up to 40 aircraft, ranging from fighter jets to helicopters. Designed to act as the UK's dominant force on the high seas, this supercarrier is built to handle warfare, humanitarian missions, and everything in between. Across five riveting episodes, the series unravels the advanced engineering behind this state-of-the-art vessel and what makes it the epitome of maritime technology.

The series begins with the Queen Elizabeth setting sail on her maiden voyage, marking Britain's return to the seagoing aircraft carrier business after a decade. Rise of the Supercarrier then follows a diverse range of people to paint a holistic portrait of life on the ship. This includes everyone from aviators flying cutting-edge F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets to deckhands responsible for maintaining this immense machinery. Each episode is filled with scenes of teamwork, stress, victory, and unexpected setbacks faced by the crew. It's a real-life drama that reveals an unprecedented look into modern naval warfare while showcasing the human element of those who live and work aboard the supercarrier.

The camera crew captures the daily challenges encountered by this floating city, discovering that the Queen Elizabeth is more than her impressive stature and intricate technology. The supercarrier has its own hospital, gymnasium, five galleys, and enough food and supplies to sustain a crew of up to 1,600 for weeks. The series expertly captures the sense of camaraderie among the crew while underscoring the intense pressure that comes with operating one of the world's most potent symbols of military power.

Diving deeper into the vessel's state-of-the-art technology and its substantial operational capabilities, the series navigates through the nitty-gritty technical aspects of naval operations. It gives detailed insights into the Queen Elizabeth's radar systems, weapon systems, propulsion, logistical aspects, and structural design. Viewers get a chance to understand the rigorous planning and precision required in carrying out military drills, responding to emergencies, and launching aircraft under varied conditions.

Rise of the Supercarrier expertly melds the exploration of technological innovation, raw human grit, and fascinating naval tactics. It captures how the design and operation of the supercarrier are driven by strategic objectives, and how these enormous vessels have evolved to become symbols of a nation's military might.

The series will captivate viewers not only with remarkable views of the massive vessel but also with the human stories embedded within it. Viewers are offered an intimate look at life aboard the supercarrier and are introduced to the realities faced by the members of the Royal Navy. Each episode reveals personal accounts that balance the larger story about the ship. It provides an unusual angle to the world of naval defense, shedding light on the ship’s community and examining life within the confines of a supercarrier sailing into the unknown.

Eye-opening and educational, Rise of the Supercarrier provides an exceptional blend of entertainment and information. It's not just for history enthusiasts or military aficionados, but anyone who appreciates the captivating stories behind the world's most impressive feats of engineering and the humans who power them. With its panoramic shots of the ship, first-hand accounts from the crew, and facts about the unusual living conditions onboard, this five-part series gives a rare, illuminating glimpse of life on an active supercarrier, making it a must-watch for everyone.