Savage Builds

In the Wheel of Death programme, Adam Savage teams up with a NASA engineer to reconstruct a rocket‑propelled super‑weapon that was originally designed to cut through barbed wire during the Second World War. Together they aim to bring the historic device back to operational condition.

Wheel of Death is a television programme presented as a single episode, falling under the genre of an episodic feature. It follows a format that showcases hands‑on engineering projects, with each installment focusing on a distinct challenge or invention. In this particular episode, the well‑known maker Adam Savage partners with an engineer from NASA. Together they set about reconstructing a rocket‑propelled super‑weapon that was originally designed during the Second World War to cut through barbed‑wire obstacles. Their collaboration forms the core narrative, as the two experts combine practical tinkering with aerospace knowledge to bring the historic device back to life. The weapon they rebuild is notable for its rocket‑driven propulsion system, which gave it a unique capability in its wartime role. By re‑creating it, the team not only demonstrates the mechanics behind the original design but also highlights the ingenuity that went into developing a tool capable of breaching fortified barriers. The episode walks viewers through the step‑by‑step process, from sourcing appropriate materials to testing the final assembly. Throughout the programme, the focus remains on the hands‑on reconstruction and the interplay between historical engineering and modern aerospace expertise. The result is a clear illustration of how a piece of wartime technology can be examined, rebuilt, and understood through contemporary technical collaboration.