Thunderbirds machines

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The Thunderbirds machines are a series of fictional vehicles that appear in the mid-1960s film and television series Thunderbirds. The series was developed by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. The series began with the Supermarionation television show Thunderbirds and was followed by the subsequent feature films Thunderbirds Are Go and Thunderbird 6 , which were released between 1965-68. The show featured a large variety of futuristic air, land, and sea vehicles and machines, most of which were designed by special effects director Derek Meddings.

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In the context of the series, most of the advanced machines that appeared in the show belonged to the International Rescue organisation and were used during rescues. These were known as "Thunderbirds", of which there were five core machines and a variety of other rescue craft. It was after these that the series was named. In the show, all of the International Rescue vehicles were designed by the organisation's resident technical genius known as Brains. [1]

The use of these models in Anderson's Supermarionation productions, beginning with Supercar , was a significant advance in television production. Dirt and wear were applied to add realism and counter the miniature models' toy-like appearance.[ citation needed ]

Thunderbird fleet

International Rescue's fleet consists of five principal craft; the Thunderbirds:

Thunderbird 1

Thunderbird 1
Thunderbird 1.jpg
First appearanceTrapped in the Sky” (1965)
Information
Auxiliary vehiclesRemote camera
General characteristics
DefencesDestructor cannon, steel spears, automatic camera detector, electromagnetic wiping beam, radar-jamming system
Maximum speed15,000 miles per hour (24,000 km/h) [2] [3]
PowerRocket propellant, turbo-jet fuel, atomic fusion reactor
Mass140 tons [2]
Length115 feet (35 m) [2] [3]
WidthFuselage: 12 feet (3.7 m)
Wingspan: 80 feet (24 m) [2] [3]
Pilot: Scott Tracy

A sleek, variable geometry ( swing wing ) hypersonic rocket plane, blue and grey in colour, used for fast response, rescue zone reconnaissance, and as a mobile control base. Thunderbird 1 is endowed with VTOL capabilities which are demonstrated in many episodes, and its take-off from Tracy Island is most often vertical. [4]

The length of Thunderbird 1 is a matter of debate,[ citation needed ] with various sources giving values of 80, 100 and 115 feet (24, 30 and 35 m). However, the last figure is now generally accepted,[ citation needed ] placing the aircraft wingspan at 80 feet (24 m).

With a maximum speed of 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 km/h) (Mach 19.7), it can reach anywhere on Earth within an hour's flight if a great circle route can be flown. Thunderbird 1 is hangared beneath the main house on Tracy Island and launches vertically from a pad camouflaged by a swimming pool that slides aside.

The aircraft is primarily piloted by Scott Tracy, with Alan taking his place when he is unavailable as Thunderbirds 1 and 3 are rarely required on the same mission (such as in the episode "Atlantic Inferno", where Scott, as the eldest Tracy brother, takes charge while Jeff is on holiday). Jeff described it as "sleek, first and fast" at the beginning of Thunderbird 6 .

One of the most popular errors noticed amongst Thunderbirds fans is the pilot's ability to control almost all of the many functions of the rocket by simply moving one of the two control levers forward or back. [5] This is explained by other Thunderbirds fans as a precursor to the current system of electronic joystick controls that are backed up by sophisticated avionics computers.[ citation needed ]

The reconnaissance craft, Thunderbird 1 featured in virtually every episode of the series as a means of assessing what vehicles would be required for a rescue. It does not appear in the episodes "Sun Probe", "The Impostors", "Ricochet" and "Give or Take a Million".

In "The Uninvited", Thunderbird 1 was shot down by the Zombite Fighters and crashed into the desert but Scott was soon found by two explorers.

Thunderbird 1 appears in the 2004 live-action film Thunderbirds , where it has an updated look similar to the original; coloured silver grey, with blue and yellow detailing and red nose cone.

In the remake series Thunderbirds Are Go, Thunderbird 1 retains the same role it has in the original series. However, like all of the Thunderbirds, it can be piloted remotely via Scott's wrist console. Thunderbird 1 also possesses an electromagnetic cable that can be fired from the open cargo bay, allowing it to lift or tow objects. The electromagnet at the end of the cable can be swapped for a clip. It also carries a Skypod, a short-range flying capsule that allows Scott to get in close to a target where Thunderbird 1's size would be a disadvantage, and several remote-operated drones that can be deployed to search multiple areas or places that cannot be reached by conventional means.

Thunderbird 2

Thunderbird 2
Thunderbird2.jpg
First appearanceTrapped in the Sky” (1965)
Information
Auxiliary vehicles Pod vehicles
General characteristics
ArmamentsMissile gun
Maximum speed5,000 miles per hour (8,000 km/h) [6] [7]
PowerAtomic fusion reactor
Mass406 tons (without payload) [6]
Length250 feet (76 m) [6] [7]
Width180-foot (55 m) wingspan [7] [8]
Height60 feet (18 m); 110 feet (34 m) with legs lowered [6] [7] [8]
Pilot: Virgil Tracy
Co-pilot: Gordon Tracy

Thunderbird 2 is International Rescue's heavy-duty transporter aircraft, green in colour, which carries rescue equipment to the danger zone in one of 6 pods (including Thunderbird 4 in Pod 4). Thunderbird 2 is a large, green VTOL aircraft that is used in most earth-based rescue missions. It is piloted by Virgil Tracy, who is often accompanied by either Scott Tracy, Alan Tracy, Gordon Tracy, Brains or sometimes Tin-Tin, and on at least one occasion by Lady Penelope.

Thunderbird 2 is 250 feet (76 m) long with a wingspan of 180 feet (55 m) and a height of 60 feet (18 m). A long-range craft, it is capable of reaching anywhere in the world without refuelling, often shown flying just above sea level and has a maximum speed of 6,000 miles per hour (9,700 km/h), which is roughly Mach 7.82 (but cruises at 2,000 miles per hour (3,200 km/h), roughly Mach 2.6). It therefore arrives at the danger zone later than Thunderbird 1. [9]

Designer Derek Meddings maintained that the forward-swept wings were a purely aesthetic decision intended to make Thunderbird 2 stand out next to real-life aircraft: "All aircraft have swept-back wings, so I thought I'd sweep mine forward." [10] A design error on the original TB2 was corrected in later renditions. The telescopic legs which raise the craft were placed on the superstructure which prevented the pods from being loaded from a conveyor belt as seen in the original series' opening credits.

The launch sequence begins with Thunderbird 2 taxiing through a concealed hangar door disguised as a cliff face onto a runway flanked with palm trees that fall back to accommodate the large wingspan. The aircraft is then raised on a platform until it is at the correct angle for take-off. A blast shield rises at the rear of the launch ramp, channelling the exhaust of the rear engines through a series of tunnels to the other side of the island. Thunderbird 2 launches from this angle rather than using the VTOL thrusters because it is much more fuel efficient. [11]

Thunderbird 2 is the most frequently seen of all the Thunderbirds, appearing in all but one episode of the TV series ("The Impostors") and also appearing in all three films.

In "Terror in New York City", Thunderbird 2 was fired upon and crippled by the USN Sentinel and remained out of operation for the rest of the episode. The vehicle was subsequently repaired using parts sourced from several different aircraft companies to protect the secrets of the aircraft's design.

Thunderbird 2 miniature on display at the National Media Museum NMM Thunderbird 2.jpg
Thunderbird 2 miniature on display at the National Media Museum

In the 2004 live-action film, Thunderbird 2 was given an updated design where it doesn't have a hollowed-out middle to carry any Pods, and instead, has a solid body that carries several Pod Vehicles within.

Thunderbird 2 features a slightly updated design (with the Pods a rectangular prism and called Modules) in the series Thunderbirds Are Go while still retaining its traditional role of the team's workhorse. The craft now features the same electromagnetic cable reels as Thunderbird 1, though they can only be used if Thunderbird 2 has no Modules attached. Like the other Thunderbirds, Thunderbird 2 can be piloted remotely via Virgil's wrist device.

The contents of Thunderbird 2's Modules differ slightly from the original series. Module 1 specialises in carrying fire-fighting equipment and contains large speakers and subwoofers topside that are used primarily to emit low-frequency sound waves for use against large fires. It also comes with two under-slung liquid nitrogen cannons. Module 2 contains three "Pods," special units that can be converted and customised into several different rescue vehicles such as the Mole. Module 3 contains electromagnetic "grabs", large claws designed to lift objects heavier than the standard electromagnetic cables can handle. The nose of the craft also contains a set of grabs that can hold a set of seats for lifting people. Module 4 contains Thunderbird 4 just like Pod 4 did in the original series. Module 5 consists of a fuel pump to refuel other vessels as well as seats like Module 3. Module 6, like Module 4 is capable of carrying Thunderbird 4, but it is used in rare occasions of Thunderbird 2 having to travel into space.

Thunderbird 3

Thunderbird 3
Thunderbird3.jpg
First appearance"The Uninvited" (1965)
General characteristics
PropulsionChemical rockets
Ion-drive particle accelerators
PowerAtomic fusion reactor
Mass562 tons [12] [13]
Length287 feet (87 m) [12] [13] [14]
Width23 feet (7.0 m) main body; 80 feet (24 m) including nacelles [12] [13]
Astronaut: Alan Tracy or John Tracy
Co-pilots: Scott Tracy and Tin-Tin Kyrano

A reusable vertically launched SSTO (Single Stage To Orbit) spacecraft used for space rescue and maintenance of Thunderbird 5. Thunderbird 3 is 287 feet (87 m) long, with a 23 feet (7 m) wide body and a 79 feet (24 m) span (including engines). It is red in colour. [15] Another source says it's orange. [16]

Thunderbird 3 is unique among the Thunderbird craft in having its dimensions quoted in an episode of the series: in "Give or Take a Million" Jeff Tracy states that the spacecraft stands 287 feet (87 m) high. However, Brains, the designer of Thunderbird 3, said in a videotaped interview, [17] that Thunderbird 3 was "200 feet [61 m] in height."

Scale model of the reimagined Thunderbird 3 from the 2004 film Thunderbird 3 - geograph.org.uk - 1204817.jpg
Scale model of the reimagined Thunderbird 3 from the 2004 film

Another problem with the stated size is evident in the Thunderbird 3 launch scenes. For the craft to be over 200 feet, the ceiling of the roundhouse it passes through on take-off would need to be in excess of 50 feet (15 m) high and the balcony rail 25 feet (7.6 m) high.[ original research? ]

The spacecraft uses chemical rockets for lift-off and boost, and an ion drive for propulsion while in space. Thunderbird 3 is hangared beneath the "Round House" on Tracy Island, and is primarily piloted by Alan or John Tracy, although Scott often co-pilots. Since John is usually seen in Thunderbird 5, he is rarely seen piloting the spacecraft (only in "The Mighty Atom" and "Danger at Ocean Deep" and "The Uninvited", and never in a rescue situation). In "Ricochet", Virgil is seen piloting Thunderbird 3.

This craft was used for space rescues in "Sun Probe", "Ricochet", "The Impostors" as well as escorting the Zero-X briefly in Thunderbirds Are Go .[ citation needed ]

Thunderbird 3 features a slightly different design in the series Thunderbirds Are Go. The three support structures on the engines are now grapple arms that can swing forward, which hold four electromagnetic cables each, and the nose cone of the craft holds a drill. The cockpit area can rotate to keep the pilot oriented "up" in relation to Earth regardless of the orientation of the rest of the craft. Like Thunderbird 2, Thunderbird 3 features a customisable Pod Vehicle in its cargo bay that's specialised for outer space rescues. Like the rest of the Thunderbirds, Thunderbird 3 can be piloted remotely via Alan's wrist device.

Thunderbird 4

Thunderbird 4
Thunderbird4.jpg
First appearance"The Mighty Atom" (1965)
General characteristics
ArmamentsMissile launcher
Maximum speedSubmerged: 160 knots (300 km/h)
Surface: 40 kn (74 km/h) [18]
PowerTwin atomic fusion reactors
Mass16 tons [18] [19]
Length30 feet (9.1 m) [18] [20]
Width11 feet (3.4 m) [18] [19]
Aquanaut: Gordon Tracy

Piloted by aquanaut Gordon Tracy, Thunderbird 4 is 9 metres (30 ft) long and 3.4 metres (11 ft) wide. This makes it the smallest of the Thunderbirds vehicles, but not the smallest of the Pod Vehicles. [21]

A small yellow-coloured utility submersible for underwater rescue, Thunderbird 4 is carried aboard Thunderbird 2, nearly always in Pod 4, although it was once transported in Pod 6 ("Attack of the Alligators"). In the episode "Terror in New York City", the craft is launched by emergency procedure, from the Thunderbird 2 hangar and slides along the island runway, with the runway's overhang automatically dropping into the sea as Thunderbird 4 approaches it.

Thunderbird 4's slow speed makes it impractical for the craft to travel on its own; when Thunderbird 2 was temporarily out of action and Thunderbird 4 was needed, Jeff Tracy contacted the navy vessel Sentinel - the fastest ship in the fleet and, ironically, unintentionally responsible for incapacitating Thunderbird 2 in the first place - to give Thunderbird 4 a lift to the danger zone.

The submersible is fitted with an adjustable searchlight which can be raised or lowered to reveal a variety of rescue instruments, such as cutting lasers, electromagnets, demolition rockets and battering rams, which can be extended from the nose section.

Thunderbird 4 does not play an active role in the films Thunderbirds Are Go (1966) and Thunderbird 6 (1968). It does, however, appear in the opening title sequence of Thunderbirds Are Go. In Thunderbird 6, Jeff Tracy gives a "run down" on each of the Thunderbirds machines, where Thunderbird 4 makes a brief appearance.

The submersible also appears in the 2004 live-action film with an updated design, including space for two operators, larger cockpit windows, searchlights and two under-slung claws. However, it is handled by Alan Tracy instead of Gordon, because Gordon is unavailable, having been stranded along with his older brothers and father in space and unable to arrive in time.

Thunderbird 4 features a slightly updated and streamlined design in Thunderbirds Are Go and has a few new features compared to its original counterpart, now possessing a pair of deployable grapple arms and two "dry tube" evacuation pods in its stern. Like the rest of the Thunderbirds, it can be piloted remotely via Gordon's wrist device.

During a rescue mission on Jupiter's moon Europa in the episode "Deep Search", it was shown that Thunderbird 4 can also be transported in Thunderbird 3, although it was also provided with various new features to cope with the icy conditions on Europa. When not in use, Thunderbird 4 is housed both in one of Thunderbird 2's Modules and a water tank seen in the main Tracy Island hangar so it can launch from the island when necessary.

Thunderbird 5

Thunderbird 5
Thunderbird5.jpg
First appearanceTrapped in the Sky” (1965)
General characteristics
DefencesRadar cloaking system
Meteor deflector
PowerAtomic batteries and reactors
Mass976 tons [22] [23]
Length400 feet (120 m) [22] [23]
Width296-foot (90 m) diameter [22] [23]
Height272 feet (83 m) [22] [23]
Space Monitor: John Tracy or Alan Tracy

The largest rescue vehicle of the Thunderbirds inventory, which is gold, black and grey in colour, Thunderbird 5 is an Earth-orbiting space station that monitors all broadcasts around the globe for calls for help and also manages communications within International Rescue. [24]

Measuring 122 metres (400 ft) long, 90 metres (300 ft) wide, and 83 metres (272 ft) tall, Thunderbird 5 is equipped with almost completely automated onboard systems, allowing the entire station to be run by a single crew member. Thunderbird 5 is primarily commanded by John Tracy, although he is periodically relieved by Alan (according to the storyline, John and Alan swap roles once a month, one piloting Thunderbird 3 and the other monitoring Thunderbird 5, but such was writer Gerry Anderson's dislike for the character of John, that he was usually exiled to the space station). Derek Meddings designed Thunderbird 5 after the other machines and supposedly based the design on the Tracy Island Roundhouse model (through which Thunderbird 3 launches). [25]

Thunderbird 5 is located in a geosynchronous orbit, 22,400 miles (36,000 km) above the Pacific Ocean and believed to be above Tracy Island. Thunderbird 5 is electronically cloaked to avoid detection from ground-based radar or other spacecraft's sensor systems.

In the series Thunderbirds Are Go, Thunderbird 5 features the most extensive redesign of the fleet being more akin to modern-day space stations. It now features a rotating habitation ring, which uses centrifugal force to provide occupants with artificial gravity. The station has a holographic computer system, also present within the Tracy home as well as the other Thunderbirds, which allows John to have face-to-face conversations with the rest of the team and display information relevant to missions. Thunderbird 5 is also equipped with a space elevator, a rocket-equipped pod on a length of cable, which lets John travel between the station and Tracy Island at will, without having to rely on Thunderbird 3. The station is also equipped with one configurable Pod vehicle. Thunderbird 5's surveillance and data technology are far more advanced compared to its original counterpart, with it able to access almost any kind of digital information that is not secured.

From the episode "EOS" onward, the station is co-operated by the artificial intelligence EOS, which has access to all of the station's systems. The entity, which was created by accident in the previous episode, "Runaway," originally had a violent sense of self-preservation extending into paranoia, which led to it seizing control of the station and attempting to kill John Tracy. However, John can convince it that no one is threatening it and it becomes his on-board companion, albeit with a mischievous streak.

Critical response

In a list of "Top Ten Cool Sci-Fi Vehicles", syfy.co.uk ranks Thunderbird 4 seventh. [26]

Dr Phillip Atcliffe, an aerospace engineer based at the University of Salford, has discussed the real-world viability of the Thunderbird designs. Among his observations are wings of questionable function or value (in the case of Thunderbirds 1 and 2) and a lack of streamlining (Thunderbirds 1, 2 and 4). Atcliffe also queries how Thunderbird 3 would be able to manage its roll and states that International Rescue would probably need other space stations besides Thunderbird 5 to achieve global radio coverage. [27]

According to Theo de Klerk, none of the Thunderbirds seem to have adequate capacity for large amounts of fuel, or turbo generators to convert the heat from their nuclear reactors. De Klerk also states that both Thunderbirds 1 and 2 would be hindered by the drag formed by their engine blocks. He adds that the single VTOL rocket in Thunderbird 1's block would provide little stability during lift-off from Tracy Island, and that given Thunderbird 2's shape, weight and short runway, it is debatable whether that craft could achieve enough lift to take off. [28]

On Thunderbirds 3 and 5, de Klerk states that with only three main rocket engines, Thunderbird 3 could be unstable in flight, while three supporting satellites would need to be positioned around the Earth to compensate for Thunderbird 5's radio blind spots. He also notes that the crew of Thunderbird 3 apparently do not lie on their backs for lift-off, despite the increased G-force of space launches, and that while both Thunderbirds 3 and 5 produce artificial gravity for their occupants, it is unclear how. De Klerk considers Thunderbird 4 to have the least practical design of the fleet, stating that its non-cylindrical shape makes it ill-adapted to extreme underwater pressures. [28]

Other International Rescue vehicles

Thunderbird 2 Pod Vehicles

Thunderbird 2 carries specialised rescue vehicles and equipment to disaster sites in one of six interchangeable Pods. The "Pod Vehicles" are stored within the aircraft's cavernous hangar or kept on standby within the Pods themselves. In the series Thunderbirds Are Go, the Pods Vehicles can be converted and customised into many different rescue vehicles for different uses.

Thunderbird 6

In the film Thunderbird 6 (1968), Jeff Tracy tasks Brains with designing a sixth Thunderbird vehicle. Brains sees all of his proposals rejected, but after Alan Tracy's restored de Havilland Tiger Moth plays a vital role in saving the occupants of the stricken airship Skyship One , he successfully pitches the biplane as the new "Thunderbird 6".

Thunderbird Shadow

Thunderbird Shadow
General characteristics
ArmamentsSonic cannon
Maximum speed12,000 miles per hour (19,000 km/h)
PropulsionGas turbine engines
PowerAtomic fusion reactor
Length42 feet (13 m)
Width26 feet (7.9 m)
Height6.1 feet (1.9 m)

Thunderbird Shadow (or Thunderbird S) is the newest addition to International Rescue's fleet of vehicles in the 2015 reboot series Thunderbirds Are Go .

Black in colour, it is a highly agile, VTOL-capable hypersonic stealth aircraft piloted by the organisation's Chief of Security Tanusha "Kayo" Kyrano. It is primarily used for covert operations related to protecting International Rescue as well as support for land and air-based rescues. The cockpit section doubles as a high-speed "Shadow Bike" motorcycle which can be dropped to the ground from the craft's fuselage when aerial pursuit becomes impractical while remaining in remote control contact. The ship features a pair of grappling claws in place of traditional landing gear, allowing it to perch on walls, ceilings, and other vehicles. The claws have also been used to carry cargo. Additionally, Thunderbird Shadow is equipped with electromagnetic cables, a sonic cannon, and stealth mode "optical camouflage" cloaking technology, allowing it to appear invisible to the naked eye and radar. It can also launch electronic disabling devices onto vehicles to take control of them when in range.

Thunderbird Shadow's launch area on Tracy Island is located on a rock outcrop in a hangar shared with Thunderbirds 1, 3 and 4. Once Kayo is geared up in her flight suit, she ascends to the main body of the ship in the Shadow Bike. The craft is then carried backwards on a turntable and up a wall via a rail. The turntable then rotates 180 degrees so the nose faces up, just as the wall flips round to take the ship outdoors (the exterior is disguised as a rock façade of the island). Thunderbird Shadow takes off from there.

Thunderbird Shadow was designed by Shōji Kawamori, best known as the creator and mechanical designer of the Macross franchise.

Vehicles owned by Lady Penelope

FAB 1 as re-imagined for the 2004 film FAB 1 'Thunderbirds' car in the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire.jpg
FAB 1 as re-imagined for the 2004 film

In the 2004 live-action film, Penelope also owned several pink Ford cars, at least one of which was named "FAB-8". [37]

Miscellaneous

Other vehicles

Crablogger

Crablogger
General characteristics
Maximum speed40 miles per hour (64 km/h)
Mass435 tons
Length342 feet (104 m) [38]

This huge yellow tree-felling machine was featured in the episode "Path of Destruction". The Crablogger is powered by a nuclear reactor, but its built-in wood processing plant requires the chemical fuel Superon. It was designed by Jim Lucas of Robotics International in England. The machine was equipped with two large arms with a giant central chainsaw which would cut a tree at the base before passing it through an opening at the front. Inside the Crablogger's processing plant, the tree was reduced to wood pulp which was regularly collected by tankers.

Designed to clear areas of forestation to make way for road developments, much of the Crablogger's systems were automated, although a crew was required to monitor these systems. In the episode "Path of Destruction", the crew were incapacitated by food poisoning, resulting in the machine going out of control. [39] [40]

Fireflash

Fireflash coming into land on top of International Rescue's Recovery Vehicles, as seen in "Trapped in the Sky" TrappedSkyFireflash.jpg
Fireflash coming into land on top of International Rescue's Recovery Vehicles, as seen in "Trapped in the Sky"

The Fireflash, a hypersonic airliner, appeared in the episodes "Trapped in the Sky", "Operation Crash-Dive", "The Impostors", "The Man from MI.5" and "The Duchess Assignment", as well as in a flashback sequence in "Security Hazard". It has six atomic motors that enable it to stay in the air for a maximum of six months; however, its radiation shielding must be maintained frequently, or the passengers will be able to spend a maximum of only three hours in the aircraft before suffering lethal radiation sickness.

The craft weighs 1,806 tons, has a wingspan of 180 feet, is 380 feet in length, and its maximum speed is Mach 6 (approximately 4,500 mph or 7,200 km/h), and it can fly at heights above 250,000 feet (76,000 m). A novel feature is that the flight deck is built into the tail fin. Like many in real life, this aircraft has two decks, but also features luxury facilities such as a cocktail lounge housed within glazed sections of the wings' leading edges. Fireflash was commissioned by Air Terrainean (a.k.a. Terrainean Airways) with Elevator Cars. [41] [42]

Helijets

Multi-purpose jet-powered VTOL aircraft and helijets appear in numerous episodes and are widely used by civilian and military organisations. A variety of different designs are seen over the course of the series and were also seen in Anderson's next series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons . Some versions seem to be based on the fuselage design of the Kaman HH-43 Huskie helicopter of the early 1960s. It is assumed that the production team modellers modified commercial plastic models (probably the 1/32 scale Hawk kit) of the helicopter for use in the series.

Martian Space Probe

Appearing in the episode "Day of Disaster", the Martian Space Probe is an automated mini-rocket designed by Professor Wingrove and built to rival the Zero-X project. Due to the position of Mars, it was shipped over to England to take off. En route to its launch site, the Allington suspension bridge collapsed under its weight, sending the rocket to the bottom of the river. The intervention of International Rescue saved two technicians inside the command module, but the spacecraft's main body was destroyed.

Ocean Pioneer

Ocean Pioneer was a class of ocean-going nuclear-powered tanker featured in the episode "Danger at Ocean Deep". The Ocean Pioneers carried liquid alsterene fuel. Ocean Pioneer I was destroyed by an explosion after a chemical reaction of her cargo with OD60 gas in the Mediterranean Sea, there were no survivors. Ocean Pioneer II suffered the same fate; however, International Rescue saved all three crew members.

President

The President is the largest and fastest cruise liner ever built, whose maiden voyage between New York and Australia in the Thunderbirds comic strip "The Revolution" was caught up in a revolutionary plot by a group of rebels in Nicaragua.

Red Arrow

The Red Arrow is a fighter jet seen in "Edge of Impact". It has outstanding manoeuvrability, rate of climb, and speed courtesy of being powered by "twin rockets", which Jeff describes as a "new field". The first two of these aircraft were destroyed by the Hood for General Bron, a military leader from a rogue state. The model appears to be based on a SAAB Draken, dressed up with four extra jet engines. [43]

USN Sentinel

A next-generation United States Navy strike vessel that appeared in the episode "Terror in New York City". It has a top speed of 200 knots (370 km/h; 230 mph), which Virgil described as "phenomenal" when he detected it. The warship is 720 feet (220 m) long, has a beam of 98 feet (30 m), and a displacement of 51,270 tons. Unfortunately, the Sentinel also detected Thunderbird 2 and launched a missile attack, having erroneously identified Thunderbird 2 as an enemy aircraft since it was too slow to be a missile, too fast to be a civilian aircraft and did not match any U.S. military aircraft.

Although the Sentinel was prevented from fully destroying Thunderbird 2 when an identification signal was transmitted at the last minute, the damage sustained to the craft's engines crippled it for the rest of the episode. Subsequently, the Sentinel helped International Rescue to save some reporters from drowning in an underwater river in New York by taking Thunderbird 4 aboard and carrying it near the city, as Sentinel was the only available craft capable of transporting Thunderbird 4 that was fast enough to take it to the city in time to make a difference. [44]

Sidewinder

Sidewinder
General characteristics
ArmamentsMissile launchers, pulse cannons
Maximum speed50 miles per hour (80 km/h)
Mass500 tons
Length295 feet (90 m)
Height100 feet (30 m) [45]

A United States Army walking vehicle that appeared in the episode "Pit of Peril". It resembles a giant beetle. Powered by an atomic reactor, the four-legged Sidewinder has two mechanical arms at the front which are used to uproot trees and move aside other obstructions. The vehicle is operated by a crew of three from the cabin at the front. [46]

At 50 metres (160 ft) long and weighing over 500 tonnes (490 long tons; 550 short tons), the Sidewinder is slow and lumbering, but is capable of crossing terrain inaccessible to other land vehicles. The vehicle was developed to prevent South African "brushfire wars" from escalating into larger conflicts and is equipped with a significant amount of weaponry.

The prototype vehicle fell into an unmapped landfill pit during testing. Due to spontaneous combustion of the rubbish, the inside of the pit was extremely hot. [47] Later versions of it were equipped with emergency anti-gravity generators for use in similar situations or if one of its legs has been damaged.

Skyship One

Skyship One is a large technologically advanced airship which appeared in the second Thunderbirds feature film, Thunderbird 6 . Commissioned by the New World Aircraft Corporation, the airship was designed by Thunderbirds creator Brains under the pseudonym of "Mr X". The ship requires only a skeleton crew, as the systems are entirely automated, with destinations pre-programmed before take-off. Key to the airship's design are the gravity compensators; incorporating technology developed for Thunderbird 5 , they effectively reduce the airship's weight allowing it to become airborne. Inside, the cabins and facilities are luxurious and include several themed rooms and bars. [48]

Skythrust

A large, supersonic passenger airliner designed by Brains (although he claims that he only designed some of its new experimental features) which featured in the episode "Alias Mr. Hackenbacker". It is considered the safest aircraft in service, largely due to its unique safety feature in the form of an ejectable fuel tank. In the event of a crash landing, the fuel tank separates from the main body of the aircraft, allowing the plane to land safely with minimal risk of fire or explosion. The fuel "rocket" is then guided to a safe altitude before self-destructing. [49]

Sun Probe

Sun Probe
General characteristics
Maximum speed30 miles (48 km) per second
PropulsionChemical rockets, ion drive
Mass2,580 tons
Length363 feet (111 m) [50]

The Sun Probe is a rocket that was sent to collect a sample from the Sun for research purposes. However, the radiation from the Sun caused the retro-rockets to fail, resulting in it going on a collision course with the Sun until Thunderbird 3 was able to activate the rockets by remote.

It first featured in the eponymous "Sun Probe" and (briefly) in the later produced [51] episode "The Perils of Penelope".

Zero-X

A metallic-blue spacecraft that made the first crewed landing on Mars. Zero-X first appeared in the first Thunderbirds feature film, Thunderbirds Are Go , and subsequently in the first episode of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. [52] [53] It is assembled hours before launch and consists of five parts: the Martian Excursion Vehicle (MEV; later renamed the Martian Exploration Vehicle); the main fuselage; Lifting Body 1 and 2, two wing-like structures that are loaded with thruster packs and also incorporate landing gear at the ends; and a reflective nose cone, which attaches to the MEV. [54]

Zero-XL

Zero-XL was the designation given to the solar system deep exploration and rescue spaceship, powered by a fully functioning T-Drive engine. Designed and built by Brains and the Mechanic, its sole purpose was to travel to the Oort Cloud to rescue Jeff Tracy. The Zero-XL has multiple docking capabilities which facilitates Thunderbirds 1, 2, 3, and 5 docking simultaneously.

Related Research Articles

<i>Zero-X</i> Fictional spacecraft

Zero-X is a fictional Earth spacecraft that first appeared in two of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's Supermarionation productions, the 1966 film Thunderbirds Are Go and the 1967 television series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Although publicity material for the various Supermarionation series, and the TV Century 21 comic, made references to connections between the Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet canons, Zero-X is the only official link between the two series.

<i>Thunderbirds Are Go</i> 1966 film directed by David Lane

Thunderbirds Are Go is a 1966 British science-fiction puppet film based on Thunderbirds, a Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and produced by their company Century 21 Productions. Written by the Andersons and directed by David Lane, Thunderbirds Are Go concerns spacecraft Zero-X and its human mission to Mars. When Zero-X suffers a malfunction during re-entry, it is up to life-saving organisation International Rescue, supported by its technologically-advanced Thunderbird machines, to activate the trapped crew's escape pod before the spacecraft hits the ground.

<i>Thunderbird 6</i> 1968 British science fiction puppet film

Thunderbird 6 is a 1968 British science fiction puppet film based on Thunderbirds, a Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company Century 21 Productions. Written by the Andersons and directed by David Lane, it is the sequel to Thunderbirds Are Go (1966).

<i>Thunderbirds 2086</i> Japanese anime television series

Thunderbirds 2086 is the English dubbed version of the Japanese anime series Scientific Rescue Team Technoboyger, loosely inspired by the original Gerry Anderson Supermarionation series Thunderbirds. The English dub was produced by ITC Entertainment, the original production company for Thunderbirds, although it is not officially recognized as canon because Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson were not involved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virgil Tracy</span> Fictional character from the Thunderbirds franchise

Virgil Tracy is a fictional character from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's Supermarionation television show Thunderbirds, the subsequent films Thunderbirds Are GO and Thunderbird 6 as well as the TV remake Thunderbirds Are Go!. The character also appeared in the live action movie Thunderbirds. Virgil's specialist expertise is in demolition, heavy lifting and logistics.

"Operation Crash-Dive" is an episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films (APF) for ITC Entertainment. Written by Martin Crump and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 16 December 1965 on ATV Midlands as the 12th episode of Series One. It is the eighth episode in the official running order.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Tracy</span> Fictional character

Jeff Tracy is a fictional character from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's Supermarionation television show Thunderbirds and the subsequent films Thunderbirds Are GO and Thunderbird 6. The voice for the character in these shows was supplied by Peter Dyneley. The character also appeared in the live-action movie Thunderbirds, played by actor Bill Paxton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pit of Peril</span> 2nd episode of the 1st series of Thunderbirds

"Pit of Peril" is the second episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films (APF) for ITC Entertainment. Written by Alan Fennell and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 7 October 1965 on ATV Midlands.

"Atlantic Inferno" is the 27th episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Alan Fennell and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 2 October 1966 on ATV London and Anglia Television as the first episode of Series Two. It had its first UK-wide network broadcast on 17 April 1992 on BBC2.

"The Impostors" is an episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Dennis Spooner and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 13 January 1966 on ATV Midlands as the 16th episode of Series One. In the official running order, it is the 19th episode.

"Sun Probe" is an episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films (APF) for ITC Entertainment. Written by Alan Fennell and directed by David Lane, it was first broadcast on 9 December 1965 on ATV Midlands as the 11th episode of Series One. It is the fourth episode in the official running order.

"Day of Disaster" is an episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Dennis Spooner and directed by David Elliott, it was first broadcast on 4 November 1965 on ATV Midlands as the sixth episode of Series One. In the official running order, it is the 15th episode.

"Edge of Impact" is the 16th episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Donald Robertson and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 28 October 1965 on ATV Midlands as the fifth episode of Series One. It had its first UK‑wide network broadcast on 29 November 1991 on BBC2.

"Brink of Disaster" is an episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Alan Fennell and directed by David Lane, it was first broadcast on 24 February 1966 on ATV Midlands as the 22nd episode of Series One. It is the 11th episode in the official running order.

"Alias Mr. Hackenbacker" is the 29th episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Alan Pattillo and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 16 October 1966 on ATV London and Anglia Television as the third episode of Series Two.

"Lord Parker's 'Oliday" is the 30th episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Tony Barwick and directed by Brian Burgess, it was first broadcast on 23 October 1966 on ATV London and Anglia Television as the fourth episode of Series 2. The episode had its first UK-wide network broadcast on 8 May 1992 on BBC2.

"Ricochet" is the 31st episode of Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and filmed by their production company AP Films for ITC Entertainment. Written by Tony Barwick and directed by Brian Burgess, it was first broadcast on 6 November 1966 on ATV London and Anglia Television as the fifth episode of Series Two. It had its first UK-wide network transmission on 15 May 1992 on BBC2.

Brains (<i>Thunderbirds</i>) Fictional character

Brains is a fictional character introduced in the British mid-1960s Supermarionation television series Thunderbirds, who also appears in the sequel films Thunderbirds Are Go (1966) and Thunderbird 6 (1968) and the 2004 live-action adaptation Thunderbirds. The puppet character was voiced by David Graham in the TV series and the first two films, while Anthony Edwards played the role for the live-action film. Brains is voiced by Kayvan Novak in the CGI remake series Thunderbirds Are Go, which aired in 2015.

<i>Thunderbirds</i> (TV series) British science-fiction TV series

Thunderbirds is a British science fiction television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, filmed by their production company AP Films (APF) and distributed by ITC Entertainment. It was made between 1964 and 1966 using a form of electronic marionette puppetry combined with scale model special effects sequences. Two series, totalling thirty-two 50-minute episodes, were filmed; production ended with the completion of the sixth episode of the second series after Lew Grade, the Andersons' financial backer, failed in his bid to sell the programme to American network television.

This article primarily discusses screen and audio works of fiction based on Thunderbirds, a British Supermarionation television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. It also covers imitations and references in other media.

References

  1. Thunderbirds Legends: Building the Thunderbird Machines. 28 March 2020 via YouTube.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Denham, p. 42.
  3. 1 2 3 Bentley, p. 45.
  4. Thunderbird 1: Century 21 Tech Talk. 9 March 2019 via YouTube.
  5. Maksel, Rebecca (5 May 2011). "Thunderbirds Are Go! Relive the classic TV show at the Royal Air Force Museum". airspacemag.com . Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Denham, p. 50.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Bentley, p. 46.
  8. 1 2 Bleathman, p. 8.
  9. Thunderbird 2: Century 21 Tech Talk. 23 March 2019 via YouTube.
  10. Hearn, Marcus (2015). Thunderbirds: The Vault. London, UK: Virgin Books. p. 48. ISBN   978-0-753-55635-1.
  11. Century 21 Tech Talk - Episode Three: Thunderbird 2 | Hosted by Brains from Thunderbirds , retrieved 25 April 2020
  12. 1 2 3 Denham, p. 64.
  13. 1 2 3 Bleathman, p. 15.
  14. Bentley, p. 47.
  15. Thunderbird 3: Century 21 Tech Talk. 6 April 2019 via YouTube.
  16. The worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson: The story behind International Rescue, by Ian Fryer, ISBN 978-1-78155-504-0.
  17. The Brains Behind Thunderbirds (1965/2000), Carlton International Media Limited. Appears on Bonus Disc on Thunderbirds: 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Denham, p. 70.
  19. 1 2 Bleathman, p. 17.
  20. Bentley, p. 48.
  21. Thunderbird 4: Century 21 Tech Talk. 20 April 2019 via YouTube.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Denham, p. 78.
  23. 1 2 3 4 Bleathman, p. 19.
  24. Thunderbird 5: Century 21 Tech Talk. 11 May 2019 via YouTube.
  25. Thunderbird 5 model
  26. "The Top Ten Cool Sci-Fi Vehicles". syfy.co.uk . NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014.
  27. "Could Thunderbirds really fly?". manchestereveningnews.co.uk . M.E.N Media. 19 April 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  28. 1 2 de Klerk, Theo (September 2015). "The Physics of Thunderbirds". In Hearn, Marcus (ed.). Thunderbirds – A Complete Guide to the Classic Series. Tunbridge Wells, UK: Panini UK. pp. 20–24. ISBN   978-1-84653-212-2.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Our Top 10 Thunderbirds Pod Vehicles. 10 September 2016 via YouTube.
  30. 1 2 Bleathman, p. 11.
  31. Bleathman, p. 10.
  32. FAB Facts: Which Thunderbirds Elevator Car Crashed in Trapped in the Sky?. 14 April 2021 via YouTube.
  33. The Firefly: Century 21 Tech Talk. 16 October 2021 via YouTube.
  34. Bleathman, p. 13.
  35. The Mole: Century 21 Tech Talk. 30 September 2021 via YouTube.
  36. FAB 1 (Lady Penelope's Rolls Royce): Century 21 Tech Talk. 13 April 2019 via YouTube.
  37. "THUNDERBIRDS (2004) - FAB 8 Number Plate - Current price: £80". uk.propstoreauction.com. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  38. Bleathman, pp. 3031.
  39. Thunderbirds (1966), Century 21 Television/ITC – Series 2 Episode 2: "Path of Destruction".
  40. Crablogger: Century 21 Tech Talk. 20 November 2021 via YouTube.
  41. Thunderbirds (1965), Century 21 Television/ITC – various episodes.
  42. Fireflash: Century 21 Tech Talk. 30 October 2021 via YouTube.
  43. 'Red Arrow'
  44. Thunderbirds (1965), Century 21 Television/ITC – Series 1 Episode 4: "Terror in New York City".
  45. Bleathman, pp. 2829.
  46. Sidewinder: Century 21 Tech Talk. 13 November 2021 via YouTube.
  47. Thunderbirds (1965), Century 21 Television/ITC – Series 1 Episode 2: "Pit of Peril".
  48. Thunderbird 6 (1968), Century 21 Cinema/United Artists.
  49. Thunderbirds (1966), Century 21 Television/ITC – Series 2 Episode 3: "Alias Mr. Hackenbacker".
  50. Bleathman, pp. 2627.
  51. "Thunderbirds Episode Guide". Fanderson.org.uk. Fanderson. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013.
  52. Thunderbirds Are Go (1966), Century 21 Cinema/United Artists.
  53. Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967), Century 21 Television/ITC – Episode 1: "The Mysterons".
  54. Zero-X: Century 21 Tech Talk. 4 December 2021 via YouTube.

Works cited

Further reading