Thunderbird 1 2 3 4 5

Series of fictional vehicles in the Thunderbirds franchise

The Thunderbird machines are a series of vehicles imagined for the mid-1960s film and television Thunderbirds series adult by Gerry Anderson. The released work began with the Supermarionation television serial Thunderbirds and was followed by subsequent feature films Thunderbirds Are Go and Thunderbird 6 in 1965–68. The series featured a large multifariousness of futuristic air, land and sea vehicles and machines, the majority of which were designed by special effects director Derek Meddings.

In the context of the serial, about of the advanced machines appearing in the serial belonged to the International Rescue organisation and were used during their rescues. These were known equally the "Thunderbirds", of which at that place were 5 core machines and a variety of other rescue arts and crafts. Information technology was later these that the series was named. In the series, all of the International Rescue vehicles were designed past the system'south 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 tv set production. Dirt and article of clothing was applied as a way of adding realism and countering the miniature models' toy-similar appearance.^{[ citation needed ]}

Thunderbird armada [edit]

International Rescue's fleet consists of 5 principal craft; the Thunderbirds:

Thunderbird 1 [edit]

Thunderbird ane
Data
Auxiliary vehicles	Remote camera
General characteristics
Defences	Destructor cannon, steel spears, automatic camera detector, electromagnetic wiping beam, radar-jamming organization
Maximum speed	15,000 miles per hr (24,000 km/h)[2] [iii]
Power	Rocket propellant, turbo-jet fuel, diminutive fusion reactor
Mass	140 tons[2]
Length	115 feet (35 m)[two] [3]
Width	Fuselage: 12 feet (iii.7 k) Wingspan: lxxx feet (24 m)[2] [3]

Pilot: Scott Tracy

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

The length of Thunderbird one is a affair of fence,^{[ citation needed ]} with various sources giving values of 80, 100 and 115 feet (24, 30 and 35 m). Nonetheless, the concluding effigy is now generally accepted,^{[ citation needed ]} placing the aircraft wingspan at 80 feet (24 k).

With a maximum speed of 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 km/h) (Mach 19.seven), it tin accomplish anywhere on World within an hour's flying if a corking circle route can exist flown. Thunderbird 1 is hangared below the main business firm on Tracy Island and launches vertically from a pad camouflaged by a swimming pool which slides bated.

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

One of the most popular errors noticed amongst Thunderbirds fans is the airplane pilot'due south power to control almost all of the many functions of the rocket by simply moving one of the two control levers forward or dorsum.^[five] This is explained by other Thunderbirds fans as a forerunner to the electric current organization of electronic joystick controls that are backed up past sophisticated avionics computers.^{[ citation needed ]}

Equally the reconnaissance craft, Thunderbird 1 featured in most every episode of the serial as a ways of assessing what vehicles would be required for a rescue. It does not appear in the episodes "Sunday Probe", "The Impostors", "Ricochet" and "Give or Have a Million".

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

Thunderbird 1 appears in the 2004 live action film Thunderbirds, where information technology has an updated look like to the original; coloured argent grey, with blueish and yellow detailing and red nose cone.

In the remake series Thunderbirds Are Get, Thunderbird 1 retains the same function it has in the original serial. However, like all of the Thunderbirds, it is able to be piloted remotely via Scott's wrist console. Thunderbird one likewise possesses an electromagnetic cable that tin exist fired from the open cargo bay, allowing it to lift or tow objects. The electromagnet at the end of the cablevision tin can be swapped for a prune. It also carries a Skypod, a brusk-range flying capsule that allows Scott to get in close to a target where Thunderbird 1 's size would exist 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 ii [edit]

Thunderbird 2
Information
Auxiliary vehicles	Pod vehicles
General characteristics
Armaments	Missile gun
Maximum speed	5,000 miles per hr (8,000 km/h)[6] [7]
Power	Atomic fusion reactor
Mass	406 tons (without payload)[6]
Length	250 feet (76 g)[6] [7]
Width	180-foot (55 m) wingspan[7] [8]
Height	60 anxiety (eighteen 1000); 110 feet (34 thou) with legs lowered[6] [7] [eight]

Pilot: Virgil Tracy

Co-pilot: Gordon Tracy

Thunderbird two is International Rescue'south heavy-duty transporter aircraft, green in colour, which carries rescue equipment to the danger zone in one of half dozen pods (including Thunderbird 4 in Pod 4). Thunderbird 2 is a large, light-green VTOL aircraft that is used in well-nigh 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 Can-Can, and on at least ane 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 refueling, oftentimes shown flying just above sea level and has a maximum speed of half-dozen,000 miles per hr (ix,700 km/h), which is roughly Mach 7.82 (but cruises at 2,000 miles per hour (iii,200 km/h), roughly Mach 2.6). Information technology therefore arrives at the danger zone later than Thunderbird 1.^[9]

Designer Derek Meddings maintained that the forwards-swept wings were a purely aesthetic decision intended to make Thunderbird 2 stand out side by side to existent-life aircraft: "All aircraft accept swept-back wings, and then I thought I'd sweep mine forward."^[10] A design error on the original TB2 was corrected in after 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 bearded as a cliff face onto a runway flanked with palm trees that fall back to accommodate the large wingspan. The aircraft is so raised on a platform until information technology is at the correct bending for accept-off. A blast shield rises at the rear of the launch ramp, channeling 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 considering it is much more fuel efficient.^[11]

Thunderbird 2 is the almost frequently seen of all the Thunderbirds, appearing in all but one episode of the Television set 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 in gild to protect the secrets of the aircraft'southward design.

In the 2004 live action picture show, Thunderbird 2 was given an updated pattern where it doesn't accept a hollowed-out center to deport any Pods, and instead, has a solid body that carries a number of Pod Vehicles within.

Thunderbird ii features a slightly updated design (with the Pods a rectangular prism and called Modules) in the serial Thunderbirds Are Go while nonetheless retaining its traditional part of the squad's workhorse. The craft now features the aforementioned electromagnetic cable reels as Thunderbird 1, though they can just be used if Thunderbird two has no Modules attached. Similar the other Thunderbirds, Thunderbird 2 can exist piloted remotely via Virgil's wrist device.

The contents of Thunderbird 2 's Modules differ slightly from the original serial. Module 1 specializes in carrying fire-fighting equipment and contains large speakers and subwoofers topside that are used primarily to emit low-frequency audio waves for utilise against large fires. It as well comes with ii under slung liquid nitrogen cannons. Module two contains three "Pods," special units that tin be converted and customized into a number of different rescue vehicles such every bit the Mole. Module 3 contains electromagnetic "grabs", big claws designed to lift objects heavier than the standard electromagnetic cables can handle. The nose of the arts and crafts also contains a prepare of grabs that tin can hold a set of seats for lifting people. Module iv contains Thunderbird iv 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 conveying Thunderbird 4, merely information technology is used in rare occasions of Thunderbird 2 having to travel into space.

Thunderbird 3 [edit]

Thunderbird 3
Full general characteristics
Propulsion	Chemical rockets Ion-drive particle accelerators
Power	Atomic fusion reactor
Mass	562 tons[12] [13]
Length	287 feet (87 m)[12] [13] [xiv]
Width	23 feet (7.0 m) chief torso; 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 Phase To Orbit) spacecraft used for infinite rescue and maintenance of Thunderbird 5. Thunderbird 3 is 287 feet (87 g) long, with a 23 feet (7 m) wide body and a 79 feet (24 m) span (including engines). Information technology is red in color.^[15] Another source says it's orangish.^[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 One thousand thousand" Jeff Tracy states that the spacecraft stands 287 anxiety (87 m) high. However, Brains, the designer of Thunderbird 3, said in a videotaped interview,^[17] that Thunderbird 3 was "200 feet [61 1000] in height."

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 exist over 200 anxiety, the ceiling of the roundhouse information technology passes through on take-off would need to be in excess of 50 anxiety (15 yard) high and the balcony rail 25 anxiety (vii.6 m) loftier.^{[ original research? ]}

The spacecraft uses chemic rockets for elevator-off and boost, and an ion drive for propulsion while in space. Thunderbird iii is hangared beneath the "Round House" on Tracy Island, and is primarily piloted by Alan or John Tracy, although Scott oftentimes co-pilots. Since John is unremarkably seen in Thunderbird v, 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 state of affairs). In "Ricochet", Virgil is seen piloting Thunderbird 3.

This craft was used for infinite rescues in "Sun Probe", "Ricochet", "The Impostors" every bit well equally escorting the Zero-X briefly in Thunderbirds Are Become.^{[ citation needed ]}

Thunderbird iii features a slightly different blueprint in the series Thunderbirds Are Become. The three support structures on the engines are at present grapple arms that tin swing forward, which hold four electromagnetic cables each, and the nosecone of the craft holds a drill. The cockpit expanse is able to rotate to go along the airplane pilot oriented "up" in relation to Earth regardless of the orientation of the rest of the craft. Like Thunderbird 2, Thunderbird iii features a customizable Pod Vehicle in its cargo bay that's specialized for outer space rescues. Like the rest of the Thunderbirds, Thunderbird 3 can be piloted remotely via Alan's wrist device.

Thunderbird 4 [edit]

Thunderbird iv
General characteristics
Armaments	Missile launcher
Maximum speed	Dived: 160 knots (300 km/h) Surface: 40 kn (74 km/h)[18]
Power	Twin atomic fusion reactors
Mass	16 tons[18] [xix]
Length	30 feet (nine.1 m)[xviii] [20]
Width	11 feet (three.4 k)[18] [19]

Aquanaut: Gordon Tracy

Piloted by aquanaut Gordon Tracy, Thunderbird 4 is nine metres (30 ft) long and three.4 metres (eleven 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 ii, nearly ever in Pod 4, although it was one time transported in Pod vi ("Attack of the Alligators"). In the episode "Terror in New York Metropolis", the craft is launched by emergency procedure, from the Thunderbird ii hangar and sliding along the isle runway, with the track'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 activeness and Thunderbird iv was needed, Jeff Tracy contacted the navy vessel Lookout - the fastest ship in the fleet and, ironically, unintentionally responsible for incapacitating Thunderbird 2 in the first place - to give Thunderbird iv a lift to the danger zone.

The submersible is fitted with an adjustable searchlight which can exist raised or lowered to reveal a diverseness of rescue instruments, such as cutting lasers, electromagnets, sabotage rockets and battering rams, which tin 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). Information technology does, however, announced in the opening title sequence of Thunderbirds Are Get. 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 blueprint, including space for two operators, larger cockpit windows, searchlights and ii underslung claws. However, it is handled by Alan Tracy instead of Gordon, because Gordon is unavailable, having been stranded forth with his older brothers and father in space and unable to make it 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 analogue, now possessing a pair of deployable grapple arms and two "dry tube" evacuation pods in its stern. Like the rest of the Thunderbirds, information technology is able to be piloted remotely via Gordon's wrist device.

During a rescue mission on Jupiter'southward moon Europa in the episode "Deep Search", it was shown that Thunderbird four tin also be transported in Thunderbird iii, although information technology was besides provided with diverse new features to cope with the icy conditions on Europa. When non in employ, Thunderbird 4 is housed both in one of Thunderbird 2 's Modules and a h2o tank seen in the main Tracy Island hangar so it can launch from the island when necessary.

Thunderbird 5 [edit]

Thunderbird 5
General characteristics
Defences	Radar cloaking system Shooting star deflector
Ability	Atomic batteries and reactors
Mass	976 tons[22] [23]
Length	400 anxiety (120 k)[22] [23]
Width	296-foot (90 k) diameter[22] [23]
Tiptop	272 anxiety (83 m)[22] [23]

Space Monitor: John Tracy or Alan Tracy

The largest rescue vehicle of the Thunderbirds inventory, which is aureate, black and grey in colour, Thunderbird five is an Earth-orbiting space station which monitors all broadcasts around the earth for calls for assistance and likewise manages communications within International Rescue.^[24]

Measuring 122 metres (400 ft) long, xc metres (300 ft) wide, and 83 metres (272 ft) tall, Thunderbird five is equipped with nearly 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 calendar month, one piloting Thunderbird 3 and the other monitoring Thunderbird 5, merely such was author Gerry Anderson's dislike for the graphic symbol of John, that he was usually exiled to the space station). Derek Meddings designed Thunderbird 5 after the other machines and obviously 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 higher up 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 Become, Thunderbird five features the most extensive redesign of the fleet existence more akin to modern mean solar day space stations. It now features a rotating habitation ring, which uses centrifugal strength to provide occupants with bogus gravity. The station has a holographic computer system, as well present within the Tracy home also as the other Thunderbirds, which allows John to have contiguous conversations with the rest of the team and brandish data relevant to missions. Thunderbird 5 is besides equipped with a infinite elevator, a rocket-equipped pod on a length of cable, which lets John travel betwixt the station and Tracy Island at will, without having to rely on Thunderbird 3. The station is also equipped with i configurable Pod vehicle. Thunderbird v 's surveillance and data applied science are far more than advanced compared to its original counterpart, with information technology 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 admission to all of the station'southward 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 information technology seizing control of the station and attempting to impale John Tracy. However, John is able to convince it that no ane is threatening information technology and it becomes his on-board companion, albeit with a mischievous streak.

Critical response [edit]

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 ane and two) and a lack of streamlining (Thunderbirds 1, 2 and 4). Atcliffe likewise queries how Thunderbird 3 would be able to manage its roll and states that International Rescue would probably need other infinite stations besides Thunderbird v to achieve global radio coverage.^[27]

According to Theo de Klerk, none of the Thunderbirds seem to take 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 elevate formed by their engine blocks. He adds that the unmarried VTOL rocket in Thunderbird 1 'southward block would provide little stability during elevator-off from Tracy Island, and that given Thunderbird 2 'southward shape, weight and short runway, it is debatable whether that craft could achieve enough elevator to take off.^[28]

On Thunderbirds three and 5, de Klerk states that with only iii main rocket engines, Thunderbird iii could exist unstable in flying, while 3 supporting satellites would need to be positioned around the World to compensate for Thunderbird 5 's radio blind spots. He also notes that the crew of Thunderbird iii patently practise not prevarication on their backs for elevator-off, despite the increased Chiliad-force of space launches, and that while both Thunderbirds 3 and 5 produce bogus gravity for their occupants, it is unclear how. De Klerk considers Thunderbird four to have the least practical design of the armada, stating that its non-cylindrical shape makes it sick-adapted to extreme underwater pressures.^[28]

Other International Rescue vehicles [edit]

Thunderbird 2 Pod Vehicles [edit]

Thunderbird 2 carries specialized rescue vehicles and equipment to disaster sites in one of vi 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 tin exist converted and customized into a number of different rescue vehicles for different uses.

• Booster Mortar (a.k.a. the Thunderiser): a tracked vehicle with a cannon that can burn down rescue packs through upper-flooring windows to assist people trapped in tall buildings. Used in "Edge of Impact".^[29]
• DOMO (Demolition and Object Moving Operator): a restraint vehicle with three suction arms that, past using artificial gravity fields tin restrain or lift unstable structures or clear the disaster zone of heavy objects prior to the employ of other Pod Vehicles.^[thirty] Used in "The Duchess Assignment", in which it is referred to as the "Restraining Outfit".^[29]
• Elevator Cars: built for use at airports to enable stricken aircraft to state safely by way of being maneuvered beneath a airplane to human activity as a substitute for landing gear.^[31] Used in "Trapped in the Sky".^{[29] [32]}
• Excavator: a high-powered stone-crushing automobile like in blueprint to the DOMO. It is used to articulate rough terrain or unblock caves with people trapped inside, oftentimes being used for areas affected by landslides. Used in "Martian Invasion".^[29]
• Fire Tender: an adapted commercial vehicle that serves as a backup to the Firefly and Fire Truck.
• Fire Truck: a burn down-fighting vehicle that shoots water, cream and nitroglycerine shells to extinguish blazes. Used in "Security Hazard".
• Firefly: a fire-proof vehicle used for demolition and fire-fighting work. Used in "City of Fire" and "Terror in New York Urban center".^{[29] [33]}
• Jet Air Transporter: an air-cushioned vehicle which uses a combination of loftier-power vertical turbo fans and anti-gravity technology to permit people jumping from buildings or structures to be caught safely and gently lowered to the basis. Used in "Motion – and You're Expressionless".^[29]
• Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation Cutter Vehicle: a tracked vehicle similar in design to the Booster Mortar. Equipped with a powerful front-mounted laser that tin can proceeds precise and rapid entry to secure buildings such every bit vaults and bunkers. Used in "xxx Minutes Afterwards Noon".
• Mobile Crane: a half dozen-wheeled cherry picker vehicle used primarily to lift rescue personnel into tall structures.^[30] Used in "Path of Destruction".^[29]
• The Mole: a loftier-speed subterrene tunnelling car capable of wearisome through even the hardest rock to rescue individuals trapped underground. It is carried to rescue sites on a trolley then tilts to commence drilling. Caterpillar tracks on both sides enable it to render to the surface.^[34] Used in "Pit of Peril", "Metropolis of Fire" and "The Duchess Assignment". It is notable for beingness one of the few Pod Vehicles to appear in multiple episodes; it also appears in the closing credits aslope the v Thunderbirds, Fireflash and FAB 1.^{[29] [35]}
• Monobrake: a low-slung search and recovery utility vehicle capable of either travelling along monorail tunnels or, by using its front-mounted telescopic arm, tin can exist attached to an overhead monorail line for greater speed. Used in the episode "The Perils of Penelope".^[29]
• Neutraliser Tractor: a tracked mobile device used primarily to disable the radio control systems and electronics of explosive devices through use of sonic waves. Used in "Move – and You're Dead".^[29]
• Recovery Vehicles: one manned and 1 remote-controlled vehicle equipped with magnetic grappling lines to booty large objects out of lakes, rivers or pits. Used in "Pit of Peril".^[29]
• Thunderbird four : although a Thunderbird in its own correct, Thunderbird 4 usually transported to a rescue in Pod iv of Thunderbird 2. Information technology is the near often seen of the Pod Vehicles.
• Transmitter Truck: adapted from a heavy-duty commercial vehicle and equipped with a dish that tin transmit tractor beams and condom beams equally well equally communications and computer data to inaccessible locations. Used in "Sun Probe".^[29]

Thunderbird half dozen [edit]

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

Thunderbird Shadow [edit]

Thunderbird Shadow
General characteristics
Armaments	Sonic cannon
Maximum speed	12,000 miles per hr (19,000 km/h)
Propulsion	Gas turbine engines
Power	Atomic fusion reactor
Length	42 anxiety (13 m)
Width	26 feet (seven.9 m)
Height	six.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 serial Thunderbirds Are Become.

Blackness in colour, it is a highly active, VTOL-capable hypersonic stealth aircraft piloted by the system'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 loftier speed "Shadow Bicycle" motorcycle which can exist dropped to the ground from the craft's fuselage when aeriform 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 as well been used to carry cargo. Additionally, Thunderbird Shadow is equipped with electromagnetic cables, a sonic cannon, and stealth mode "optical camouflage" cloaking applied science, assuasive it to appear invisible to the naked middle and radar. It can also launch electronic disabling devices onto vehicles in lodge to take control of them when in range.

Thunderbird Shadow 'due south launch surface area on Tracy Island is located on a stone outcrop in a hangar shared with Thunderbirds 1, 3 and 4. Once Kayo is geared up in her flight suit, she ascends to the principal torso of the send in the Shadow Bike. The craft is and then carried backwards on a turntable and upward a wall via a rail. The turntable so rotates 180 degrees so the nose faces up, only as the wall flips circular to take the transport outdoors (the outside is disguised as a rock façade of the island). Thunderbird Shadow takes off from there.

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

Vehicles endemic by Lady Penelope [edit]

Farther information: FAB ane

• FAB one : a six-wheeled Rolls-Royce pinkish motor automobile used by Lady Penelope and her chauffeur, Parker. The car has an aircraft-style canopy and is fitted with many gadgets including an air-cooled machine gun located behind the Rolls-Royce grille.^[36]
• FAB ii : Penelope's yacht which featured in the episode "The Man from MI.v". Parker seemingly lost the vessel afterwards using it as currency in a game of poker. It as well makes an advent in the Thunderbirds Are Get episode "Upside Down".
• FAB 0 : a half-dozen-wheeled motor car that appears in the Thunderbirds Are Go episode "Designated Commuter" equally the vehicle that precedes FAB i. Information technology resembles the original FAB i from the original Thunderbirds serial and additionally features propellers housed in its wheels for flight.

Miscellaneous [edit]

• Hover bikes: small personal transports that hover above the basis, used by all members of IR. These vehicles were also seen in Anderson's earlier series Fireball XL5. They were used to go around the fact that the puppeteers could non make the marionettes walk realistically. They also brand an advent in the 2004 moving picture and the Thunderbirds Are Get episode "Home on the Range".
• Ladybird Jet: Tin-Tin's jet seen in ii episodes of Thunderbirds, and appears equally a piece in the Thunderbirds game "Tracy Island" expansion pack.
• Remote Camera: a remotely-operated flying camera designed to withstand extreme heat. Too carried aboard Thunderbird 1.

Other vehicles [edit]

Crablogger [edit]

Crablogger
General characteristics
Maximum speed	40 miles per hour (64 km/h)
Mass	435 tons
Length	342 feet (104 thou)[37]

This huge yellow tree-felling machine featured in the episode "Path of Destruction". Powered past an diminutive reactor, merely with a woods processing establish dependent on the chemical fuel 'Superon', the Crablogger was designed past Jim Lucas of Robotics International in England. The machine was equipped with 2 large arms with a behemothic central chainsaw which would cutting a tree at the base before passing information technology through an opening at the front. Inside the Crablogger, the tree was reduced to wood pulp which was regularly collected past tankers.

Designed to clear areas of forestation to brand 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 nutrient poisoning, resulting in the automobile going out of control.^{[38] [39]}

Fireflash [edit]

Fireflash coming in to state on top of International Rescue'south Recovery Vehicles, as seen in "Trapped in the Sky"

The Fireflash, a hypersonic airliner, appeared in the episodes "Trapped in the Heaven", "Operation Crash-Swoop", "The Impostors", "The Man from MI.5" and "The Duchess Consignment", likewise equally in a flashback sequence in "Security Take a chance". It has vi atomic motors that enable it to stay in the air for a maximum of half-dozen months; all the same, their radiation shielding must be maintained frequently, or the passengers volition exist able to spend a maximum of merely iii hours in the aircraft before succumbing to radiations sickness.

The craft weighs ane,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 anxiety (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 ii decks, only as well features luxury facilities such as a cocktail lounge housed inside glazed sections of the wings' leading edges. Fireflash was commissioned by Air Terrainean (a.k.a. Terrainean Airways).^{[40] [41]}

Helijets [edit]

Multi-purpose jet-powered VTOL shipping, helijets appear in numerous episodes and are widely used by noncombatant and military organizations. A multifariousness of different designs are seen over the course of the serial and were as well seen in Anderson'south adjacent 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 causeless that the production team modelers modified commercial plastic models (probably the 1/32 scale Hawk kit) of the helicopter for use in the serial.

Martian Infinite Probe [edit]

Appearing in the episode "Twenty-four hours of Disaster", the Martian Infinite Probe is an automated mini-rocket designed by Professor Wingrove and congenital 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 within the command module, simply the spacecraft's main torso was destroyed.

Body of water Pioneer [edit]

Ocean Pioneer was a class of bounding main-going nuclear powered tanker which carried liquid alsterine. Body of water Pioneer I was destroyed past an explosion after chemical reaction of her cargo with OD.threescore gas in the Mediterranean Sea, there were no survivors. Ocean Pioneer Ii suffered the same fate, however, International Rescue saved all three coiffure members. Both vessels featured in the episode "Danger at Ocean Deep".

Red Arrow [edit]

The Ruby-red Arrow is a fighter jet seen in "Edge of Impact". It has outstanding maneuverability, charge per unit of climb, and speed courtesy of being powered past "twin rockets", which Jeff describes as a "new field". The first 2 of this aircraft were destroyed past the Hood for General Bron, a military leader from a rogue state. The model appears to be based on a SAAB Draken, dressed upward with four extra jet engines.^[42]

USN Sentinel [edit]

A adjacent-generation U.s.a. 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 long, has a beam of 98 feet, and a displacement of 51,270 tons. Unfortunately, the Sentinel also detected Thunderbird 2 and launched a missile assault, having erroneously identified Thunderbird 2 as an enemy aircraft since information technology was too slow to be a missile, too fast to be a civilian aircraft and did non match any U.South. military machine shipping.

Although the Lookout was prevented from fully destroying Thunderbird 2 when an identification signal was transmitted at the last minute, the damage sustained to the ship's engines crippled it for the residuum of the episode. Subsequently, the Sentinel helped International Rescue to salve some reporters from drowning in an underwater river in New York past taking Thunderbird iv aboard and carrying it near the city, as Sentinel was the simply bachelor craft capable of transporting Thunderbird 4 that was fast enough to take it to the urban center in time to make a difference.^[43]

Sidewinder [edit]

Sidewinder
General characteristics
Armaments	Missile launchers and pulse cannons
Maximum speed	50 miles per hour (80 km/h)
Mass	500 tons
Length	295 feet (xc yard)
Height	100 feet (30 thousand)[44]

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 ii mechanical artillery 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 motel at the front end.^[45]

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

The image vehicle barbarous into an unmapped landfill pit during testing. Due to spontaneous combustion of the rubbish, the inside of the pit was extremely hot.^[46] Later versions of information technology were equipped with emergency anti-gravity generators for apply in like situations or if one of its legs has been damaged.

Skyship One [edit]

Skyship One is a big technologically avant-garde airship which appeared in the second Thunderbirds feature picture show, Thunderbird half-dozen. Commissioned past the New World Aircraft Corporation, the balloon was designed by Thunderbirds creator Brains under the pseudonym of "Mr Ten". The transport requires simply a skeleton crew, as the systems are entirely automated, with destinations pre-programmed before take-off. Fundamental to the airship'due south design are the gravity compensators; incorporating applied science developed for Thunderbird 5, they effectively reduce the airship'southward weight allowing it to go airborne. Inside, the cabins and facilities are luxurious and include several themed rooms and confined.^[47]

Skythrust [edit]

A large, supersonic rider airliner designed by Brains (although he claims that he simply 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 result of a crash landing, the fuel tank separates from the main body of the aircraft, allowing the aeroplane to land safely with minimal risk of burn or explosion. The fuel "rocket" is then guided to a safe distance earlier self-destructing.^[48]

Sunday Probe [edit]

Sun Probe
General characteristics
Maximum speed	30 miles (48 km) per second
Propulsion	Chemic rockets and ion drive
Mass	2,580 tons
Length	363 feet (111 m)[49]

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

It starting time featured in the eponymous "Sun Probe" and (briefly) in the later produced^[50] episode "Perils of Penelope" .

Nix-X [edit]

A metal-blueish spacecraft that made the beginning manned landing on Mars. Zero-X first appeared in the first Thunderbirds feature film, Thunderbirds Are Go, and subsequently in the start episode of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.^{[51] [52]} It is assembled hours prior to launch and consists of five parts: the Martian Excursion Vehicle (MEV; later renamed the Martian Exploration Vehicle); the primary fuselage; Lifting Body 1 and 2, two wing-like structures that are loaded with thruster packs and also contain landing gear at the ends; and a reflective olfactory organ cone, which attaches to the MEV.^[53]

References [edit]

1. ^ Thunderbirds Legends: Building the Thunderbird Machines. 28 March 2020 – via YouTube.
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Denham, p. 42.
3. ^ ^{a b c} Bentley, p. 45.
4. ^ Thunderbird one: Century 21 Tech Talk. 9 March 2019 – via YouTube.
5. ^ Maksel, Rebecca (5 May 2011). "Thunderbirds Are Become! Relive the classic Television receiver prove at the Royal Air Forcefulness Museum". airspacemag.com. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved xviii September 2021.
6. ^ ^{a b c d} Denham, p. 50.
7. ^ ^{a b c d} Bentley, p. 46.
8. ^ ^{a b} 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. ISBN978-0-753-55635-i.
11. ^ Century 21 Tech Talk - Episode Three: Thunderbird 2 | Hosted by Brains from Thunderbirds , retrieved 25 April 2020
12. ^ ^{a b c} Denham, p. 64.
13. ^ ^{a b c} Bleathman, p. 15.
14. ^ Bentley, p. 47.
15. ^ Thunderbird 3: Century 21 Tech Talk. half-dozen April 2019 – via YouTube.
16. ^ The worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson: The story behind International Rescue, past 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'south Edition.
18. ^ ^{a b c d} Denham, p. 70.
19. ^ ^{a b} Bleathman, p. 17.
20. ^ Bentley, p. 48.
21. ^ Thunderbird iv: Century 21 Tech Talk. twenty April 2019 – via YouTube.
22. ^ ^{a b c d} Denham, p. 78.
23. ^ ^{a b c d} Bleathman, p. nineteen.
24. ^ Thunderbird 5: Century 21 Tech Talk. 11 May 2019 – via YouTube.
25. ^ Thunderbird 5 model
26. ^ "The Meridian Ten Cool Sci-Fi Vehicles". syfy.co.united kingdom. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014.
27. ^ "Could Thunderbirds really fly?". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. M.East.N Media. 19 April 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2018. Retrieved xiii November 2020.
28. ^ ^{a b} de Klerk, Theo (September 2015). "The Physics of Thunderbirds". In Hearn, Marcus (ed.). Thunderbirds – A Complete Guide to the Classic Series. Tunbridge Wells, Britain: Panini UK. pp. 20–24. ISBN978-i-84653-212-two.
29. ^ ^{a b c d eastward f thou h i j one thousand l} Our Top 10 Thunderbirds Pod Vehicles. 10 September 2016 – via YouTube.
30. ^ ^{a b} Bleathman, p. eleven.
31. ^ Bleathman, p. x.
32. ^ FAB Facts: Which Thunderbirds Lift Machine Crashed in Trapped in the Sky?. 14 Apr 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. thirteen April 2019 – via YouTube.
37. ^ Bleathman, pp. 30–31.
38. ^ Thunderbirds (1966), Century 21 Idiot box/ITC – Series 2 Episode 2: "Path of Destruction".
39. ^ Crablogger: Century 21 Tech Talk. 20 November 2021 – via YouTube.
40. ^ Thunderbirds (1965), Century 21 Television/ITC – various episodes.
41. ^ Fireflash: Century 21 Tech Talk. thirty Oct 2021 – via YouTube.
42. ^ 'Red Arrow'
43. ^ Thunderbirds (1965), Century 21 Idiot box/ITC – Series 1 Episode 4: "Terror in New York".
44. ^ Bleathman, pp. 28–29.
45. ^ Sidewinder: Century 21 Tech Talk. 13 Nov 2021 – via YouTube.
46. ^ Thunderbirds (1965), Century 21 Tv/ITC – Series 1 Episode 2: "Pit of Peril".
47. ^ Thunderbird 6 (1968), Century 21 Movie theater/United Artists.
48. ^ Thunderbirds (1966), Century 21 Telly/ITC – Series 2 Episode three: "Alias Mr. Hackenbacker".
49. ^ Bleathman, pp. 26–27.
50. ^ "Thunderbirds Episode Guide". Fanderson.org.britain. Bradford, Britain: Fanderson. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013.
51. ^ Thunderbirds are Go (1966), Century 21 Movie theater/United Artists.
52. ^ Helm Scarlet and The Mysterons (1967), Century 21 Telly/ITC – Episode 1: "The Mysterons".
53. ^ Zip-X: Century 21 Tech Talk. 4 December 2021 – via YouTube.

Works cited [edit]

• Bentley, Chris (2005) [2000]. The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2nd ed.). London, UK: Carlton Books. ISBN978-ane-84442-454-2.
• Bleathman, Graham (2000). Thunderbirds FAB Cantankerous-Sections. London, UK: Carlton Books. ISBN978-1-84222-091-7.
• Denham, Sam (2015) [2012]. Thunderbirds 50th Ceremony Edition Agents' Technical Manual. Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes Publishing. ISBN978-0-85733-823-v.

Further reading [edit]

• Hagerty, Jack; Rogers, Jon C. (2001). "Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds". Spaceship Handbook: Rocket and Spacecraft Designs of the 20th Century: Fictional, Factual and Fantasy. Livermore, California: ARA Printing. pp. 295–317. ISBN978-0-970760-40-1.
• Hearn, Marcus, ed. (September 2015). Thunderbirds – A Consummate Guide to the Archetype Series. Tunbridge Wells, United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland: Panini United kingdom. pp. 40–46, 48–52. ISBN978-1-84653-212-2.
• Kitmacher, Gary; Miller, Ron; Pearlman, Robert (2018). "The Infinite Station in Pop Culture". Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books. p. 209. ISBN978-1-58834-632-2. LCCN 2018004838 – Thunderbird 5.
• Meddings, Derek; Denham, Sam (1993). "Worlds of Illusion". 21st Century Visions. Surrey, UK: Paper Tiger Books. pp. 21–31. ISBN978-1-85028-243-3.

External links [edit]

• Gerry Anderson's "Stars" – overview of the miniature models of the Anderson series, including Thunderbirds (archived xv Jan 2008)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbirds_machines

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