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Thunderbird 1 is "sleek, first and fast," according to Jeff Tracy
Technical data
- Type: Hypersonic reconnaissance craft
- Designer: Brains
- Built: 2065
Dimensions
- Length: 115 feet
- Wing span: 80 feet
- Height: 30 feet
- Unladen: 150 tons
Power
- Power source: Atomic fusion reactor
- Engines: 4 variable-cycle gas turbine engines
- Booster rockets 1 variable mode engine (for launch), 1 vertical take-off booster, 1 gas turbine hover jet.
Performance
- Max altitude 150,000 feet
- Max Speed: Mach 22.6 (15,000mph)
- Range: Unlimited
Crew and Accommodation
- Pilot: Scott Tracy
- Relief pilot: Alan Tracy
- Hangar: Under Tracy Villa
- Launch Pad Under swimming pool
- Landing: Upright or horizontal
On Board Equipment
- Mobile Control Base
- Sonar scanner
- Automatic Camera Detector and alarm
- Remote Surveillance Camera
- High Frequency film/videotape deletion
- Cannon
- Multi Spear launcher
Design
TB1 is basically a needle-nosed cylindrical body with a larger diameter section (the blue "reactor housing") immediately in front of a cruciform (cross-shaped) tail/engine unit, with retractable "swing wings" that are extended at low speeds. With the wings tucked in, making her pretty much a missile to look at, top speed is said to be 15000 mph. At the other end of the speed range, TB1 also has the ability to hover for extended periods. The undercarriage is arranged so that she can land in a horizontal attitude, with an unconventional "tail-dragger" layout, it consists of two long, rather spindly main units stored in the wings and a small tail unit that extends from the ventral tail arm.
Hangar and Launch Bay
While awaiting a distress call, Thunderbird 1 rests in an upright (vertical) position on a launch cradle in a hidden hangar behind one wall of the lounge room of Tracy Villa, ready to receive her pilot. Once the pilot has boarded, the cradle and TB1 then proceed down a set of steeply-sloped rails to the launch bay directly under the swimming pool in front of the house. As TB1 descends the "ramp", she remains in an upright position, ready for immediate take-off on reaching the launch position.
Use
First response, reconnaissance and mobile control base. With its incredible speed, Thunderbird 1 can reach anywhere in the world in little over an hour.
Trivia
It is unknown if there are any foot pedals used to pilot the craft; only two forward and backward hand controls are shown in the episodes.
Gallery
Click to enlarge
