Cloudbase
Length
We get a good look at Cloudbase with Angel fighters in position on the upper runway. Using the established size of the Angel Interceptor (see below) we can calculate the size of Cloudbase. We see Colonel White standing in the observation tube on the conning tower so we know these must be large enough to walk along them.
Firepower
Even when attacked by Mysteron flying saucers, Cloudbase offers no direct retaliatory fire (yes, this is a dream, but we assume as it is Symphony’s dream it is accurate).
Speed
While usually stationary, we do see Cloudbase move in Shadow Of Fear. Although no speed or distance travelled is stated, it seems to be moving at a decent speed,
FAB Factor
A unique aircraft and a considerable feat of engineering. It is the HQ of Spectrum, who are fighting the Mysteron threat to wreak havoc on the Earth.
Year
Established in The Mysterons.
Angel Interceptor
Length
In The Launching we see Angel pilot Melody and another pilot standing next to her fighter. There is a discrepancy between the puppet shots and the model wide shot featuring the whole plane. Both shots were assessed and the model shot has been used as this features the whole aircraft.
The famous Airfix kit is listed as being 1/72nd scale (their standard aircraft scale), and the model kit is 7.3” in length, which equates to a scale length of 44 feet (about the same length as a Harrier Jump Jet).
There is an official length of 60 feet listed.
Firepower
The Angel aircraft is equipped with cannons powerful enough to destroy a road bridge (The Mysterons) and shooting down small aircraft.
Speed
No speeds are stated in the show. TV21 and the Captain Scarlet annuals state credible speeds, given these are high performance aircraft and factoring in the era of the show (the SR71 Blackbird, which was the most advanced aircraft of the time, had a reported top speed of 2,200mph).
FAB Factor
There are many Angel aircraft – three in constant operation. While they form the front line of defence for Cloudbase and Spectrum they rarely have a decisive role in the operations.
Year
Established in The Mysterons.
SPV – Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle
Length
There are shots in The Mysterons of Captain Blue alongside an SPV and the size can be determined from this and corroborated with a shot in Manhunt of an SPV next to an SPC.
Firepower
In The Trap, Captain Blue uses the nose cannon and smashes large pieces of an ancient stone castle with single shots.
Speed
No speed is stated in the show, but like the stat of Thunderbird 2’s length, this seems quite well recognised and accepted and feels right. And it works within the context of the episodes and for the game.
FAB Factor
There are many SPVs hidden in secret garages all over the world, ready whenever a Spectrum agent needs them. It is the most recognizable vehicle in the show and with Captain Scarlet at the wheel is used to thwart several Mysteron plans.
Year
Established in The Mysterons.
SPC – Spectrum Patrol Car
Length
This is seen several times with people standing next to it (Manhunt) and we can easily calculate the size using our 6ft tall human.
Firepower
The car has no weaponry.
Speed
No speed is stated on screen. For game play purposes and within the context of the show, it is clearly a high-performance vehicle, though not as fast as an SPV.
FAB Factor
These cars are the primary mode of transport for Spectrum agents, but are commonplace. An SPC does not factor into any story in a pivotal way (contrast with an SPV that is seen to ram airliners off the runway).
Year
Established in The Mysterons.
MSV – Maximum Security Vehicle
Length
In The Mysterons we see a convoy of two SPCs and an MSV transporting the World President. Using the established size of an SPC, the size of the MSV can be easily identified (the Dinky toy is larger in comparison to the SPC and SPV than it should be).
Firepower
The car has no weaponry.
Speed
No speed is stated, although the vehicle is clearly heavily armoured, suggesting it is built for strength more than speed. Top speed is listed in TV21 and Captain Scarlet annuals as 200mph, but it seems unlikely that it is as fast as an SPV, or that it would beat the SPC in a race.
FAB Factor
Seen only briefly and with little dramatic involvement.
Were it not for the Dinky Toy it would probably be largely forgotten, although it is a terrific looking vehicle.
Year
Established in The Mysterons.
SPJ – Spectrum Passenger Jet
Length
In addition to seeing the pilot figures in the cockpit, in The Mysterons we see Captain Scarlet and the World President eject. Using this full, seated figure we can calculate the size (the cockpit set is much bigger than what is represented on the model).
Firepower
In Flight To Atlantica Captain Scarlet shoots at the V-17 bomber manned by Captains Blue and Ochre and damages the engines, causing the plane to eventually crash. The full firepower cannot be properly assessed as it likely that Captain Scarlet is using the smallest warhead possible (if indeed the Jet has options) in the hopes of stopping the plane, but possibly sparing his colleagues’ lives.
Speed
Faster than Mach 2 (faster than Concorde!)
FAB Factor
Although used frequently by Captain Scarlet and Captain Blue, like other Spectrum hardware there are many Spectrum Passenger Jets. It never features decisively in an operation.
Year
Established in The Mysterons.
Spectrum Helicopter
Length
In The Mysterons we see some good views of the Helicopter alongside Captain Blue as they shoot it out at the London Car-Vu, providing a good sense of its size. This is another situation when the puppet set is much bigger than the exterior model. The size is based on the model.
Firepower
The Helicopter is equipped with a nose-mounted cannon. This seems to have similar firepower as the SPV’s cannon.
Speed
No speed is given and there are no clear times or distances discussed. We don’t ever know where Cloudbase is so cannot gauge time taken to any of the worldwide locations.
FAB Factor
Although seen several times in the series, the Helicopter never performs a particularly critical task or shows any sort of remarkable performance. It never features decisively in an operation.
Year
Established in The Mysterons.