Sci-Fi

The Eagle Transporter is a fictional spacecraft seen in the 1970s iconic British television series Space: 1999. The Eagles serve as the primary spacecraft of Moonbase Alpha, which had a fleet of them used to explore alien planets, defend Moonbase Alpha from attack, and to transport supplies and other items to and from the Moon. The Eagle was designed by Brian Johnson who had worked with Gerry Anderson on Thunderbirds in the mid-1960s and had produced spacecraft for the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Eagle spacecraft influenced the spaceship designs of Star Wars and other science fiction films and television series.

Completely modular the craft are divided into three basic sections: the command module, the passenger module/service pod, and the superstructure (containing the landing gear, access corridor/galley, aft compartment, fuel tanks and main propulsion system).

The command module of the Eagle can detach from the main body enabling it to dock with another compatible craft or for use as an emergency escape capsule. All Eagles are equipped with artificial gravity.

Several types could be used, depending on the mission:

• Passenger — The standard passenger module, it is usually unarmed and used solely to transport Moonbase personnel. Passenger Eagles have a transport module which provides maximum seating space for eight persons.
• Reconnaissance — Sometimes known as Survey Eagles, this type typically has a computer bank on the starboard side of the ship. Reconnaissance Eagles are used to explore alien planets and regions of space; the sophisticated computer bank is used to obtain, store, and analyse data gathered from the planet being studied including atmospheric composition, valuable minerals resources and biological life.
• VIP — Seen only in the 1st episode “Breakaway”, the orange pod VIP Eagle was used by Lunar Commissioner Gerald Simmonds; it is primarily a passenger Eagle used to transport high-ranking officials.
• Rescue — These Eagles are recognisable by their vertical red stripes. Rescue Eagles are equipped with a variety of rescue and life-saving equipment which can be used in emergencies.
• Transport/Supply — These Eagles are used to transport supplies and equipment rather than passengers. Their transport modules are designed to carry equipment and have limited seating space for passengers.
• Freighter — These specialised Eagles are used to transport dangerous nuclear waste to the Nuclear Disposal Areas; unlike supply or transport Eagles, they are heavily shielded to protect their crews from radiation. The waste canisters are carried in a ‘pallet’ type pod which links to a conveyor belt at the disposal areas.
• Laboratory — A specialised Eagle which carries equipment of a more scientific nature than the Reconnaissance Eagle; beginning the second series, they are usually fitted with additional airlocks for decontamination purposes, and have small but well-equipped laboratories on board.
• Winch — Winch pods can be attached to Eagles and used for a variety of purposes. Most notably they were used to attempt to disperse the nuclear waste containers in the 1st episode. They are not to be confused with Freighter Eagles. Winch pods can be either in the form of a grab or a magnetic winch, used for other purposes.
• Combat — Although Eagles are not primarily designed for combat, they can be equipped with laser emitters and missiles for defensive purposes. When Moonbase Alpha broke away from Earth, several Eagles were equipped with weapons and used to defend the Moonbase from potential alien attacks.