Cloudbase

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the cloud structure, see Cloud base.

Cloudbase is the fictional skyborne headquarters of international security organisation Spectrum, from Gerry Anderson's science fiction television series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967).

[edit] Appearance in Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons

Resembling a large aircraft carrier, complete with flight deck, it hovers continuously at a height of several thousand feet and can be moved above any point on Earth as needed. Its altitude theoretically renders it invulnerable to attack, but the Mysterons are always looking for ways to penetrate its defences. Its primary defence is its fleet of Angel interceptor fighter aircraft, "manned" by female pilots (who have faster reflexes than men). One fighter is manned around the clock, and the others are on permanent standby. Because of its altitude, the entire structure is pressurised; pilots entering or leaving aircraft on the flight deck do so inside airtight capsules.

In reality Cloudbase was a 6 foot model designed by Derek Meddings and filmed by his special effects unit, in front of a painted sky backdrop. Too heavy to be supported by wires, the model was held in the air by metal supports which were concealed behind the model. Larger sections of the flight deck were built for scenes showing aircraft taking off and landing.

[edit] References in popular culture

• The Helicarrier in the comic book Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. was based on Cloudbase.^{[citation needed]}
• The mobile airstrip from Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, was also based on Cloudbase.^{[citation needed]}
• A Secret Project in Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri's expansion pack is called the Cloudbase Academy.

[edit] Skybase

In the recent CGI series Gerry Anderson's New Captain Scarlet (2005), Cloudbase's successor is known as Skybase. The updated headquarters resembles the original Cloudbase both in appearance and function. Robotic deck-hands are stationed on Skybase's flight deck to assist in take-off and landing of aircraft. Skybase is protected by a fleet of Falcon Interceptors.