Craft and Equipment: SSC CUTAWAYS  

CAPTAIN SCARLET and the MYSTERONS UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE

by Chris Bishop

CHASSIS:

This a specially strengthened, with the main rib (1) following the contour of the vehicle as a safety measure in case of overturning.  The strengthened nose can also be used to ram suspected vehicles. In this event, or if the car hits anything while travelling at high speed, compressed gas is released into the safety bags (3) seen under the air grill (2).  The gas-filled bags hold the occupants in their seats cushioning them against the forces of instantaneous deceleration. At (4) a standard Spectrum rapid fire small-arm is held in special clips from which it may be quickly released through a panel for hand-held fire.  Road/tyre friction heat at high speeds is countered by the intakes (5).  At (6) are the driving mirror fairings. The housings (7) and the fin (8) maintain stability at speed.

POWER UNIT:

Air intakes (1) supply air to the gas turbine situated under the rear floor, through which panels (2) give servicing access.  The compressed air passes into the combustion chamber (3) in which the fuel is burned.  The hot gases drive a compressor turbine and the power turbine (4) before exhausting through the grill at (5).  This is specially designed to throw the exhaust clear of other vehicles and provides increased rear wheel adhesion.  The drive from (4) passes through the turbine to the transverse gearing (6) which transmits power to the rear wheels.  A shaft carries the drive forward to the front wheels (9).  Brakes are magnetic drums (7) and the suspension is independent.