International Rescue is an organization dedicated to saving the lives of people in danger around the world who, if not for the amazing machinery possessed by IR, would surely perish. The International Rescue team is headed by Jeff Tracy. He gave up his Space career to look after his boys(from oldest to youngest)Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan. After the death of his wife in a avahlance. His great skill as a construction engineer has made him one of the richest men in the world. But now, he is a patriarch with a mission. All his time is dedicated to the service of International Rescue.
The main Thunderbirds consist of five different machines (piloted by the five sons):
Thunderbird 5 - A space station/satellite used to monitor radio transmissions for any signs of danger that IR could respond to. It can also receive distress calls sent to International Rescue from people in danger. It is piloted and maintained by John Tracy.
Thunderbird 4 - A sea vehicle that can dive to great depths and is used to rescue people trapped underwater. It has missiles, magnetic clamps and robotic claws. It's launched from Thunderbird 2. In the series it is piloted by Gordon Tracy.
Thunderbird 3 - A space rocket used for rescue missions in space. This Thunderbird launches through the round house on Tracy Island and is powered by a combination of atomic electricity generators, particle accelerators and chemical rockets. It's also used as transport to T5 for supplies
Thunderbird 2 - IR's heavy duty freighter that carries men and equipment to the danger zone. It has magnetic clamps that are used to remove debris or lift vehicles from the ground. It has a rescue platform that lifts civilians from the danger zone. It carries T4, the Mole, the Firefly and various other rescue machines. It is secretly stored behind the cliff face on Tracy Island and launches from a hidden ramp on the end of the runway.
Thunderbird 1 - An atomic powered rocket ship that can reach speeds of over 15,000 miles per hour. It is always the first to reach the danger zone so that pilot and IR field commander Scott Tracy can assess the situation and come up with a suitable plan of action.
