Moonraker Shuttle

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Moonraker Shuttle model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Moonraker Shuttle is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful, finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model air and spacecraft match the precise blueprint details of the original version. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original craft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for every Space or Science Fiction enthusiast and avid Spaceship or Scifi collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual Moonraker Shuttle model.
If you require, we can also make the Moonraker Shuttle model in any other markings, livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary, in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce Gerry Anderson models, model airship, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat, and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Moonraker Shuttle: An Icon of Space Exploration in Fiction

The Moonraker Shuttle, a fictional spacecraft from the James Bond universe, epitomizes the blend of technology and imagination that characterizes the franchise’s enduring appeal. Featured prominently in the 1979 film “Moonraker,” directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Roger Moore as the suave secret agent, this shuttle represents a significant moment in the intersection of cinema, space exploration, and public interest in the extraterrestrial possibilities.

Concept and Design:

The Moonraker Shuttle was conceptualized during a period when space travel was a hot topic. Following the Apollo missions and coinciding with the Space Shuttle program’s development, the film tapped into the public’s fascination with space. Designed to look sleek and advanced, the shuttle was a product of its era, reflecting both real-world technological aspirations and the fantasy elements that are a hallmark of the Bond series.

In the movie, the Moonraker is developed by the fictional Drax Industries, headed by the villain Hugo Drax. It is portrayed as a highly advanced spacecraft, capable of multiple orbital missions and equipped with luxurious accommodations not found in real-life space technology. The shuttle’s design in the film features a smooth, white exterior with the name “Moonraker” emblazoned across it, symbolizing humanity’s dreams of moon colonization.

Role in the Film:

In “Moonraker,” the shuttle serves as a critical plot device. James Bond investigates the theft of a Moonraker shuttle, leading him on a global adventure from California to Venice, Rio de Janeiro, and finally into outer space. The narrative culminates in a dramatic space battle aboard the shuttle, showcasing zero-gravity effects that were innovative for their time. The shuttle not only transports characters through space but also carries a deadly secret, as Drax plans to use it to deploy a nerve agent that will wipe out human life on Earth, repopulating the planet with his chosen specimens.

Technological Inspiration and Impact:

While purely fictional, the Moonraker Shuttle had a real impact on public perceptions of space travel. Its depiction came at a time when space shuttles were about to become a reality, and it played a role in shaping expectations of what space vehicles might look like and how they might operate. The shuttle in “Moonraker” featured gadgets and capabilities beyond the practical, including defensive armaments and an artificial gravity system, adding to its allure and the fantasy of space travel.

Legacy:

Today, the Moonraker Shuttle remains a fascinating study in how science fiction influences perceptions of science reality. It reflects the hopes and dreams of its time, portraying space as a new frontier not just for exploration but for cinematic storytelling. As current and future technologies evolve, revisiting the Moonraker Shuttle reminds us of the power of cinema to inspire, entertain, and make us dream about what might be possible.

The Moonraker Shuttle stands as a testament to the creativity and vision of the filmmakers and continues to be a beloved element of the James Bond series, remembered for its daring leap into the cosmos and the imaginative way it expanded the boundaries of spy fiction into the final frontier.