Overview

By far the most recognisable item in the SHIELD inventory, the Helicarrier is a product of the most advanced aeronautical technology known to mankind. Serving as base of operations for combat teams and research staff, the carrier also functions as a mobile airstation for several squadrons of fighter aircraft, helicopters and hovercars along with many more exotic vehicles captured from Gau'ould facilities. The carrier is home to sections of all of the agencies various departments. The Executive staff maintain quarters aboard the carrier and extensive barracks for lower ranks occupy two entire decks. Operations are overseen and directed from the multi-level bridge found at the fore of the vessel, below the flightdeck and support facilities.

The Helicarrier is equipped with the latest advancements in computer and systems technology, augmented with refinements based on Tok'ra and Asgard technolgies - among the most advanced of these systems being the 'holistic' security systems. In connection with the ESPer division, the computers aboard ship were re-designed to incorporate Psionic countermeasures capable of neutralizing most mutant telepathic and telekentic abilities. Further measures include a stasis field in place all around the carrier which maintains the stability of any sillicate-based chips within the vessel, meaning that any electronic media taken off the carrier instantly dissolves. As a final fail-safe, the carrier intiates an automatic 24 hour self destruct sequence should any hijack attempt be made.

Service History

The original Helicarrier, constructed in the late 1960's by Stark Industries under the supervision of Reed Richards, was conceived as a mobile headquarters, giving SHIELD a global presence and vigilance unmatched by any other paramilitary force on Earth. The original carrier weathered many trials - from direct attacks to attempted hijacking and sabotage. It was eventually destroyed in 1988, when it crash-landed in the Arizona desert in a plot that would later be revealed as part of the 'Deltite Affair'.

The second vessel in the 'Helicarrier' Class was commissioned in 1990, as part of the 'rebirth' of SHIELD and was constructed in secret at a specially-built drydock at the Grand Canyon. Again overseen by Reed Richards, this new incarnation of the Helicarrier featured cutting-edge computer technology provided by Prince T'Challa of Wakanda. Although built to the same basic design as it's predecessor, the Mk II was a more compact vessel, thanks in part to the greatly reduced budget the new agency was forced to accept. During its brief time in service, this carrier endured an unprecedented number of near fatalities, not the least of which were a hijacking that nearly sent it crashing into the Sphinx and an assault by Hydra which crippled its computers and control systems. The MkII carrier was eventually mothballed and scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean.

The MkIII Helicarrier, currently in service with SHIELD was commissioned prior to the mothballing of the smaller MkII model. This vessel is larger even than the original and contains extensive laboratory and research facilities (including a rumoured 'Gateroom' containing a third Stargate, obtained from the Asgard and installed at the time when SHIELD transferred from civilian government command to military operations) along with enlarged hangars and service facilities for fighter craft and the SHIELD 'Air Cavalry'. Operating in conjunction with the 'Operations Centre' at SHIELD Central, the Helicarrier maintains a 24hr readiness to act in support of SG teams off-world or against Goa'uld infiltration anywhere on the surface of the Earth.