The Anastasia is probably Dan's most recognisable ship. The only other "regular" ship used by Dare and Digby was the Zylbat which was destroyed inadvertanly by Spacefleet itself (during the story "The Earth Stealers"). After that incident (and for the second time) Dan used the charismatic Anastasia as his proimary trasport through most of the rest of his adventures. The Anastasia is a tiny spaceship-cum-aeroplane designed by Sondar and built by Treens and Therons at Mekonta, and was presented to Dan for his services in bringing peace to their planet in 1996. She is named after Digby's Aunt who played a decisive part in outwitting the Mekon during the Venus War. For the rest of this text - taken from the cut away drawing of the Anastasia, as featured in the Eagle book of Cutaways - click here. Please click on an item to enlarge and STRETCH them to the required viewing size. PLEASE NOTE that some of the images - especially the Anastasia cut away are quite large so please be patient - particularly if you have a regular internet connection!

The Annastasia cut away: for text click here.

The Annastasia lifts off - Spaceship Away!	The Annastasia prepares to land on Terra Nova	Fill her up!	The Annastasia hitting orbit	Crash!

The ANASTASIA is a supreme example of engineering in miniature, the ANASTASIA uses four distinct methods of propulsion: IMPULSE MOTORS (Standard Spacefleet method); JETS, for air-flying and ground propulsion; MAGNETIC MOTORS using Theron principles (see note C); ROCKET MOTORS, used as boosters and in emergency.

KEY TO CUT-AWAY OF THE ANASTASIA

(I) Searchlight (retracted). (2) Atmosphere data computer part of electronic system housed in nose. (4) Co-Pilot seat (dual control). (5) Tip-up plotting table with padded cover to serve as seat. (6) Cover over Gyro mechanism (7) Fold away hunk. (8) Cabin pressure indicator (9) Air circulation vent. (10) Control leads to motors. (11) Liquid oxygen converter. (15) Air-seal door to first airlock compartment. (16) Diaphragm door to main airlock. (17) Airlock pressure indicator. (18) Entry hatch (cover removed). (19) Storage. (20) Hydraulic pump (over 'sweep-back' housing). (28) Synchronised tension-spars. (29) Telescopic wing sweep-hack (folds for space station airlock entry). (30) Retractable under carriage. (31) Servo ducts to ailerons and rudder. (35) Generators. (37) Rudder servo-system. S.F. IMPLUSE WAVE SYSTEM (FICTIONAL) (25) Electro-sphere (primary accelerator). (26) impulse wave condenser cylinder. (27) Impulse wave rectifier. (33) Electrostatic chamber (secondary accelerators). (34) Electrostatic propellant tank. ROCKET MOTORS (32) One of the 6 rocket motors. (38) Rocket fuel tanks containing Spacefleet 'blended' liquid fuel THERON MAGNETIC MOTORS (FICTIONAL) (24) Magnetic motors. JET MOTORS (3) Jet intake and braking rocket nozzle. (12) Jet fuel pump. (13) Jet fuel tank. (14) Turbo jet for ground propulsion (used as pre-compressor during air flight). (21) Bifurcated duct junction. (22) Fuel intakes. (23) Main fuel tank (jets). (36) Jet motor.

A) Two levers release the front portion of fuselage which becomes a Gyro-Car, using the forward jets for motive power.

B) With reactor jest and magnetic motors reducing her velocity, Anastasia has wings extended for use in atmosphere

(C) The Therons are credited with the invention and development of the magnetic motor even before the Treens. In its highly perfected form it operates by intensifying the forces with which opposite poles repel each other. Two generators working independently, oppose the energy developed at planetary magnetic poles, causing the ship to he thrust away from them to a degree controlled by the output of the generator (see diagram). Thus, compensator A opposes the N. pole, and Compensator B the S. pole, the ship being thrust upwards on the apex of the triangle its height controlled by the power developed by the generators, (D) This detail will he removed from the secret list in a forthcoming Dan Dare story.