XL Patrol Ship

XL Patrol Ship
Type:	Spacecraft
Place of origin:	Earth
Used by:	World Space Patrol
First appearance:	The Batmen
Appearances:	PROSE: Fireball Surrenders! PROSE: Zodiac's Rescue Bid!

The XL Patrol Ship was a class of spacecraft utilised by the World Space Patrol in the 2060s.

The XL class was extremely strong, with the leader of the Batmen believing Fireball XL5 to be "one of the most powerful [ships] in the Universe". (COMIC: The Batmen)

Specific craft

Fireball XL5 was captained by Colonel Steve Zodiac, with the additional crew comprised of Doctor Venus, Professor Matic and Robert the Robot. (COMIC: The Batmen et al.)

History

In April 2065, when Jodrell Bank lost contact with the Omega-Minus device it was tracking, which they had last plotted approaching the Eros Asteroid Belt on a course for Earth, (PROSE: Stingray Hunts Aliens) officials at Space City were said to be "concerned but confident" that their XL Patrol Ships would be able to track and destroy the device, a confidence not shared by Jodrell Bank. (COMIC: Power Play)

Behind the scenes

The XL Patrol Ship originated in the television series Fireball XL5, with one of them lending its name to the title of the programme.