General (G.I. Joe)
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The '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline was introduced by
Hasbro Hasbro, Inc. (; a syllabic abbreviation of its original name, Hassenfeld Brothers) is an American multinational corporation, multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment holding company founded on December 6, 1923 by Henry, Hillel and Herma ...
in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles (i.e.
in-universe A fictional universe, also known as an imagined universe or a constructed universe, is the internally consistent fictional setting used in a narrative or a work of art. This concept is most commonly associated with works of fantasy and scienc ...
are meant to move under their own power), and playsets (i.e. toys representing static bases of operation such as fortresses, or equipment such as artillery pieces). Many of these vehicles included action figures designed to be the driver/pilot of the vehicle. Other vehicles were sold separately, for use with any G.I. Joe character. In the late 1980s,
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also produced several exclusive lines of G.I. Joe toys, which were repainted and recast versions of previously released toys.


G.I. Joe vehicles with drivers


Arctic Blast

The Arctic Blast was first released in 1989, packaged with the driver
Windchill Wind chill (popularly wind chill factor) is the sensation of cold produced by the wind for a given ambient air temperature on exposed skin as the air motion accelerates the rate of heat transfer from the body to the surrounding atmosphere. Its va ...
. This cold-weather vehicle featured a progressive air suspension system, two "Chain Gang" 30mm Gatling guns, two 7.62mm double-barreled machine guns, and side-mounted surface missiles.


Avalanche

The Avalanche was first released in 1990, packaged with the driver
Cold Front A cold front is the leading edge of a cooler mass of air at ground level that replaces a warmer mass of air and lies within a pronounced surface Trough (meteorology), trough of Low-pressure area, low pressure. It often forms behind an extratropica ...
. It featured a digital ice mine deployer, a side-swipe missile-firing pulse cannon, six heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles, and a removable scout craft for arctic reconnaissance.


A.W.E. Striker

The A.W.E. (All-Weather/Environment) Striker was first released in 1985, packaged with the
Crankcase A crankcase is the housing in a reciprocating engine, piston engine that surrounds the crankshaft. In most modern engines, the crankcase is integrated into the engine block. Two-stroke engines typically use a crankcase-compression design, res ...
action figure. It featured a removable engine, a 10-round 70mm launcher for projectiles, off-road tires and springing 4WD suspension. Its design was based on the Chenowth M1040/41 Fast Attack Vehicle first produced in 1982 though not fielded until 1991. In 1992, the cannon was replaced by a water-firing gun, and the vehicle was recast as the Eco-Striker, as part of the Eco-Warriors line.


Blockbuster

The Blockbuster was first released in 1994, packaged with the Battle Corps version of
Windchill Wind chill (popularly wind chill factor) is the sensation of cold produced by the wind for a given ambient air temperature on exposed skin as the air motion accelerates the rate of heat transfer from the body to the surrounding atmosphere. Its va ...
. The heavily armored vehicle featured a double-barreled pom-pom cannon, with a ten shot auto-feeding rocket chamber, an anti-aircraft gun, and a front-mounted
Gatling gun The Gatling gun is a rapid-firing multiple-barrel firearm invented in 1861 by Richard Jordan Gatling of North Carolina. It is an early machine gun and a forerunner of the modern electric motor-driven rotary cannon. The Gatling gun's operatio ...
.


Conquest X-30

The Conquest X-30 super-sonic jet was first introduced in the 1986 run of the toyline, packaged with the Slip Stream action figure. The Conquest is an advanced
forward-swept wing A forward-swept wing or reverse-swept wing is an aircraft wing configuration in which the quarter-chord line of the wing has a forward sweep. Typically, the leading edge also sweeps forward. Aircraft with forward-swept are more maneuverable, due ...
jet fighter, based on the real-life experimental
Grumman X-29 The Grumman X-29 is an American experimental aircraft that tested a forward-swept wing, canard control surfaces, and other novel aircraft technologies. Funded by NASA, the United States Air Force and DARPA, the X-29 was developed by Grumman, a ...
aircraft. It is armed with a laser guidance system, twin 25 mm
revolver cannon A revolver cannon is a type of autocannon, commonly used as an aircraft gun. It uses a cylinder with multiple chambers, similar to those of a revolver handgun, to speed up the loading-firing-ejection cycle. Some examples are also power-driven, ...
s, and four "AIM-12 Light Sparrow" missiles. The Conquest X-30 carries "11k" (presumably 11,000 pounds) internal fuel, and two 350 gal. external fuel tanks. Hasbro marketed it as the Joe team's counterpart to Cobra's
Night Raven Night Raven is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character appears primarily in Marvel UK Comics, a division of Marvel Comics. Night Raven first appeared in ''Hulk Comic'' #1 (March 7, 1979 in ...
. It was recast in a red and black cross "Snake Skin" camouflage, and released as the Python Conquest in 1989, as part of the
Python Patrol COBRA (sometimes referred to as Cobra Command) is a fictional terrorist organization and the nemesis of the G.I. Joe Team in the Hasbro action figure toyline ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' and ''G.I. Joe: Sigma 6'', as well as in related med ...
line. It was later released again as the Conquest X-30 in 1998, with a different color scheme, and bundled with a different character, fellow G.I. Joe pilot
Ace An ace is a playing card, die or domino with a single pip. In the standard French deck, an ace has a single suit symbol (a heart, diamond, spade, or a club) located in the middle of the card, sometimes large and decorated, especially in the ...
. It was released once more in 2003, again with a different color scheme, and Slip Stream back as the pilot. In the Marvel Comics ''G.I. Joe'' series, the Conquest first appeared in issue #54, where it squared off against the Cobra Firebat. It would not be until '' G.I. Joe: Special Missions'' issue #5 that it would fight against the Night Raven. The Conquest X-30 is featured heavily in the second season of the
TV series A television show, TV program (), or simply a TV show, is the general reference to any content produced for viewing on a television set that is broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, and cable, or distributed digitally on streaming platf ...
, when it replaced the Skystriker as the Joe team's primary fighting aircraft.


Crossfire

The Crossfire was the first radio-controlled G.I. Joe vehicle. It was first released in 1987, packaged with the action figure Rumbler. The 4WD vehicle came with a control module and twin-lever joystick, and could be controlled from up to 70 feet away. It featured two "Live-Wire" Sam-19 missiles, "Pumper" 20mm cannons, and real rubber tires. The Crossfire was available in two different radio frequencies ("Alpha 27" or "Delta 49"), so that two vehicles could be operated in the same location.


Crusader Space Shuttle

The Crusader Space Shuttle is based on the design of the '' Defiant'' that was released two years earlier. In lieu of the robot arm, the Crusader comes with the Avenger Scout Craft, which was a one-person recon jet, similar to the drone that accompanied the Cobra Night Raven S³P. The Crusader also came with a repainted version of the
Payload Payload is the object or the entity that is being carried by an aircraft or launch vehicle. Sometimes payload also refers to the carrying capacity of an aircraft or launch vehicle, usually measured in terms of weight. Depending on the nature of t ...
action figure.


Desert Fox

The Desert Fox 6WD desert jeep was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Skidmark. It featured two "Scorpion" anti-tank missiles, wheels that were heat and puncture resistant, and a rear-mounted anti-aircraft cannon. In 1993, it was recast and released as the Dino-Hunter Jeep, as part of the Dino-Hunter Mission Playset, which also included repainted versions of the figures
Ambush An ambush is a surprise attack carried out by people lying in wait in a concealed position. The concealed position itself or the concealed person(s) may also be called an "". Ambushes as a basic military tactics, fighting tactic of soldi ...
and Low-Light.


Dragonfly XH-1

The Dragonfly XH-1 assault copter was first released in 1983, packaged with the action figure Wild Bill. Armed with four Sidewinder air-to-ground missiles, two Sidewinder H.E. missiles, and a dual M-34 grenade launcher/2mm Vulcan nose cannon, it became a trademark for the G.I. Joe Team. The toy's design is based upon the
Bell AH-1 SuperCobra The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engined attack helicopter that was developed on behalf of, and primarily operated by, the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The twin Cobra family, itself part of the larger Huey family, includes the AH-1J ...
. The Dragonfly is featured in the 1985 ''
G.I. Joe ''G.I. Joe'' is an American media franchise and a line of action figures owned and produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier ( U.S. Army), A ...
'' computer game. Wild Bill also pilots a Dragonfly in the C64/CPC version of the ''
Action Force Action Force is a brand of European action figures released in the 1980s that was based on the ''Action Man'' toyline. It was also used to introduce ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toys to European markets. Several publishing companies have ...
'' video game. It was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Fly in 1988.


Ghoststriker X-16

The Ghoststriker X-16 was introduced in 1993, as the latest in the G.I. Joe Team's high-tech flight technology. Based on the
F-16 Fighting Falcon The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic Multirole combat aircraft, multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superio ...
, the jet featured two Sidewinder missiles, four Phoenix missiles, retractable landing gear, and an image projection unit built into the nosecone of the toy. When activated, it would project the illuminated image of an enemy jet on a wall, so that the toy could "fire a missile" at the image and neutralize it. The Ghoststriker came packaged with the Battle Corps version of
Ace An ace is a playing card, die or domino with a single pip. In the standard French deck, an ace has a single suit symbol (a heart, diamond, spade, or a club) located in the middle of the card, sometimes large and decorated, especially in the ...
.


H.A.V.O.C.

The H.A.V.O.C. (Heavy Articulated Vehicle Ordnance Carrier) was introduced in 1986, and came packaged with the Cross-Country action figure. It was armed with dual recoilless cannons, and "Lancer" guided missiles. The rear of the vehicle opened to reveal a reinforced lift-off pad, and a one-man hover reconnaissance vehicle. Unlike much of the Joe team's vehicles and equipment up to that point, the H.A.V.O.C. was not based on any real-world vehicle, deployed or in development. It was repainted with chrome parts, and released as the Sky Patrol Sky H.A.V.O.C. in 1990.


Killer W.H.A.L.E.

The Killer W.H.A.L.E. (Warrior: Hovering Assault Launching Envoy) hovercraft was released in 1984. It came packaged with the Cutter action figure, and featured twin elevating cannons, two rotating machine guns, and six depth charges. The craft's four casters allow it to "hover" on a flat surface, and although not air-tight, the toy has positive buoyancy and is capable of floating on water. In the ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' comic book, the acronym stood for Water-borne Hovercraft Assault Landing: Experimental, and it first appeared in issue #28, when it participated in an assault on
Zartan Zartan is a fictional character from the '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline, comic books, and animated series. He is one of the main villains in the franchise as the leader of the Dreadnoks, and a mercenary who often worked directly for ...
's lair in Florida's
Okefenokee Swamp The Okefenokee Swamp is a shallow, 438,000-acre (177,000 ha), peat-filled wetland straddling the Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia–Florida line in the United States. A majority of the swamp is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Ref ...
. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Striker in 1988.


Mauler M.B.T.

The Mauler M.B.T. (Manned Battle Tank) was released in 1985, as a replacement for the M.O.B.A.T. toy which was discontinued the same year. It was based on the
AAI Corporation AAI Corporation is an aerospace and defense development and manufacturing firm, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, US. Formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of United Industrial Corporation, AAI was acquired by Textron in 2007. It currently opera ...
's prototype RDF/LT (Rapid Deployment Force / Light Tank) produced in 1980. It came packaged with the Heavy Metal action figure. Like the M.O.B.A.T., the Mauler incorporated a small DC
electric motor An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a electromagnetic coil, wire winding to gene ...
, powered by 4x C batteries. However, the Mauler toy was only capable of going forward, albeit with two speeds, unlike the M.O.B.A.T. which could also reverse and turn. It was repainted and fitted with new parts in 1989, and released as the Slaughter's Marauders Equalizer.


Mean Dog

The Mean Dog 3-in-1 armored vehicle was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Wild Card. It consisted of a main body with a tow hook and ten missiles, a removable M200 "Spitfire" 20mm cannon, and a fast-attack scout car with a .50 caliber machine gun.


M.O.B.A.T.

The M.O.B.A.T. (MOtorized BAttle Tank) was first released in 1982, packaged with the action figure Steeler. The design was based on the
MBT-70 The MBT-70 (German: or ) was an American–West German cancelled joint project to develop a new main battle tank during the 1960s. The MBT-70 was developed by the United States and West Germany in the context of the Cold War, intended to counte ...
, with an extendable 130mm main cannon, and a .50 caliber machine gun. "Motorized" refers to the fact that toy was actually propelled by a small 2x
D battery A D battery (D cell or IEC R20) is a standardized size of a dry cell. A D cell is cylindrical with an electrical contact at each end; the positive end has a nub or bump. D cells are typically used in high current drain applications, such as in ...
powered electric motor that drove the tank's tracks, allowing the toy to move forward/reverse and turn under its own power; its movement was controlled by moving the tank commander's cupola on the top of the turret. In later years, Hasbro was able to sell thousands of M.O.B.A.T. toys to former Soviet children through its
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
n joint venture, Funskool (India) Ltd.; the Russians ordered 100,000 units delivered instantly. In the
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
''G.I. Joe'' series, the M.O.B.A.T.'s most prominent appearances include the first issue, where it is part of a concentrated attack on a Cobra island fortress. Subsequently, the M.O.B.A.T. is featured prominently in issue #5, in a story dedicated to the vehicle. In-story, the acronym stood for "Multi-Ordnance
BAttle Tank A main battle tank (MBT), also known as a battle tank or universal tank or simply tank,Ogorkiewicz 2018 p222 is a tank that fills the role of armour-protected direct fire and maneuver in many modern armies. Cold War-era development of more po ...
". The M.O.B.A.T. is one of the vehicles a player can use in the 1985 ''
G.I. Joe ''G.I. Joe'' is an American media franchise and a line of action figures owned and produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier ( U.S. Army), A ...
'' computer game. The M.O.B.A.T. toy also receives a brief mention, along with the
Terror Drome The ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline was introduced by Hasbro in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles (i.e. Fictional universe, in-universe are meant to move under their own power), and playsets (i.e. toys representi ...
, in the
Stephen King Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Dubbed the "King of Horror", he is widely known for his horror novels and has also explored other genres, among them Thriller (genre), suspense, crime fiction, crime, scienc ...
horror novel '' The Tommyknockers''.


Mudfighter

The Mudfighter bomber was first released in 1989, packaged with the pilot
Dogfight A dogfight, or dog fight, is an air combat manoeuvring, aerial battle between fighter aircraft that is conducted at close range. Modern terminology for air-to-air combat is air combat manoeuvring (ACM), which refers to tactical situations requir ...
. It featured two bomb racks, with sixteen AS-99 air-to-surface bombs, and a 100FW 1670 lb. "propfan" propeller with forward/reverse power modes.


Persuader

The Persuader high-speed laser tank was first released in 1987, packaged with the action figure Back-Stop. It featured a "Heatwave" 10 Megawatt armor-piercing laser cannon, six "Dart" Sam-37 missiles, and 10-wheel drive. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Storm in 1988.


Phantom X-19

The Phantom X-19 stealth fighter jet was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot Ghostrider. It featured two "Bullseye" computer-aided low-altitude missiles, two BY-106 "Little Guy" long-range air-to-air missiles, two opening wings with flip out laser cannons, and retractable landing gear.


Raider

The Raider was first released in 1989, packaged with the driver Hot Seat. It featured titanium reinforced support legs for the upper section to maintain perfect balance in attack mode and allow the Raider's armaments to attack oncoming ground vehicles. It was armed with a dual-impact photo cannon, two tactical infrared computer-controlled laser blasters, and two large missiles housed inside the vehicle.


Retaliator

The Retaliator helicopter was first released in 1990, packaged with the pilot
Updraft In meteorology, an updraft (British English: ''up-draught'') is a small-scale air current, current of rising air, often within a cloud. Overview Vertical drafts, known as updrafts or downdrafts, are localized regions of warm or cool air that mov ...
. It features a capture claw with built in winch hook, super-speed rotor blades, four missiles, and a bomb ramp with nine bombs.


Rolling Thunder

The Rolling Thunder armored missile launcher was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver
Armadillo Armadillos () are New World placental mammals in the order (biology), order Cingulata. They form part of the superorder Xenarthra, along with the anteaters and sloths. 21 extant species of armadillo have been described, some of which are dis ...
. It featured two large "Double Team" quad thruster rockets, which were hidden in the housing of the Rolling Thunder itself, and could be moved into launch position. Each rocket contained six "Firefly" free fall cluster bombs. The Rolling Thunder also came with a small ATSV (All Terrain Scout Vehicle), many laser cannons and missiles, and a turret-mounted "Short Throw" 90mm main battle cannon.


S.H.A.R.C.

The S.H.A.R.C. Flying Submarine (Submersible High-speed Attack and Reconnaissance Craft) was first released in 1984, packaged with the action figure Deep Six. It featured two acoustic homing torpedoes, twin flip-up 30mm "Tidal Wave" cannons, and had both underwater and air-attack capabilities. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Shade in 1988. It was repainted with chrome parts, and released as the Sky Patrol Sky S.H.A.R.C. in 1990.


Shark 9000

The Shark 9000 was first released in 1993, packaged with the Battle Corps version of Cutter. It was originally planned to be part of the "Drug Elimination Force" line of figures and vehicles. The attack boat featured a
water cannon A water cannon is a device that shoots a high-velocity stream of water. Typically, a water cannon can deliver a large volume of water, often over dozens of meters. They are used in firefighting, large vehicle washing, riot control, and mining. ...
, a spring-loaded "Aqua Attack" missile launcher, H2O X-1 machine guns, and actually floated with wind-up motor action.


Skystorm

The Skystorm X-wing chopper was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot
Windmill A windmill is a machine operated by the force of wind acting on vanes or sails to mill grain (gristmills), pump water, generate electricity, or drive other machinery. Windmills were used throughout the high medieval and early modern period ...
. Based partially on the
Sikorsky S-72 The Sikorsky S-72 was an experimental Sikorsky Aircraft compound helicopter developed as the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Army. The RSRA was a testbed ...
, it featured a turbo-shaft engine, and was armed with two large bombs and four missiles.


Skystriker XP-14F

The Skystriker XP-14F is a variable wing fighter aircraft that was first released in 1983, packaged with the
Ace An ace is a playing card, die or domino with a single pip. In the standard French deck, an ace has a single suit symbol (a heart, diamond, spade, or a club) located in the middle of the card, sometimes large and decorated, especially in the ...
action figure. It featured two each of the S3 Sidewinder, S3 Sparrow and S3Z Phoenix missiles, two ejection seats with working parachutes, and two Vulcan cannons. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Boomer in 1989. Its first comic book appearance was in issue #14 of the ''G.I. Joe'' comic published by
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. It was the central focus in issue #34, as Ace pilots a Skystriker in a dogfight against the Cobra pilot
Wild Weasel Wild Weasel is a code name given by the United States Air Force (USAF) to any aircraft equipped with anti-radiation missiles and used to suppress enemy air defenses by destroying their radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) installations.Hew ...
. Neither pilot wins. It often appears in relation to the USS Flagg, the Joe's fictional aircraft carrier. For example, several Skystrikers are lost over the carrier's side during a tsunami. Its final appearance was in issue #115, after which Ace has traded it for the newer more sophisticated Ghoststriker X-16. When the G.I. Joe animated series was launched in 1985, the Skystriker was the team's only fighter aircraft. It was used by every qualified Joe member until the second season, when the Conquest X-30 took over in conjunction with the release of that toy. Although both the toy and the real life
Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American multinational Aerospace manufacturer, aerospace and Arms industry, defense company. With 97,000 employees and an annual revenue in excess of $40 billion, it is one of the world's largest Arms industry ...
F-14 Tomcat The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier-capable supersonic, twin-engine, tandem two-seat, twin-tail, all-weather-capable variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experi ...
fighter it was based upon were twin-seat designs, it was rarely portrayed as such in the associated comic books and cartoons. In the episode "The Wrong Stuff", several Skystrikers were modified for space travel. In "Battle for the Train of Gold", many Skystrikers were destroyed in a strafing run outside of
Fort Knox Fort Knox is a United States Army installation in Kentucky, south of Louisville and north of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Elizabethtown. It is adjacent to the United States Bullion Depository (also known as Fort Knox), which is used to house a larg ...
. The Skystriker is also featured in the 1985 ''
G.I. Joe ''G.I. Joe'' is an American media franchise and a line of action figures owned and produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier ( U.S. Army), A ...
'' computer game. An updated version of the original toy was released in 2011. Featuring new tooling based on the original, but with a one-seat cockpit, the new Skystriker was given the designation XP-21F, with the name parsed as "Sky Striker" on the packaging. In addition to the new tooling, the XP-21F features darker gray plastic for its body and wings than the original toy. A redecoed version of the XP-21F mold based on the ''
Transformers ''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Tomy, Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two Extraterrestrials in fiction, alien robot fac ...
'' character
Starscream Starscream is a character in the ''Transformers'' media franchise produced by the American toy company Hasbro and the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. He is the second-in-command of the Decepticons, a villainous faction of alien robots that s ...
was released as a
San Diego Comic-Con San Diego Comic-Con is a comic book convention and multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. Founded in 1970, originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fant ...
exclusive in 2011. The XP-21F mold was subsequently reused as a 2013 International G.I. Joe Convention exclusive ''Night Force'' Night Boomer, and a
Jetfire Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the ''Transformers'' franchise. He is almost always depicted as an Autobot with flight capabilities and a jet or space shuttle as an alternate mode. In some continuities, he is a former Dec ...
version (with new parts resembling the
Autobot The Autobots are a fictional faction of sentient robots in the ''Transformers'' multimedia franchise. The Autobots are living robots from the planet Cybertron who, like most Transformers, are each imbued with a unique "life force" known as a " ...
jet's boosters) at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con.


Slugger

The Slugger Self-Propelled Cannon was first released in 1984, packaged with the action figure
Thunder Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning pr ...
. It featured a 170mm Howitzer cannon, a removable .30 caliber machine gun, a rear bumper/stabilizer, and a closable hatch to protect the figure inside the armored vehicle.


Snow Cat

The Snow Cat tracked arctic vehicle was first released in 1985, packaged with the action figure
Frostbite Frostbite is a skin injury that occurs when someone is exposed to extremely low temperatures, causing the freezing of the skin or other tissues, commonly affecting the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin areas. Most often, frostbite occ ...
. It featured a 680 hp engine, two high-speed "Avalanche" ski-missiles, and room for up to 10 Joes. It was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Cat in 1988.


Thunderclap

The Thunderclap was first released in 1989, packaged with the driver Long Range. It consisted of three components: a tractor vehicle, a trailer vehicle, and a cannon base. The tractor vehicle featured a MG-999
assault weapon In the United States, ''assault weapon'' is a controversial term applied to different kinds of firearms. There is no clear, consistent definition. It can include semi-automatic firearms with a detachable magazine, a pistol grip, and sometime ...
, and two surface-to-surface missiles. The trailer vehicle had a computer-controlled blaster cannon, and three surface-to-surface cruise missiles. The main piece of the Thunderclap was its cannon base, featuring the huge extendable "Annihilator" cannon, with four stabilizer legs to support the base when set up separately from the vehicle itself. The cannon also had a mechanism that holds the shells, and simulated actual firing.


Tomahawk

The Tomahawk is an all-weather, twin-engine, twin-rotor heavy lift/assault as well as troop transit helicopter for the G.I. Joe Team. It has a top speed of 175 mph when fully loaded. Its
turboshaft A turboshaft engine is a form of gas turbine that is optimized to produce shaft horsepower rather than jet thrust. In concept, turboshaft engines are very similar to turbojets, with additional turbine expansion to extract heat energy from the ex ...
engine is fitted with heat/noise reduction and layered with bulletproof covering. It is armed with 6 × 250 lb. freefall "dumb" bombs, 2 × air-to-ground missile which can also be used for air-to-air engagements, crew-operated laser-enhanced night vision system .50 calibre machine guns on each side, and a six-barreled 20mm cannon mounted under the nose. The toy version offers seating for a pilot, co-pilot and removable seating for five passengers. It was first released in 1986, and came packaged with the
action figure An action figure is a poseable character model figure made most commonly of plastic, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, military, video game, television program, or sport; fictional or historical. These figures are usually ...
pilot Lift-Ticket. It featured a rear cargo ramp/door, a working winch and propeller, five removable seats, a 20mm cannon, and two laser-enhanced NVS .50 caliber machine guns. While not identical, the Tomahawk is similar in design to the Marine CH-46 Sea Knight and the
Army An army, ground force or land force is an armed force that fights primarily on land. In the broadest sense, it is the land-based military branch, service branch or armed service of a nation or country. It may also include aviation assets by ...
CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem-rotor helicopter originally developed by American rotorcraft company Piasecki Helicopter, Vertol and now manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The Chinook is a Military transport helicopter, heav ...
. The
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
version is different in design. There are no seats, but it can carry a passenger capacity of 10. Because of its primary purpose of carrying troops in and out of enemy territory, it became one of the most heavily used G.I. Joe vehicles. It is commonly flown by Lift-Ticket or Wild Bill. Many times the helicopter would work off of the fictional aircraft the USS Flagg, such as in issue #56 when Lift-Ticket brings in a wounded and confused
Stalker Stalking is unwanted and/or repeated surveillance or contact by an individual or group toward another person. Stalking behaviors are interrelated to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring t ...
. The Tomahawk is a central focus of ''G.I. Joe Special Missions'' #17. In relation to a cameo in the previous mission, it had come under fire after a Joe team crosses hostile territory to rescue several colleagues. Despite several of the crew being wounded, including Lift-Ticket himself, they make a successful pick-up and retreat. In the Devil's Due line of comics, a Tomahawk craft supports the Joe team in the first four issues of the ''G.I. Joe: Frontline'' series. It is an insertion craft from a Joe assault team on
Destro Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV, usually referred to simply as Destro, is a fictional Character (arts), character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books, and cartoon series. He is the Scottish people, Scottish leader of ...
's Trans-Carpathian castle. An important plot point is that it is compatible with Cobra helicopters, specifically the "Cobra Mamba".


Toss 'n Cross

The Toss 'n Cross Bridge Layer was released in late 1984 as a
Sears Sears, Roebuck and Co., commonly known as Sears ( ), is an American chain of department stores and online retailer founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck and reincorporated in 1906 by Richard Sears and Julius Rosen ...
exclusive, and entered general retail in 1985. It came packaged with the
Tollbooth A tollbooth (or toll booth) is an enclosure placed along a toll road that is used for the purpose of collecting a Toll (fee), toll from passing traffic. A structure consisting of several tollbooths placed next to each other is called a toll p ...
action figure. The toy, although not a close copy like many others in the series, was inspired by the M60A1.


Triple "T"

The Triple "T" (Tag Team Terminator) was first released in 1986, packaged with the Sgt. Slaughter action figure. The one-man tank featured two high explosive anti-tank missiles, and a 950 hp turbine engine. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Raider in 1988. In 1993, the original toy was offered as a mail-in vehicle, with magenta colored guns and missiles.


V.A.M.P.

The V.A.M.P. (Vehicle: Attack: Multi Purpose) was part of the original 1982 A Real American Hero release. Packaged with the action figure
Clutch A clutch is a mechanical device that allows an output shaft to be disconnected from a rotating input shaft. The clutch's input shaft is typically attached to a motor, while the clutch's output shaft is connected to the mechanism that does th ...
, the design functioned essentially as their
Jeep Jeep is an American automobile brand, now owned by multi-national corporation Stellantis. Jeep has been part of Chrysler since 1987, when Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, along with other assets, from its previous owner, American Motors Co ...
, but was a two seat variant based on the experimental
Lamborghini Cheetah The Lamborghini Cheetah was an off-road prototype built in 1977 by the Italian carmaker Lamborghini. History The Lamborghini Cheetah was Lamborghini's first attempt at an off-road vehicle. It was built on contract from Mobility Technology Inter ...
. It was armed with dual-mounted 7.62mm machine guns that swiveled and elevated. The V.A.M.P. Mark II was released in 1984, and foregoing the original's green color and twin machine guns, it was instead painted tan and equipped with a quad-mount missile launcher (carrying the fictional Stinger XK-1 missile). A Sears exclusive included the V.A.M.P. four-wheeled drive vehicle with the H.A.L. artillery laser. Also in 1984, the vehicle was available as the Cobra Stinger, this time cast in black plastic with a larger missile system. Additionally in 1986, the toy was again a Sears exclusive sold as the Dreadnok Ground Assault 4WD. The V.A.M.P. Mark II was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Sting in 1989.


Warthog A.I.F.V.

The Warthog A.I.F.V. (Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle) was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Sgt. Slaughter. It featured two large MGM-59 "Lance" surface-to-surface missiles, and an interior bay to hold extra troops.


Wolverine

The Wolverine Armored Missile Vehicle was first released in 1983, packaged with the action figure
Cover Girl A cover girl is a woman whose photograph is used for the front cover of magazines. She may be a model, celebrity or entertainer. The term would generally not be used to describe a person making a single, casual appearance on the cover of a magaz ...
. It featured twelve Stinger ground-to-ground missiles, a tow hook, removable engine cover, and rescue cable. It was repainted and fitted with new parts in 1989, and released as the Slaughter's Marauders Lynx.


Other G.I. Joe vehicles

* A.P.C. – The A.P.C. (Amphibious Personnel Carrier) was first released in 1983. It was the first troop transporter for the Joes, featuring seat belts and a 50mm auto-control cannon, and it held 23 G.I. Joe soldiers. The A.P.C. was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Scrambler in 1989. * Armadillo – The Armadillo mini-tank was first released in 1985. The small all-purpose tank featured 60mm synchronized variable-range cluster cannons. It was repainted and fitted with new parts in 1989, and released as the Slaughter's Marauders Armadillo. * Attack Cruiser – The Attack Cruiser was released in 1991. It featured two mines, two missiles, and a launchable attack glider. * Badger – The Badger was first released in 1991. It featured all-track radial tires, a 25,000 lb. tow hook with stabilizer, and an auto-fire missile launcher. In 1993, it was recast and released as the "Crimson Cruiser", as part of the
Street Fighter II is a 1991 fighting game developed and published by Capcom for arcade game, arcades. It is the second installment in the ''Street Fighter'' series and the sequel to 1987's ''Street Fighter (video game), Street Fighter''. Designed by Yoshiki O ...
toy line, also produced by Hasbro at the time. * Barracuda – The Barracuda submarine was first released in 1992. It featured three "Shredder" torpedoes, movable stabilizer fins, and real diving action caused by included baking soda tablets. * Battle Wagon – The Battle Wagon was released in 1991. It featured a detachable missile launcher with twelve missiles, and the vehicle itself was motorized. * Bomb Disposal – The Bomb Disposal vehicle was released in 1985. It featured anti-tank mines, a hydraulic claw, and a universal tow hook. * Brawler – The Brawler was first released in 1991. It featured fifteen detachable grenades, a missile launcher with two large missiles, and a removable hatch cover. * Desert Apache – The Desert Apache AH-74 helicopter was first released in 1992, as part of the Sonic Fighters line. It featured electronic sounds, spring-loaded missile launchers, a 30mm chin gun, and a turbo-shaft thruster. * Devilfish – The Devilfish high-speed attack boat was first released in 1986. It featured twin 110 hp jet motors, twin 20mm repeater cannons, two water guided "Captor" torpedoes, and four laser guided "Sea Phoenix" missiles. It was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Fish in 1989. * Eco-Striker – The Eco-Striker was a recast of the A.W.E. Striker vehicle, released in 1992 as part of the Eco-Warriors line. The cannon was replaced by a water-firing gun. * Falcon Glider – The G.I. Joe Falcon Glider was first released in 1983, packaged with the tan version of the action figure
Grunt Grunt, grunts or grunting may refer to: Sound and music * Grunting (tennis), in tennis refers to the loud noise, sometimes described as "shrieking" or "screaming", made by some players during their strokes * Death grunt, the death metal singi ...
. * Fort America – Fort America was released in 1992, as part of the Sonic Fighters line. It was a mobile fortress that featured electronic sounds, spring-loaded missile launchers, and transformed from a combat tank into a battle fortress. * Hammer – The Hammer was first released in 1990, based on the designs of the GM
Hummer Hummer (stylized in all caps) is an American brand of Pickup truck, pickups launched in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee. Although discontinued in 2010, Hummer returned as a model under GMC (automob ...
vehicle. It featured a removable engine cover, a high-impact pulse cannon, a fully rotational gun turret, and quick slide rear hatches with storage ducts. * L.C.V. Recon Sled – The L.C.V. (Low Crawl Vehicle) Recon Sled was first released in 1986. * Locust – The Locust attack copter/bomber was first released in 1990. It featured four air-to-air missiles, and a tinted blast-proof windscreen canopy. A recolored version of the Locust was also included with the
General A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry. In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
in 1990. * Manta Ray – The Manta Ray was first released in 1994. It was an inflatable attack raft, with three lock-on torpedoes, a front-mounted torpedo launcher, and a turbo-blast engine. * Mobile Battle Bunker – The Mobile Battle Bunker was first released in 1990. It featured a 5,000 round laser ammunition dispenser, two double-barreled mortar cannons, and a hidden missile rack that popped out from the inside. * Monster Blaster A.P.C. – The Monster Blaster A.P.C. (Armored Personnel Carrier) was first released in 1993, as part of the "Mega Marines" line. Designed to be driven by the Mega Marine version of
Clutch A clutch is a mechanical device that allows an output shaft to be disconnected from a rotating input shaft. The clutch's input shaft is typically attached to a motor, while the clutch's output shaft is connected to the mechanism that does th ...
(sold separately), the heavily armored troop transporter featured a "Lock 'n Load" missile launcher, four heat-seeking missiles, and puncture proof tires. * Mudbuster – The Mudbuster was first released in 1993. It was and all-terrain 4x4 battle truck, that featured a "smash 'n bash" bumper, a 360-degree rotating missile launcher, and puncture proof tires. * Patriot – The Patriot was first released in 1992. It featured a multi-terrain track system, a quick recoil side machine gun, and triple-barreled laser cannon. * Polar Battle Bear – The Polar Battle Bear (Skimobile) was first released in 1983. It featured movable twin 55mm cannons, two heat seeking missiles, a 160 hp V-6 engine, and a tow-hook for vehicle accessories. * Radar Rat – The Radar Rat is a battlefield robot released in 1989, with two MM-15 "Flat Face" target guidance dishes, three terminal homing/active radar missiles, and puncture proof tires. * R.A.M. – The Rapid Fire Motorcycle was part of the original A Real American Hero release in 1982. It included a Vulcan 20mm Gatling Cannon side car, and twin saddle bags. The R.A.M. was recast as a Sears exclusive in 1986, sold as the Dreadnok Ground Assault Motorcycle. * Razor-Blade – The Razor-Blade helicopter was first released in 1994. It featured two handles with a connecting string, and by holding one of the handles and pulling the string tight, the helicopter would glide along the string. The vehicle also comes with a figure rescue backpack to "scoop" Joes out of harm's way. * R.P.V. – The R.P.V. (Remote Piloted Vehicle) was first released in 1988. The hydraulically operated missile rack could be elevated with the attached remote, and had room for a figure in the driver's seat. * Silver Mirage Motorcycle – The Silver Mirage Motorcycle was first released in 1985. It featured a silver finish and a sidecar with gun operator's seat, two ground launch missiles and a 10-round mortar launcher. * Skyhawk VTOL – The Skyhawk VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft was first released in 1984. It featured twin "Thunderclap" cannons, and two air-to-surface rockets. The Skyhawk was recast as a Sears exclusive in 1986, sold as the Dreadnok Air Assault VTOL. It was repainted with chrome parts in 1990, and released as the Sky Patrol Sky Hawk. * Storm Eagle – The Storm Eagle A.T.F. (Advanced Tactical Fighter) was released in 1992. It was a one-piece water-shooting jet, with four missiles and rear landing gear. * Swamp Masher – The Swamp Masher twelve-wheeled swamp vehicle was first released in 1988. It featured four tri-wheeled tracks for navigating rough terrain, and a 4.3 liter 350 hp engine. * Tri-Blaster – The Tri-Blaster is a battlefield robot released in 1989. It is a one-man 4WD vehicle, with a triple-barreled pulse fire laser cannon, and digital communications array. * Weapon Transport – The Weapon Transport vehicle was released in 1985. It came with a Force MK88 magnesium cased bomb, and removable bomb trailer.


Marauders

Unlike other recast and repainted vehicles, the Slaughter's Marauders line borrowed previous G.I. Joe vehicle designs, and added newly minted parts to enhance their camouflaged frames. All three vehicles were released in 1989, and came without an action figure. * Armadillo – Based on the Armadillo mini-tank, it featured a missile launcher with stabilizer bar, and six missiles. * Equalizer – Based on the Mauler M.B.T., but is not motorized. Instead, it featured a flip-up radar dish, dual missile launchers with six missiles, and dual M-80A anti-lock machine guns. * Lynx – Based on the Wolverine tank, but without the missile launchers. Instead, its main weapon was a huge cannon, similar to the one attached to the Mauler M.B.T.


Night Force

The Night Force vehicles were repaints of existing G.I. Joe and Cobra vehicles, sold exclusively by
Toys "R" Us Toys "R" Us is an American toy, clothing, and baby product retailer owned by Tru Kids (doing business as Tru Kids Brands) and various others. The company was founded in 1948 in Washington, D.C.; its first store was built in April 1948, with i ...
, and designed for "top secret nighttime missions". None of these vehicles included a driver. * Night Blaster – The Night Blaster was a repaint of the Cobra Maggot in black and red, and was first released in 1988. * Night Boomer – The Night Boomer was a repaint of the G.I. Joe Skystriker in black and red, and was first released in 1989. * Night Raider – The Night Raider was a repaint of the Triple "T" in black and red, and was first released in 1988. * Night Ray – The Night Ray was a repaint of the Cobra Moray hydrofoil in black and red, and was first released in 1989. * Night Scrambler – The Night Scrambler was a repaint of the G.I. Joe A.P.C. in black and red, and was first released in 1989. * Night Shade – The Night Shade was a repaint of the G.I. Joe S.H.A.R.C. in black and red, and was first released in 1988. * Night Storm – The Night Storm was a repaint of the G.I. Joe Persuader in black and red, and was first released in 1988. * Night Striker – The Night Striker was a repaint of the G.I. Joe
W.H.A.L.E. ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' (also known as Action Force in Finland, Sweden and the UK) is a military-themed line of action figures and toys in Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise. The toyline lasted from 1982 to 1994, producing well over 500 fig ...
in black and red, and was first released in 1988.


Tiger Force

* Tiger Cat – The Tiger Cat armored half-track was a repaint of the Snow Cat arctic vehicle. It was first released in 1988, packaged with the Tiger Force version of
Frostbite Frostbite is a skin injury that occurs when someone is exposed to extremely low temperatures, causing the freezing of the skin or other tissues, commonly affecting the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin areas. Most often, frostbite occ ...
. * Tiger Fish – The Tiger Fish was a repaint of the Devilfish high-speed attack boat, and was first released in 1989. * Tiger Fly – The Tiger Fly attack helicopter was a repaint of the Dragonfly XH-1 assault copter. It was first released in 1988, packaged with the Tiger Force version of Recondo. * Tiger Paw – The Tiger Paw was a repaint of the Cobra Ferret ATV, and was first released in 1988. * Tiger Rat – The Tiger Rat attack plane was a repaint of the Cobra Rattler. It was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot Skystriker. * Tiger Shark – The Tiger Shark was a repaint of the Cobra Water Moccasin, and was first released in 1988. * Tiger Sting – The Tiger Sting was a repaint of the V.A.M.P. Mark II, and was first released in 1989.


Cobra vehicles with drivers


BUGG

The Cobra BUGG was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Secto-Viper. It was an amphibious command vehicle, with a removable two-man hovercraft/submarine, twin cannons, machine guns, anti-aircraft gun, and two missiles.


Condor Z-25

The Cobra Condor Z-25 was first released in 1989, packaged with the pilot Aero-Viper. The Condor has two different component parts that are detachable at the touch of a button; an attack "wing, and a high-speed aircraft. Other special features included a thumb-wheel bomb dropping mechanism, bomb-bay doors, retractable landing gear, and dual-laser support cannons.


Detonator

The Cobra Detonator was first released in 1993, packaged with the driver Nitro-Viper. It featured six monster tires, three long-range ICBM rockets, and a targeting seat with AAK gun.


Dictator

Overlord's Dictator was first released in 1990, packaged with the
Overlord An overlord in the English feudal system was a lord of a manor who had subinfeudated a particular manor, estate or fee, to a tenant. The tenant thenceforth owed to the overlord one of a variety of services, usually military service or ...
action figure. It is a simple combination track and wheeled craft, with rapid-fire .40 caliber machine guns, and low to the ground air-to-surface missiles.


Firebat

The Cobra Firebat was included with the
Terror Drome The ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline was introduced by Hasbro in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles (i.e. Fictional universe, in-universe are meant to move under their own power), and playsets (i.e. toys representi ...
playset in 1986, packaged with the A.V.A.C. (Air Viper Advanced Class) pilot. A later mail-in version came in a brighter red color, without the A.V.A.C. figure.


Hammerhead

The Cobra Hammerhead submersible sea tank was first released in 1990, packaged with the driver Decimator. It featured two detachable attack subs with missile firing capabilities, an airtight self-contained control center, a decompression chamber, and an airborne/undersea command module with pivoting radar unit.


H.I.S.S.

The Cobra H.I.S.S. (Hi Speed Sentry) was first released in 1983, and was packaged with the HISS Driver action figure. It came with twin 90mm "Double Diablo" cannons, which could swivel and elevate. Along with the F.A.N.G. and the Viper Glider, this toy was one of the first three Cobra vehicles to be released, a full year after the initial Joe team vehicles. As Cobra's primary tracked vehicle, this toy was meant to face-off against the M.O.B.A.T. tank. However, the toy's build quality was significantly lower, and unlike the M.O.B.A.T. toy, the H.I.S.S. toy was not motorized, in fact the "tracks" were made of solid molded plastic, with plastic wheels underneath to allow for mobility. A version of the Cobra H.I.S.S came with a
Cobra Commander Cobra Commander is a fictional character and the main antagonist of the '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' franchise. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra and the archenemy of the G.I. Joe Team. He was portrayed by Jos ...
figure as part of the Built to Rule line in 2004. The package came with one set of building blocks that could be built into a full-sized vehicle. The Cobra Commander figure also featured places on the forearms and calves where blocks could be attached. The H.I.S.S. was featured prominently in the comics and the first season of the animated series.


H.I.S.S. II

The Cobra H.I.S.S. II was first released in 1989, packaged with the driver Track Viper. It is an updated version of the original H.I.S.S. tank, and featured a hull that opens to carry Cobra Troopers, a tri-barreled thermal-propulsion cannon, two 100mm armor-piercing laser machine guns, and two surface-hovering "Slam" missiles.


H.I.S.S. III

The Cobra H.I.S.S. III was first released in 2000. It is a repainted version of the original Cobra H.I.S.S. tank, and includes the driver Rip-It, Cobra's Heavy Equipment Operator.


Hurricane V.T.O.L.

The Cobra Hurricane V.T.O.L. (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) was first released in 1990, packaged with the pilot
Vapor In physics, a vapor (American English) or vapour (Commonwealth English; American and British English spelling differences#-our, -or, see spelling differences) is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature,R ...
. It featured eleven missiles, dual 75mm cannons, and a VTE-490 pilotless attack drone mounted on its back.


Maggot

The Cobra Maggot was three vehicles in one. It was first released in 1987, packaged with the driver W.O.R.M.S. It could be separated into a long-range gun emplacement with 155mm cannon, a battlefield control vehicle, and a high-speed attack vehicle with a 1000 hp turbo-diesel engine. It was recast in black and red, and released as the G.I. Joe Night Blaster in 1988.


Mamba

The Cobra Mamba was a supersonic attack helicopter. It was first released in 1987, packaged with the pilot Gyro-Viper. The Mamba featured two detachable "MOLT" assault pods (Mamba Offensive Light Tactical), six missiles, and a NT-58 turbo-shaft engine.


Moray

The Cobra Moray hydrofoil was first released in 1985, packaged with the Cobra
Lamprey Lampreys (sometimes inaccurately called lamprey eels) are a group of Agnatha, jawless fish comprising the order (biology), order Petromyzontiformes , sole order in the Class (biology), class Petromyzontida. The adult lamprey is characterize ...
pilot. It featured a V-12 engine, two air-to-water torpedoes, four small missiles with a pop-up launcher, and an array of .30 caliber machine guns. It was recast in black and red, and released as the G.I. Joe Night Ray in 1989.


Night Raven S³P

The Cobra Night Raven S³P was first released in 1986, packaged with the Strato-Viper action figure. Based on the
SR-71 Blackbird The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a retired long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed and manufactured by the American aerospace company Lockheed Corporation. Its nicknames include " Blackbird" and ...
and D-21 drone, the Night Raven featured two twin missile pods, a single person "Drone" recon jet, twin 20mm cannons, and dual Viper Mach 3.5 turbojet engines. It was repainted with chrome parts, and released as the G.I. Joe Sky Raven in 1990.


Rattler

The Cobra Rattler is a
VTOL A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is one that can takeoff and landing, take off and land vertically without relying on a runway. This classification can include a variety of types of aircraft including helicopters as well as thrust- ...
attack aircraft inspired by the
USAF The United States Air Force (USAF) is the Air force, air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Tracing its ori ...
A-10 Thunderbolt II The Fairchild Republic A-10 , also infamously known under the nickname , is a single-seat, twinjet, twin-turbofan, straight wing, straight-wing, Subsonic aircraft, subsonic attack aircraft developed by Fairchild Aircraft, Fairchild Republic ...
. It originally appeared in 1984, packaged with the pilot
Wild Weasel Wild Weasel is a code name given by the United States Air Force (USAF) to any aircraft equipped with anti-radiation missiles and used to suppress enemy air defenses by destroying their radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) installations.Hew ...
, and was intended as Cobra's answer to the Skystriker, which had been added to the toyline a year earlier. It was repainted and released as the G.I. Joe Tiger Rat in 1988.


Sea Ray

The Cobra Sea Ray was first released in 1987, packaged with the driver Sea Slug. The underwater attack and aerial reconnaissance vehicle featured a two-stage ship with eight "Snake Attack" surface-to-air missiles, two 30mm cannons, and a "Thruster" Mach-2 turbojet engine.


Stellar Stiletto

The Cobra Stellar Stiletto was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot Star-Viper. It featured dual "Stellar" main propulsion engines, the capability of exit and re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, and the tail could be maneuvered so that the Stiletto could achieve the semblance of a VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) launch. It was recast and released as the G.I. Joe Starfighter in 1993, as part of the
Star Brigade ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' (also known as Action Force in Finland, Sweden and the UK) is a military-themed line of action figures and toys in Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise. The toyline lasted from 1982 to 1994, producing well over 500 fig ...
line.


Stinger

The Cobra Stinger Night Attack 4WD vehicle was first released in 1984. Packaged with the Stinger Driver action figure, it featured four ground-to-air rockets with 360-degree rotation. The Stinger was recast as a Sears exclusive in 1986, sold as the Dreadnok Ground Assault 4WD.


STUN

The Cobra STUN was first released in 1986, packaged with the Motor-Viper action figure. It was a three-wheeled vehicle, with forward assault pods that split down the center. Each pod was armed with twin "Blazer" rotating laser cannons. It was recast in a red and black cross "Snake Skin" camouflage, and released as the Python STUN in 1989, as part of the
Python Patrol COBRA (sometimes referred to as Cobra Command) is a fictional terrorist organization and the nemesis of the G.I. Joe Team in the Hasbro action figure toyline ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' and ''G.I. Joe: Sigma 6'', as well as in related med ...
line.


Thunder Machine

The Thunder Machine was released in 1986, complete with the action figure of the
Thrasher Thrashers are a New World group of passerine birds related to mockingbirds and New World catbirds. Like these, they are in the family Mimidae. There are 15 species in one large and 4 monotypic genera. These do not form a clade but are a phe ...
. It was a four-wheeled, armored, weaponized vehicle used by the Dreadnoks. The fiction describes it as cobbled together from parts salvaged from several different vehicles, including a 1980s model Pontiac Trans-Am, a
dune buggy A dune buggy — also known as a beach buggy — is a recreational off-road vehicle with large wheels, and wide tires, designed for use on sand dunes, beaches, off-road or desert recreation. The design is usually a topless vehicle with a rear ...
, a
pickup truck A pickup truck or pickup is a Truck_classification#Table_of_US_GVWR_classifications, light or medium duty truck that has an enclosed cabin (truck), cabin, and a back end made up of a cargo bed that is enclosed by three low walls with no roof (th ...
and various others. The Thunder Machine is propelled by a
jet engine A jet engine is a type of reaction engine, discharging a fast-moving jet (fluid), jet of heated gas (usually air) that generates thrust by jet propulsion. While this broad definition may include Rocket engine, rocket, Pump-jet, water jet, and ...
similar to jet-propelled dragsters. This made it fast but hard to maneuver. The vehicle was built on a military truck chassis, similar to a
Humvee The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV; colloquial: Humvee) is a family of Military light utility vehicle, light, four-wheel drive Military vehicle#Military trucks, military trucks and utility vehicles produced by AM General. It ...
. It had armor plating riveted over most of the exterior surface. The armor is believed to be from old tanks, and according to Thrasher, the Thunder Machine is capable of taking as much, if not, more damage than a Cobra H.I.S.S tank. The front tires were racing tires, adding some maneuverability. Since an engine wasn't required, the front of the truck was replaced with the nose of a 1970s era
Pontiac Pontiac most often refers to: * Pontiac (Odawa leader) ( – 1769), Native American war chief *Pontiac (automobile), a former General Motors brand Pontiac may also refer to: Places and jurisdictions Canada * Pontiac, Quebec, a municipality ** Apo ...
Trans Am on top of which was mounted a roll cage and two huge armor-piercing
Gatling gun The Gatling gun is a rapid-firing multiple-barrel firearm invented in 1861 by Richard Jordan Gatling of North Carolina. It is an early machine gun and a forerunner of the modern electric motor-driven rotary cannon. The Gatling gun's operatio ...
s. In a nod to many of the original Mad Max vehicles, which were Australian police cars, the vehicle has a police light bar mounted on the roof. The toy featured belt-fed synchronized "Penetrator" Gatling guns, and had room for a driver, passenger, and eight people standing on the running boards. In 1993, it was recast, and released as the "Beast Blaster", as part of the ''
Street Fighter II is a 1991 fighting game developed and published by Capcom for arcade game, arcades. It is the second installment in the ''Street Fighter'' series and the sequel to 1987's ''Street Fighter (video game), Street Fighter''. Designed by Yoshiki O ...
'' toy line, also produced by Hasbro at the time. It was also released in
Venezuela Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea. It com ...
, in slightly different colors. The vehicle first appears in ''G.I.Joe'' #51. A Dreadnok-led escape by
Zartan Zartan is a fictional character from the '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline, comic books, and animated series. He is one of the main villains in the franchise as the leader of the Dreadnoks, and a mercenary who often worked directly for ...
from Joe Headquarters leads to a multi-vehicle chase through the swamps. In issue #69, Thrasher, Monkeywrench and
Zarana Zarana is a fictional Character (arts), character from the ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline, comic books and animated series. She is affiliated with Cobra Command, Cobra as a member of the Dreadnoks. Profile Zarana is the younger siste ...
were in it as it was driven out a besieged Cobra base called a
Terror Drome The ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline was introduced by Hasbro in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles (i.e. Fictional universe, in-universe are meant to move under their own power), and playsets (i.e. toys representi ...
situated in the fictional war-torn country of Sierra Gordo. The Thunder Machine is also featured in a puzzle image from
Milton Bradley Milton Bradley (November 8, 1836 – May 30, 1911) was an American business magnate, game pioneer and publisher, credited by many with launching the board game industry, with Milton Bradley Company, his eponymous enterprise, which was purchased ...
, with art by
Dave Dorman Dave Dorman (born 1958 in Michigan) is a science fiction, horror and fantasy illustrator best known for his ''Star Wars'' artwork. Early life Dorman's parents are Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jack N. Dorman and Phyllis Dorman. Both parents are ...
.


Water Moccasin

The Cobra Water Moccasin swamp cruiser was first released in 1984, packaged with the Copperhead action figure. It featured twin 44mm "Destructor" cannons, 20mm roof-mounted DES-20B twin machine guns, a "Gator" surface torpedo, and a 580 hp engine. It was repainted and released as the G.I. Joe Tiger Shark in 1988.


W.O.L.F.

The Cobra W.O.L.F. (Winter Operational Light Fighting Vehicle) was first released in 1987, packaged with the driver Ice-Viper. The W.O.L.F. was a winter attack vehicle, and featured four "Wham" surface-to-air missiles and two "Snarl" ski-torpedoes.


Other Cobra vehicles

* Adder – The Cobra Adder was first released in 1988, and featured two large "White Heat" surface-to-surface missiles. * Buzz Boar – The Buzz Boar underground attack vehicle was first released in 1987. * C.A.T. – The Cobra C.A.T. (Crimson Attack Tank) was a Sears exclusive first released in 1985. Billed as "A Crimson Guard Weapon", it is a recast of the M.O.B.A.T. in black and red. It was likewise motorized, propelled by a small 2xD battery-powered electric motor that drove the tank's tracks, allowing the toy to move forward/reverse and turn under its own power. * Devastator – The Devastator is a battlefield robot released in 1989. It featured four "HOTS" (High Output Terrain-Hugging System) missiles, a "Tandem Blaster" .50 caliber machine gun, and hardened steel rear tracks. * Earthquake – The Cobra Earthquake was first released in 1992. It was a heavily armored earth mover, that featured three "drop 'n shoot" mortar bombs, a 50mm machine gun, and four surface-to-surface missiles. * F.A.N.G. – The F.A.N.G. (Fully Armed Negator Gyrocopter) was first released in 1983. The light-attack helicopter was equipped with four air-to-air heat-seeking rockets, a nose-mounted machine gun turret, and an underbody bomb hardpoint. The F.A.N.G. was designed for quick Cobra raids. Along with the H.I.S.S. and the Viper Glider, this toy was one of the first three Cobra vehicles to be released, a full year after the initial Joe team vehicles. The F.A.N.G. figured prominently in the comics and the first season of the animated series. The F.A.N.G. was also featured in the 1985 ''
G.I. Joe ''G.I. Joe'' is an American media franchise and a line of action figures owned and produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier ( U.S. Army), A ...
'' computer game. The F.A.N.G. was recast as a Sears exclusive in 1986, sold as the Dreadnok Air Assault Gyrocopter. * F.A.N.G. II – The F.A.N.G. II was first released in 1989, and is an updated version of the original F.A.N.G. helicopter. It features rotating wings, a 20mm long range cannon, and six "AIMZ-33" air-to-air missiles. * F.A.N.G. III - The F.A.N.G. III was first released in 2002, and is smaller than the previous two versions. It is armed with twin barrel chain guns, and two missiles, and includes the driver Cobra C.L.A.W.S. * Ferret – The Cobra Ferret all-terrain vehicle was first released in 1985. It featured two laser-guided missiles, a .50 caliber machine gun, and a four-cycle fender engine. It was repainted and released as the G.I. Joe Tiger Paw in 1988. * Flight Pod – The Cobra Flight Pod (also known as the "Trubble Bubble") was a one-man bubble craft for surveying G.I. Joe from above. It was first released in 1985, and could also be used as a transport for the SNK aerial mine. The Trubble Bubble was heavily utilized on the Sunbow cartoon. * Hovercraft – The Cobra Hovercraft is a battlefield robot released in 1989. It featured high-speed rotors, a dual-barreled "Crusher" .50 caliber machine gun, and four "Sailfish" surface torpedoes. * Hydro-Sled – The Cobra Hydro-Sled was first released in 1986, and featured a rapid fire 9mm cannon, two guided "Sunk" torpedoes, and a wire-guided "Snag" spear gun. * Ice Sabre – The Cobra Ice Sabre was first released in 1991. It featured rear side-mounted anti-aircraft cannons, and a swinging missile launcher system, with laser guidance, and a built in "cap firing" mechanism that would discharge when a missile was fired. * Ice Snake – The Cobra Ice Snake is a fast-attack snow vehicle. It was first released in 1993, and featured a spring-action 360-degree rotating missile launcher, a roll-cage canopy, and heavy duty treads. * IMP – The Cobra IMP was first released in 1988. It was a one-man tank that carried three Infrared Imaging missiles, and each missile contained eight removable mines secured around the center of the two-stage bombs. * Jet Pack – The Cobra Jet Pack was first released in 1987, and featured two jet intakes, two "Neutralizer" air-to-air missiles, and four 25mm machine guns. * Liquidator – The Cobra Liquidator A.T.F. (Advanced Tactical Fighter) was released in 1992. It was a one-piece water-shooting jet, with four missiles and rear landing gear. It is based on the
Saab 35 Draken The Saab 35 Draken (; ''The Kite'', ambiguous with ''The Dragon'') is a Swedish interceptor aircraft, fighter-interceptor developed and manufactured by Saab AB, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Saab AB, SAAB) between 1955 and 1974. Development of ...
fighter jet. * Night Landing – The Cobra Night Landing was an infiltration device for night missions, and was released in 1985. * Paralyzer – The Cobra Paralyzer was first released in 1991. It was a tracked assault vehicle that featured a swiveling battle turret with 360-degree rotation, a double-barreled concussion cannon, and three missiles. In 1993, it was recast and released as the "Sonic Boom Tank", as part of the
Street Fighter II is a 1991 fighting game developed and published by Capcom for arcade game, arcades. It is the second installment in the ''Street Fighter'' series and the sequel to 1987's ''Street Fighter (video game), Street Fighter''. Designed by Yoshiki O ...
toy line, also produced by Hasbro at the time. * Parasite – The Cobra Parasite was first released in 1992. It was an armored personnel carrier, that featured a "bomb firing catapult" with three gyro-catapult bombs, a rotating laser chin gun, and could carry up to 17 figures. * Piranha – The Cobra Piranha was first released in 1990. It featured surface-skimming missiles, a removable machine gun emplacement, a 12,000 hp engine, and a high-velocity depth charge launcher. * Pogo – The Cobra Pogo (Ballistic Battle Ball) was a one-man attack vehicle. It was first released in 1987, and featured maneuverability with its three resilient landing pods, and rotating machine gun turret. It was recast and released in 1993 as the Cobra Invader, as part of the
Star Brigade ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' (also known as Action Force in Finland, Sweden and the UK) is a military-themed line of action figures and toys in Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise. The toyline lasted from 1982 to 1994, producing well over 500 fig ...
line. * Rage – The Cobra Rage tank was first released in 1990. It featured four air-to-air missiles, a 25-valve thruster engine, and a movable turret with a long-range dual-barreled concussion cannon. * Rat – The Cobra Rat was first released in 1992. It was a high-speed attack hovercraft, and featured launchable anti-aircraft flak rotors with stabilizer control spokes. * Scorpion – The Cobra Scorpion was first released in 1994. It featured a 360-degree rotating missile launcher, a pivoting Gatling gun, and a fuel-injected V8 engine. * Septic Tank – The Cobra Septic Tank was released in 1991, as part of the Eco-Warriors line. It featured a hydro powered sludge liquifier/compressor, and color change battle damage. The body of the Septic Tank was created by modifying the mold of the original H.I.S.S. tank, and the compressor could be fed water through a hose, like a water pistol. * S.M.S. – The Cobra S.M.S. (Sentry and Missile System) was a Sears exclusive first released in 1985. Billed as "A Crimson Guard Weapon", it is a recast of the Cobra H.I.S.S. in red, with a bonus
M.M.S. The '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline was introduced by Hasbro in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles (i.e. in-universe are meant to move under their own power), and playsets (i.e. toys representing static bases of ...
in red and black for the sentry to tow. * Viper Glider – The Cobra Viper Glider was first released in 1983, packaged with the Viper Pilot action figure. The Viper Glider is a re-paint of the G.I. Joe Falcon Glider. Along with the F.A.N.G. and the H.I.S.S., this toy was one of the first three Cobra vehicles to be released, a full year after the initial Joe team vehicles.


G.I. Joe playsets


Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex

The Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex was a combination vehicle and playset released in 1987, and it came packaged with the
Payload Payload is the object or the entity that is being carried by an aircraft or launch vehicle. Sometimes payload also refers to the carrying capacity of an aircraft or launch vehicle, usually measured in terms of weight. Depending on the nature of t ...
and
Hardtop A hardtop is a rigid form of automobile roof, typically metal, and integral to the vehicle's design, strength, and style. The term typically applies to a pillarless hardtop, a car body style without a B-pillar. The term "pillared hardtop" was ...
action figures. Retailing at US$129.99, the cost of the playset—the most expensive toy in Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero lineup—led to Hasbro re-releasing the shuttle two years later as a stand-alone vehicle called the Crusader, which used the same mold as the ''Defiant'' shuttle. The toy also came with a re-painted version of the Payload action figure.


General

The General first appeared in the 1990 edition of the toyline from
Hasbro Hasbro, Inc. (; a syllabic abbreviation of its original name, Hassenfeld Brothers) is an American multinational corporation, multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment holding company founded on December 6, 1923 by Henry, Hillel and Herma ...
. It is described as the G.I. Joe Team's mobile strike headquarters. Major Storm is the commander of the vehicle. The General is a large wheeled platform with an armored tractor attached to the front. The General is armed with a plethora of enemy detectors: third generation image intensifiers, infrared detectors, pulse Doppler radar and laser range finders. It is surrounded by several gun emplacements and armed with anti-aircraft capabilities. The middle of the back opens up to reveal a ramp and giant mortar cannon. The platforms also serve as helicopter landing pads. The General comes with a Locust mini-helicopter for reconnaissance purposes. The General was used extensively during the first season of the DiC-produced G.I. Joe animated series, such as in the episode "General Confusion". In said episode, both Joes and Cobra mention how the General is the most powerful vehicle in existence. The General was then featured in the second season of DiC with a much more minor role. The vehicle was also featured on the cover of the 1990 Hasbro-produced coloring book published by "A GOLDEN BOOK Western Publishing Company, Inc."


Headquarters Command Center

The G.I. Joe Headquarters Command Center was a weapons-laden fortress, which contained movable surveillance cameras, search lights, machine guns, and a cannon that could pivot in any direction. A hidden section in the base of the main platform, contained an area to store file cards. The Headquarters could be split into four parts: a helipad, a heavy equipment supply depot, a motor pool, and the command center. It was portrayed in the Marvel comic book as a "prefabricated" fortress in issue #24, "The Commander Escapes". A new version was released in 1992, that was much different from the original. It featured collapsible towers, electronic battle sounds, spring-loaded missile launchers, a removable bunker, a fuel station for vehicles, and a movable elevator. The entire headquarters could fold up, with a handle to carry the playset around.


Mobile Command Center

The Mobile Command Center, or MCC for short, was a three-level mobile fortress, which contained service, command and missile bays, and was armed with high-tech weaponry. It was first released in 1987, packaged with the
Steam Roller A steamroller (or steam roller) is a form of road roller – a type of heavy construction machinery used for leveling surfaces, such as roads or airfields – that is powered by a steam engine. The leveling/flattening action is achieved throug ...
action figure. Its appearance is that resembling a small building with near-featureless exterior and tank treads at the bottom. The huge size though, presents a problem in how it could be deployed outside of the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. Its size and few defensive capabilities suggest just what its name indicates, as a mobile command post and not more than that. The MCC features electronic and communications countermeasure equipment at the top, and is armed with HE-27 "Shockwave" missiles, which are guided by a missile control radar. The front of the vehicle is armed with computer-operated twin .50 caliber cannons, while the back is protected by a "Barrage" missile cannon. The diesel engine can run at 2000 kW and with 2700 hp. Despite its immense size, the MCC is quite mobile and maneuverable, given the right terrain. The huge body can open up, and set itself as a stationary open-air command post, complete with a control center, a prisoner holding cell and a service station for small assault vehicles. In the
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
''G.I. Joe'' series, its first appearance was in issue #100 (hinted at in #99). It was used to disrupt Cobra
Python Patrol COBRA (sometimes referred to as Cobra Command) is a fictional terrorist organization and the nemesis of the G.I. Joe Team in the Hasbro action figure toyline ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' and ''G.I. Joe: Sigma 6'', as well as in related med ...
forces that had arrived at G.I. Joe's desert HQ. It had been buried in the sand, and Joe forces drive Cobra towards it. The sand is shaken off and the Command center opens fire. Its weaponry damages a Cobra aircraft, which is then flown into the Command Center itself. A rear tread is destroyed with only minor cosmetic damage to the rest of the vehicle. Steam Roller professes admiration for the pilot's courage. He then heads into the desert to subdue the pilot, who is clearly seen descending by parachute. In animated form, it was featured in the direct-to-video movie, '' G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom'', where it is scaled-down, about the size of a large truck instead, allowing it to go into a suburban neighborhood.


Tactical Battle Platform

The Tactical Battle Platform was introduced in 1985, and featured multi-level battle platforms, a loading ramp, munitions room, control room and a heli-pad. It was transportable, and armed with a rotating radar-guided cannon, and surface-to-air missiles.


U.S.S. ''Flagg''

The USS ''Flagg'' aircraft carrier was a combination vehicle and playset, released in 1985 remained in production until 1991 when was redesigned in 1992. It came packaged with the Admiral Keel-Haul action figure, along with various vehicles and other objects. Multiple Skystriker fighter jet toys could be placed on its flight deck. A unique feature of the playset is the sound system, allowing the child to trigger preset announcements such as
general quarters General quarters, battle stations, or action stations is an announcement made aboard a navy, naval warship to signal that all hands (everyone available) aboard a ship must go to battle stations (the positions they are to assume when the ves ...
or else project their own voice on the deck of the ship through a microphone. Not only is the U.S.S. Flagg the largest playset released in the ''A Real American Hero'' toyline, but at seven feet long, as of 2010 it is the largest model playset made by any manufacturer. It was so large that when first pitched as a product, it had to be explained to the audience that the ship was not just the presentation table for the smaller toys that came with it, but was the proposed product itself. It was tested for ruggedness by having a grown man walk on it. Making such a large playset was considered financially risky, but in the event it had successful Christmas sales for the 1985 launch. Such a playset was only made possible by the decision of Hasbro to switch from 11 inch action figures to 3 for the preceding ''Star Wars'' franchise. The larger scale would have produced an unfeasibly large playset. The ''Flagg'' is now highly collectible. Originally selling for $89.99 (), complete sets can fetch $1,000 at auction, and if in an unopened box, this can rise to $2,000. It is unclear which aircraft carrier is the inspiration for ''Flagg'', although USS ''Nimitz'' has been suggested.Yezbick, p. 161. The lead playset designer, Ron Rudat, stated that a real aircraft carrier had been visited to establish realism, but he could not remember which one. In-story, the ''Flagg'' was named after General Lawrence J. Flagg, a character that first appeared in the
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
comic book series a Media (communication), medium used to express ideas with images, often combined with text or other visual information. It typically the form of a sequence of Panel (comics), panels of images. Textual devices such as speech balloons, Glo ...
and later killed off. The ''Flagg'' had the fictional
hull number A hull number is a serial identification number given to a boat or ship. For the military, a lower number implies an older vessel. For civilian use, the Hull Identification Number (HIN) is used to trace the boat's history. The precise usage varie ...
CVN-99.


G.I. Joe vehicle accessories


Coastal Defender

The Coastal Defender was first released in 1987. It was a missile launcher that looked like a large crate when it was being towed behind a G.I. Joe vehicle. After a few transformations, it could be assembled into a coastline missile defense with a radar dish and four missiles.


H.A.L.

The H.A.L. (Heavy Artillery Laser) was included as part of the original 1982 release of the A Real American Hero toyline. It was packaged with the Grand Slam action figure. The H.A.L.'s double-barreled cannon was mounted on a swivel base, which allowed it to be elevated and rotated 360 degrees, and it was designed to be towed behind either the V.A.M.P. or M.O.B.A.T. vehicles. With a removable CRT sighting and locating computer, the H.A.L. is one of the first lines of defense for the Joes.


M.M.S.

The M.M.S. (Mobile Missile System) was a
surface-to-air A surface-to-air missile (SAM), also known as a ground-to-air missile (GTAM) or surface-to-air guided weapon (SAGW), is a missile designed to be launched from the ground or the sea to destroy aircraft or other missiles. It is one type of anti-a ...
system included as part of the original 1982 release of the A Real American Hero toyline. It was packaged with the
Hawk Hawks are birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. They are very widely distributed and are found on all continents, except Antarctica. The subfamily Accipitrinae includes goshawks, sparrowhawks, sharp-shinned hawks, and others. This ...
action figure, and based upon the
Raytheon Raytheon is a business unit of RTX Corporation and is a major U.S. defense contractor and industrial corporation with manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. Founded in 1922, it merged in 2020 with Unite ...
MIM-23 Hawk The Raytheon MIM-23 HAWK ("Homing All the Way Killer") is an American medium-range surface-to-air missile. It was designed to be a much more mobile counterpart to the MIM-14 Nike Hercules, trading off range and altitude capability for a much sm ...
. The M.M.S. consists of a launch platform, control panel, and three detachable surface-to-air missiles, and is designed to be towed behind either the V.A.M.P. or M.O.B.A.T. vehicles.


Road Toad B.R.V.

The Road Toad B.R.V. (Battlefield Recovery Vehicle) was first released in 1987. It featured a powerful winch system, a "Puncher" 25mm cannon, two "Buzz" SSM-94 wire-guided missiles, and was designed to be towed behind any G.I. Joe vehicle with a tow hook.


S.L.A.M.

The S.L.A.M. (Strategic Long-Range Artillery Machine) was first released in 1987. The dual cannon had legs that could be hidden inside the weapon, and extended to stabilize it when firing. It was designed to be towed behind any G.I. Joe vehicle with a tow hook.


Whirlwind

The Whirlwind twin battle gun was first released in 1983. It featured twin 20mm cannons that rotated, two collapsible tow wheels, and 360 degree rotation of the main unit. It was designed to be towed behind any G.I. Joe vehicle with a tow hook.


G.I. Joe battlefield accessories


F.L.A.K.

The F.L.A.K. (Field Light Attack Kannon) was included as part of the original 1982 release of the A Real American Hero toyline. Its simulated howitzer on folding legs could elevate and swivel, and could be knocked down and transported. The F.L.A.K. was primarily used as an anti-aircraft cannon, and helped to defend the G.I. Joe Team from tank or plane attacks. The barrel fired high explosive rounds and smoke tracers, and could fire 20,000 rounds without being replaced.


J.U.M.P.

The J.U.M.P. Jet Pack (Jet Unit: Mobile Propulsion) was included as part of the original 1982 release of the A Real American Hero toyline. It was re-packaged in 1983 with the Grand Slam action figure. Both versions came with a laser blaster and launch pad. It also had a command console with advanced communication capabilities. The titanium launch pad was designed for portability and field durability, and the J.U.M.P. had a 2-hour fuel supply, with an average speed of 150 MPH.


M.A.N.T.A.

The M.A.N.T.A. (Marine Assault Nautical Transport: Air-Driven) was first released as a mail-in offer in 1984. The wind surfer included a .30 cal. machine gun, and a backpack to hold the M.A.N.T.A. pieces when disassembled.


Other G.I. Joe accessories

* PAC/RATs (Programmed Assault Computer/Rapid All Terrain) - First released in 1983, these battlefield robots provided the G.I. Joe Team with extra firepower operated by remote control activators. ** Flamethrower - With twin laser cannons ** Machine Gun - With four gun barrels ** Missile Launcher - With four twin-stage boosted missiles * Battle Stations - First released in 1984, these battlefield accessories were designed to complement G.I. Joe battle scenes. ** Bivouac (1984) - A forward observation post with a tent, rocket launcher and field radio ** Mountain Howitzer (1984) - A small cannon designed to be towed by G.I. Joe vehicles ** Watchtower (1984) - A one-man defense station with a ladder, machine gun and flag pole ** Air Defense (1985) - With two EE-14N long-range surface-to-air missiles ** Check Point Alpha (1985) - Two-piece watchtower with gate and road bump ** L.A.W. (1986) - The Laser Artillery Weapon is a stationary, uni-directional "infinity" laser. The base acts as a target acquisition/surveillance system for the weapon. ** Outpost Defender (1986) - With gun crate, mock tin roof with sandbags, and air-cooled machine gun * Defense Units - First released in 1984, these battlefield accessories were designed to complement G.I. Joe battle scenes. ** Machine Gun Defense Unit (1984) - With two tripod barricades, a machine gun with ammo belt, and warning sign ** Missile Defense Unit (1984) - With a missile launcher, brick wall, ammo case, and "Ammunition Depot" sign ** Mortar Defense Unit (1984) - With a mortar, stackable sandbags, and two gas cans ** Ammo Dump Unit (1985) - Supply case containing 3 missiles, 3 rockets, 2 mortars, a gas can and ammo box ** Forward Observer Unit (1985) - With a tent, infrared monocular, and 3-piece mortar with ammo box * Motorized Action Packs - First released in 1987, these battlefield accessories featured wind-up action. ** Anti-Aircraft Gun (1987) ** Helicopter Pack (1987) ** Radar Station (1987) ** Rope Walker (1987) ** Double Machine Gun (1988) ** Mine Sweeper (1988) ** Mortar Launcher (1988) * Motorized Vehicle Packs - Similar to the Motorized Action Packs, these mini-vehicles were first released in 1988, and featured wind-up action. ** A.T.V. (All-Terrain Vehicle) (1988) ** Tank Car (1988) ** Scuba Pack (1988)


Cobra playsets


Cobra Missile Command Headquarters

Exclusively from Sears, the Cobra Missile Command Headquarters was similar to the G.I. Joe version, except that it was made of brittle chipboard. Available in 1982, it featured a movable elevator, a console with three seats, and a Cruise Missile that pivots up and down. It came with three figures: a Cobra Officer, a Cobra Soldier, and
Cobra Commander Cobra Commander is a fictional character and the main antagonist of the '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' franchise. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra and the archenemy of the G.I. Joe Team. He was portrayed by Jos ...
.


Terror Drome

The Terror Drome is a small pre-fab
fortress A fortification (also called a fort, fortress, fastness, or stronghold) is a military construction designed for the defense of territories in warfare, and is used to establish rule in a region during peacetime. The term is derived from L ...
/headquarters for
Cobra COBRA or Cobra, often stylized as CoBrA, was a European avant-garde art group active from 1948 to 1951. The name was coined in 1948 by Christian Dotremont from the initials of the members' home countries' capital cities: Copenhagen (Co), Brussels ...
. The playset was first released in 1986, and comes with a vehicle service and refueling bay, munitions depot, a prison cell for a G.I. Joe action figure, tower-mounted cannons, and a launch silo for the Firebat interceptor mini-jet. The original playset also included the action figure A.V.A.C (Air Viper Advanced Class), intended as the pilot of the Firebat aircraft.


Toxo-Lab

The Cobra Toxo-Lab playset was first released in 1992, as part of the Eco-Warriors line. It was designed as a staging ground for Cobra's evil plots against the G.I. Joe Eco-Warriors. This playset featured a spring-loaded toxo-gun, a crane with claw arm, a "Plasma-Tox" container with color-change battle damage, and a "Toxo-Tank" with real diving action, caused by included baking soda tablets. In 1993, the design of the Toxo-Lab was used for the "Dragon Fortress", as part of the
Street Fighter II is a 1991 fighting game developed and published by Capcom for arcade game, arcades. It is the second installment in the ''Street Fighter'' series and the sequel to 1987's ''Street Fighter (video game), Street Fighter''. Designed by Yoshiki O ...
toy line, also produced by Hasbro at the time. The Dragon fortress had different features than the Toxo-Lab, such as a bungee jump, a trampoline launcher, and a double-barreled cannon.


Cobra battlefield accessories


A.S.P.

The Cobra A.S.P. (Assault System Pod) was a vehicle accessory with a cockpit, and turret with rotating 120mm "Eliminator" cannons. It was first released in 1984, and was designed to be towed behind the Cobra H.I.S.S. vehicle. It was recast in a red and black cross "Snake Skin" camouflage, and released as the Python A.S.P. in 1989, as part of the
Python Patrol COBRA (sometimes referred to as Cobra Command) is a fictional terrorist organization and the nemesis of the G.I. Joe Team in the Hasbro action figure toyline ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' and ''G.I. Joe: Sigma 6'', as well as in related med ...
line.


Battle Barge

The Cobra Battle Barge was first released in 1988. It was a stationary defense station with three machine guns, and a magnetic array detection radar.


C.L.A.W.

The Cobra C.L.A.W. (Covert Light Aerial Weapon) was a one-man flying weapon that housed a machine gun, a flashfire bomb (used when piloted remotely), and two venom rockets. It was first released in 1984, and was featured in the Marvel Comics story "Silent Interlude", portrayed in ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' #21.


S.N.A.K.E.

The Cobra S.N.A.K.E. (System Neutralizer-Armed Kloaking Equipment) was an armored suit that attached to Cobra troopers, and in the Marvel comic, could brainwash Joes. It was first released in 1984, and again in a dark blue color in 1985. Both versions feature four arm attachments: a claw, flamethrower arm, machine gun arm, and rocket.


Other Cobra accessories

* Battle Stations/Defense Units - First released in 1985, these battlefield accessories were designed to complement Cobra battle scenes. ** Cobra Bunker (1985) - A small battle station designed to survive a direct hit from a G.I. Joe missile ** Rifle Range Unit (1985) - With three rifles, two flip-down targets with sandbag supports, and a firing embankment ** Surveillance Port (1986) - An outpost featuring a 16mm machine gun and air search radar * Motorized Action Packs - First released in 1987, these battlefield accessories featured wind-up action. ** Earth Borer (1987) ** Mountain Climber (1987) ** Pom-Pom Gun Pack (1987) ** Rope Crosser (1987) **
Dreadnok Zartan is a fictional character from the '' G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' toyline, comic books, and animated series. He is one of the main villains in the franchise as the leader of the Dreadnoks, and a mercenary who often worked directly for ...
Battle Axe (1988) ** Machine Gun Nest (1988) ** Twin Missile Launcher (1988) * Motorized Vehicle Packs - Similar to the Motorized Action Packs, these mini-vehicles were first released in 1988, and featured wind-up action. ** Gyro Copter (1988) ** Rocket Sled (1988)


See also

* Action Force vehicles * Action Man Vehicles *
Fictional military aircraft This is a list of fictional aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, and lighter-than-air craft. The aircraft in this list are generally intended to operate in an atmosphere, though a few have been stated as being capable ...
* G.I. Joe: America's Movable Fighting Man vehicles * G.I. Joe Adventure Team vehicles * List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters


Notes


References

* Bainbridge, Jason, "Fully articulated: The rise of the action figure and the changing face of 'children's' entertainment", pp. 31–44 in, McKee, Alan; Collis, Christy; Hamley, Ben, ''Entertainment Industries: Entertainment as a Cultural System'', Routledge, 2014 . * * *
Mother Jones Magazine ''Mother Jones'' (abbreviated ''MoJo'') is a nonprofit American left-wing magazine that focuses on news, commentary, and investigative journalism on topics including politics, environment, human rights, health and culture. Clara Jeffery serves ...
September 1986, page 42 * Ryder, Demian, "An army of one in 1:18 scale: The profit of patriotism in G.I. Joe", ch. 9 in, Moffitt, Kimberly R.; Campbell, Duncan A., ''The 1980s: A Critical and Transitional Decade'', Lexington Books, 2011 . * * Yezbick, Daniel F., "Thirteen ways of looking at an action figure: Part two", pp. 152–169 in, Alexandratos, Jonathan (ed), ''Articulating the Action Figure: Essays on the Toys and Their Messages'', McFarland, 2017 .


External links


Vehicles and Vessels
at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
Weapons and Technology
at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
Vehicle/Playset Archive
at YOJOE.com {{DEFAULTSORT:List Of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Playsets 1980s toys 1990s toys 2000s toys Fictional fighter aircraft Fictional helicopters Fictional military vehicles
GI Joe ''G.I. Joe'' is an American media franchise and a line of action figures owned and produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the United States Armed Forces, U.S. armed forces with the Act ...
G.I. Joe Hasbro products