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 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, Toys "R" Us also produced several exclusive lines of G.I. Joe toys, which were repainted and recast versions of previously released toys.
The Arctic Blast was first released in 1989, packaged with the driver Windchill. 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.[1]
The Avalanche was first released in 1990, packaged with the driver Cold Front. 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.[2]
The A.W.E. (All-Weather/Environment) Striker was first released in 1985, packaged with the Crankcase action figure.[3] It featured a removable engine, a 10 round 70mm launcher for projectiles, off-road tires and springing 4WD suspension.[4] Although the release of this toy pre-dates it, it is quite similar to the M1040/41 Fast Attack Vehicle. 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.[5]
The Blockbuster was first released in 1994, packaged with the Battle Corps version of Windchill. 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.[6]
The Conquest X-30 super-sonic jet was first introduced in the 1986 run of the toyline,[7] packaged with the Slip Stream action figure. The Conquest is an advanced forward-swept wing jet fighter, based on the real-life experimental Grumman X-29 aircraft. It is armed with a laser guidance system, twin 25 mm revolver cannons, 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.[8] Hasbro marketed it as the Joe team’s counterpart to Cobra’s Night Raven.
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 line.[9] 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. 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, when it replaced the Skystriker as the Joe team’s primary fighting aircraft.
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.[10] 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.[11]
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 action figure.[12]
The Desert Fox 6WD desert jeep was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Skidmark.[13] It featured two "Scorpion" anti-tank missiles, wheels that were heat and puncture resistant, and a rear-mounted anti-aircraft cannon.[14] 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 and Low-Light.[15]
The Dragonfly XH-1 assault copter was first released in 1983, packaged with the action figure Wild Bill.[16] 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.[17] The toy's design is based upon the Bell AH-1 Cobra. The Dragonfly is featured in the 1985 G.I. Joe computer game.[18] Wild Bill also pilots a Dragonfly in the C64/CPC version of the Action Force video game. It was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Fly in 1988.[19]
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 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.[20]
The H.A.V.O.C. (Heavy Articulated Vehicle Ordnance Carrier) was introduced in 1986, and came packaged with the Cross-Country action figure.[7] 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 one-man hover reconnaissance vehicle.[21] 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.[22]
The Killer W.H.A.L.E. (Warrior: Hovering Assault Launching Envoy) hovercraft was released in 1984.[23] It came packaged with the Cutter action figure, and featured twin elevating cannons, two rotating machine guns, and six depth charges.[24] 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.[25] 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's lair in Florida's Okefenokee Swamp. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Striker in 1988.[26]
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 came packaged with the Heavy Metal action figure.[3] Like the M.O.B.A.T., the Mauler incorporated a small DC electric motor, powered by 4xC 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.[27] It was repainted and fitted with new parts in 1989, and released as the Slaughter's Marauders Equalizer.[28]
The Mean Dog 3-in-1 armored vehicle was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Wild Card.[13] 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.[29]
The M.O.B.A.T. (MOtorized BAttle Tank) was first released in 1982, packaged with the action figure Steeler.[30] The design was based on the M551 Sheridan light tank, 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 2xD battery 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.[31] In later years, Hasbro was able to sell thousands of M.O.B.A.T. toys to former Soviet children through its Indian joint venture, Funskool (India) Ltd.; the Russians ordered 100,000 units delivered instantly.[32]
In the Marvel Comics 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.[33] Subsequently, the M.O.B.A.T. is featured prominently in issue #5, in a story dedicated to the vehicle.[34] In-story, the acronym stood for "Multi-Ordnance BAttle Tank".
The M.O.B.A.T. is one of the vehicles a player can use in the 1985 G.I. Joe computer game.[18] The M.O.B.A.T. toy also receives a brief mention, along with the Terrordrome, in the Stephen King horror novel The Tommyknockers.[35]
The Mudfighter bomber was first released in 1989, packaged with the pilot Dogfight. 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.[36]
The Persuader high-speed laser tank was first released in 1987, packaged with the action figure Back-Stop.[37] It featured a "Heatwave" 10 Megawatt armor-piercing laser cannon, six "Dart" Sam-37 missiles, and 10-wheel drive.[11] It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Storm in 1988.[26]
The Phantom X-19 stealth fighter jet was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot Ghostrider.[13] 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.[38]
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.[39]
The Retaliator helicopter was first released in 1990, packaged with the pilot Updraft. It features a capture claw with built in winch hook, super-speed rotor blades, four missiles, and a bomb ramp with nine bombs.[22]
The Rolling Thunder armored missile launcher was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Armadillo.[13] 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.[40]
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.[23] It featured two acoustic homing torpedoes, twin flip-up 30mm "Tidal Wave" cannons, and had both underwater and air-attack capabilities.[41] It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Shade in 1988.[26] It was repainted with chrome parts, and released as the Sky Patrol Sky S.H.A.R.C. in 1990.[42]
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 spring-loaded "Aqua Attack" missile launcher, H2O X-1 machine guns, and actually floated with wind-up motor action.[43]
The Skystorm X-wing chopper was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot Windmill.[13] Based partially on the Sikorsky S-72, it featured a turbo-shaft engine, and was armed with two large bombs and four missiles.[44]
The Skystriker XP-14F is a variable wing fighter aircraft that was first released in 1983,[16] packaged with the Ace action figure.[45] When the G.I. Joe animated series was launched in 1985, the Skystriker was the team's only fighter aircraft, 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 F-14 Tomcat fighter it was based upon were twin-seat designs, it was rarely portrayed as such in the associated comic books and cartoons. It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Boomer in 1989.[46]
The Slugger Self-Propelled Cannon was first released in 1984, packaged with the action figure Thunder.[23] 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.[47]
The Snow Cat tracked arctic vehicle was first released in 1985, packaged with the action figure Frostbite.[3] It featured a 680 hp engine, two high-speed "Avalanche" ski-missiles, and room for up to 10 Joes.[48] It was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Cat in 1988.[19]
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, 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.[39]
The Tomahawk troop transit helicopter was first released in 1986, and came packaged with the action figure pilot Lift-Ticket.[7] 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.[49] While not identical, the Tomahawk is similar in design to the Marine CH-46 Sea Knight and the Army CH-47 Chinook.
The Toss 'n Cross Bridge Layer was released in late 1984 as a Sears exclusive, and entered general retail in 1985.[48] It came packaged with the Tollbooth action figure.[3] The toy, although not a close copy like many others in the series, was inspired by the M60A1.
The Triple "T" (Tag Team Terminator) was first released in 1986, packaged with the Sgt. Slaughter action figure.[7] The one-man tank featured two high explosive anti-tank missiles, and a 950 hp turbine engine.[49] It was recast in black and red, and released as the Night Force Night Raider in 1988.[26] In 1993, the original toy was offered as a mail-in vehicle, with magenta colored guns and missiles.[43]
The V.A.M.P. (Vehicle: Attack: Multi Purpose) was part of the original 1982 A Real American Hero release.[50] Packaged with the action figure Clutch, the design was essentially a Jeep, with dual-mounted 7.62mm machine guns that swiveled and elevated.[30] The V.A.M.P. Mark II was released in 1984,[23] and instead of the original's green color and twin machine guns, was instead painted tan and equipped with a quad-mount missile launcher (carrying the fictional Stinger XK-1 missile).[47] A Sears exclusive included the VAMP four-wheeled drive vehicle with the H.A.L. artillery laser.[23] The Vamp Mark II was repainted and released as the Tiger Force Tiger Sting in 1989.[51]
The Warthog A.I.F.V. (Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle) was first released in 1988,[13] 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.[52]
The Wolverine Armored Missile Vehicle was first released in 1983,[16] packaged with the action figure Cover Girl. It featured twelve Stinger ground-to-ground missiles, a tow hook, removable engine cover, and rescue cable.[53] It was repainted and fitted with new parts in 1989, and released as the Slaughter's Marauders Lynx.[28]
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.[56]
The Night Force vehicles were repaints of existing G.I. Joe and Cobra vehicles, sold exclusively by Toys "R" Us, and designed for "top secret nighttime missions". None of these vehicles included a driver.[52]
The Cobra BUGG was first released in 1988, packaged with the driver Secto-Viper.[72] It was an amphibious command vehicle, with a removable two-man hovercraft/submarine, twin cannons, machine guns, anti-aircraft gun, and two missiles.[73]
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.[74]
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.[75]
Overlord's Dictator was first released in 1990, packaged with the Overlord 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.[76]
The Cobra Firebat was included with the Terrordrome 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.[49]
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.[77]
The Cobra H.I.S.S. (Hi Speed Sentry) was first released in 1983, and was packaged with the HISS Driver action figure.[78] 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.
The H.I.S.S. was featured prominently in the comics and the first season of the animated series.
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.[79]
The Cobra Hurricane V.T.O.L. (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) was first released in 1990, packaged with the pilot Vapor. It featured eleven missiles, dual 75mm cannons, and a VTE-490 pilotless attack drone mounted on its back.[77]
The Cobra Maggot was three vehicles in one. It was first released in 1987, packaged with the driver W.O.R.M.S.[37] 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.[80] It was recast in black and red, and released as the G.I. Joe Night Blaster in 1988.[52]
The Cobra Mamba was a supersonic attack helicopter. It was first released in 1987, packaged with the pilot Gyro-Viper.[37] The Mamba featured two detachable "MOLT" assault pods (Mamba Offensive Light Tactical), six missiles, and a NT-58 turbo-shaft engine.[81]
The Cobra Moray hydrofoil was first released in 1985, packaged with the Cobra Lamprey pilot.[3] 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.[27] It was recast in black and red, and released as the G.I. Joe Night Ray in 1989.[46]
The Cobra Night Raven S3P was first released in 1986,[82] packaged with the Strato-Viper action figure.[7] Based on the Blackbird SR-71, 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.[83] It was repainted with chrome parts, and released as the G.I. Joe Sky Raven in 1990.[67]
The Cobra Rattler is a VTOL attack aircraft inspired by the USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II. It originally appeared in 1984, packaged with the pilot Wild Weasel,[23] 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.[71]
The Cobra Sea Ray was first released in 1987, packaged with the driver Sea Slug.[37] 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.[84]
The Cobra Stellar Stiletto was first released in 1988, packaged with the pilot Star-Viper.[72] 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.[85] It was recast and released as the G.I. Joe Starfighter in 1993, as part of the Star Brigade line.[43]
The Cobra Stinger Night Attack 4WD vehicle was first released in 1984.[23] Packaged with the Stinger Driver action figure, it featured four ground-to-air rockets with 360-degree rotation.[47] The Stinger was recast as a Sears exclusive in 1986, sold as the Dreadnok Ground Assault 4WD.[65]
The Cobra STUN was first released in 1986, packaged with the Motor-Viper action figure.[7] 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.[86] 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 line.[56]
The Cobra Water Moccasin swamp cruiser was first released in 1984,[23] 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.[24] It was repainted and released as the G.I. Joe Tiger Shark in 1988.[71]
The Cobra W.O.L.F. (Winter Operational Light Fighting Vehicle) was first released in 1987, packaged with the driver Ice-Viper.[37] The W.O.L.F. was a winter attack vehicle, and featured four "Wham" surface-to-air missiles and two "Snarl" ski-torpedoes.[81]
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