List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero playsets
Encyclopedia
The G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
toyline was introduced by Hasbro
in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles and playsets. The following is a list of playsets (i.e. toys representing static bases of operation such as fortresses, or equipment such as artillery pieces), as opposed to vehicles (i.e. in-universe
are meant to move under their own power).
and Hardtop 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.
. 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."
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.
. 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
G.I. Joe series, its first appearance was in issue #100 (hinted at in #99). It was used to disrupt Cobra Python Patrol
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.
, it had the fictional hull number
CVN-99. To-date, the U.S.S. Flagg remains the largest set ever released as part of the A Real American Hero toyline, as multiple Skystriker
fighter jet toys could be placed on its flight deck. In-story, the Flagg was named after General Lawrence J. Flagg
, a character that first appeared in the Marvel
comic book series
.
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.
system included as part of the original 1982 release of the A Real American Hero toyline. It was packaged with the Hawk
action figure, and based upon the Raytheon
MIM-23 Hawk
. 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.
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.
.
In 1993, the design of the Toxo-Lab was used for the "Dragon Fortress", as part of the Street Fighter II
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.
line.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero 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 figures and 250 vehicles and playsets. The line reappeared in 1997 and has continued in one form or another to the...
toyline was introduced by Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
in 1982, and lasted to 1994, producing well over 250 vehicles and playsets. The following is a list of playsets (i.e. toys representing static bases of operation such as fortresses, or equipment such as artillery pieces), as opposed to vehicles (i.e. in-universe
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
are meant to move under their own power).
Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex
The Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex was a combination vehicle and playset released in 1987, and came packaged with the PayloadPayload (G.I. Joe)
Payload is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is the G.I. Joe team's Defiant pilot and his figure debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
and Hardtop 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
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero 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 figures and 250 vehicles and playsets. The line reappeared in 1997 and has continued in one form or another to the...
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 HasbroHasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
. 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
DiC Entertainment
DIC Entertainment was an international film and television production company. In addition to animated television shows such as Ulysses 31 , Inspector Gadget , The Littles , The Real Ghostbusters , Captain Planet and the Planeteers , and the first two seasons of the English adaptation of...
-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 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 StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. 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
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
G.I. Joe series, its first appearance was in issue #100 (hinted at in #99). It was used to disrupt Cobra Python Patrol
Python Patrol
The Python Patrol is an elite unit within the fictional Cobra Organization. They have special uniforms that masks their presence to electronic detection systems...
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
G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom
G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom is a direct-to-video CGI animated movie and sequel to G.I. Joe: Spy Troops. It was released in 2004 by Reel FX Creative Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Like Spy Troops, the film was written around the theme of the toys released that year. In this case, it...
, 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. It came packaged with the Admiral Keel-Haul action figure. Based on a Nimitz class aircraft carrierNimitz class aircraft carrier
The Nimitz-class supercarriers are a class of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. With an overall length of and full-load displacements of over 100,000 long tons, they are the largest capital ships in the world...
, it had the fictional hull number
Hull number
Hull number is a serial identification number given to a boat or ship. A lower number implies an older vessel. The precise usage varies by country and type....
CVN-99. To-date, the U.S.S. Flagg remains the largest set ever released as part of the A Real American Hero toyline, as multiple Skystriker
Skystriker
In the fictional world of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Skystriker refers to two things: a jet fighter and a character.-Toys:The Skystriker XP-14F is a variable wing fighter aircraft, which first appeared in the 1983 edition of the hit cartoon series and toyline...
fighter jet toys could be placed on its flight deck. In-story, the Flagg was named after General Lawrence J. Flagg
General Flagg
General Flagg is the code name as well as the rank and surname of two fictional characters from the toyline, cartoon and comic series, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero....
, a character that first appeared in the Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
comic book series
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (Marvel Comics)
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a comic book that was published by Marvel Comics from 1982 to 1994. Based on Hasbro, Inc.'s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys, the series has been credited for making G.I. Joe into a pop-culture phenomenon. G.I...
.
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 SlamGrand Slam (G.I. Joe)
Grand Slam is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. Grand Slam is the G.I. Joe Team's original laser artillery soldier.-Profile:...
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-airSurface-to-air missile
A surface-to-air missile or ground-to-air missile is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles...
system included as part of the original 1982 release of the A Real American Hero toyline. It was packaged with the Hawk
Hawk (G.I. Joe)
Hawk is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys. He appears in the animated series, comic books, toyline, and movie.-Profile:...
action figure, and based upon the Raytheon
Raytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
MIM-23 Hawk
MIM-23 Hawk
The Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk is a U.S. medium range surface-to-air missile. The Hawk was initially designed to destroy aircraft and was later adapted to destroy other missiles in flight. The missile entered service in 1960, and a program of extensive upgrades has kept it from becoming obsolete. It was...
. 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.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 SlamGrand Slam (G.I. Joe)
Grand Slam is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. Grand Slam is the G.I. Joe Team's original laser artillery soldier.-Profile:...
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 dis-assembled.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 compliment 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 compliment 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 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 CommanderCobra Commander
Cobra Commander is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise. He appears in the toyline, animated series , comic books, video games, and movie as the usual principal antagonist. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra, and archnemesis of the Joes...
.
Terror Drome
The Terror Drome is a small pre-fab fortress/headquarters for Cobra. 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
Street Fighter II
is a competitive fighting game originally released for the arcades in . It is the arcade sequel to the original Street Fighter released in and was Capcom's fourteenth title that ran on the CP System arcade hardware...
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.
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 PatrolPython Patrol
The Python Patrol is an elite unit within the fictional Cobra Organization. They have special uniforms that masks their presence to electronic detection systems...
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 compliment 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 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
- AF (Action Figures)AF (Action Figures)AF or the Action Force were the third generation of Action Force action figures and comic book heroes released in the United Kingdom. Originally featuring in the Battle Action Force comics and cast as action figures by Palitoy, they were an internationally re-worked version of the G.I...
- Action Force vehicles
- Action Man Vehicles
- List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters
- List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vehicles
External links
- Weapons and Technology at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
- Vehicle/Playset Archive at YOJOE.com