From the Rattler to the RAM Cycle, the G.I. Joe brand is known for its garage full of vivacious vehicles. With the 2020 launch of the collector-focused Classified Series, Hasbro sought to bring updated versions of these classic contraptions to market in new and exciting ways. That resulted in the release of such radical rides as the C.O.I.L. to the upcoming Cobra H.I.S.S. tank.
Now, a new one sits on the horizon — a wild whirlybird is scheduled to take flight next year and bring the fight against Cobra Commander and his fiendish followers to the sky! Meet the Dragonfly.
HasLab
Announced by Hasbro in June as a kickoff to Yo Joe June, the Assault Copter Dragonfly (XH-1) began as a HasLab campaign that allowed backers the chance to fund its creation for the G.I. Joe Classified Series. Passing its initial threshold of 10,000 orders in a little over a day, the Dragonfly looks to be one of the most impressive vehicles released in the line to date, thanks to a fantastical fusion of modern engineering and vintage charm. Measuring an impressive 34-inches long from the tip of the front turret barrel to tail, this modernized machine easily dwarfs its 1983 namesake and brings with it a host of terrific traits both inside and out!
Helicopter
Representing the very pinnacle of G.I. Joe’s anti-armour technology, the Dragonfly is equipped with manually rotating blades and features a detachable gull-wing canopy that grants access to an elaborately detailed two-seater cockpit complete with four-point flight harnesses and an array of LED light-up display panels. The copter’s exterior brandishes a number of special features that include removable access panels, hinged cannon access doors, adjustable stabilizer wings, a movable V-tail wing, a counter-rotating coaxial turbine, engine cover exhaust vents, exterior lighting and a functioning hoist. Together, these features make deploying additional troops on infiltration and rescue missions a breeze.
As if that’s not enough, each G.I. Joe Classified Series Assault Copter Dragonfly (XH-1) also features removable missile and cannon accessories, no less than six blast effects, and a display stand – thus allowing fans to showcase their Dragonfly fleet in numerous configurations.
Figures
But, who’s going to fly these marvels, you ask? Why, none other than ace pilot William “Wild Bill” Hardy! That’s right, each G.I. Joe Classified Series Dragonfly also includes a 6-inch, fully articulated figure of Wild Bill — complete with his signature hat, removable sunglasses and three weapon accessories. The figure comes individually boxed with his own artwork and number in the G.I. Joe Classified Series sequence and will only be made available through this release.
Yet Wild Bird is not flying alone! Thanks to enthusiastic fans, this campaign has exceeded 15,000 orders. Because of this, each vehicle will now also include a 6-inch Night Force Rip Cord figure — complete with helmet, goggles, altitude gear, and more. Like Wild Bill, Rip Cord is fully articulated and individually boxed with his own unique artwork and sequence number. Two additional figures — helicopter pilot Jane “Glenda” Mullighan and Assault Trooper David “Crazylegs” Thomas — are also being made available as unlockable rewards at different tier levels.
The G.I. Joe Classified Series Assault Copter Dragonfly (XH-1) HasLab campaign runs until 11:59 PM EDT on July 17th. Each vehicle can be had for a pledge of $274.99 USD and they are expected to start shipping to backers in Summer 2024.
Don’t delay! Put the crunch on Cobra today!
