AERIALBOTS

Silverbolt, Air Raid, Sky Dive, Slingshot, Fireflight

Japanese Names: Air Rider (Air Raid), Sling (Slingshot), Firebolt (Fireflight)
Allegiance: Autobots
Toyline: Generation 1
Subline: Combiner Teams
Year: 1986

Robot Modes: The Aerialbots are comprised of Silverbolt, the larger-scale leader, and four smaller teammembers called Air Raid, Sky Dive, Slingshot, and Fireflight. The four smaller robots look very much alike except for their colour schemes and have almost no posability except for their arms. Silverbolt isn't much better in terms of posability (his arms actually have less), but carries a sort-of regal look that makes him cooler than his smaller teammates.

Alternate Modes: The Aerialbots transform into jets. Silverbolt turns into a Concorde, the four smaller robots into various fighter jets. In this mode there is actually quite a bit of difference to be found in the four smaller robots, who all turn into different jets. The Aerialbots in jet mode make for a nice-looking squadron.

Combiner Mode: Like most combiner teams the Aerialbots really shine when combining into one big super robot. Superion has a wholesome look thanks to the unified colour schemes of his component parts. Silverbolt forms the torso while the four smaller robots can be used interchangably for the arms and legs. Superion looks really good, kind of like a futuristic knight, and has slightly more posability than any of his components, able to move his arms more or less freely at the shoulders.

Remarks: In 1986 the Autobots got some much-needed flying power in the form of the Aerialbots. In Season 2 of the cartoon the fellows even got quite a bit of character development, but in season 3 they were reduced to being a kind of rapid response team to support the main characters. Oh well. They still got to travel back in time and see how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime. And while the robots don't offer too much play value, they kick ass in jet mode and combined into Superion. The best of the Autobot combiners in my opinion.

Rating: B