Follow

    Air Raid

    Character » Air Raid appears in 70 issues.

    One of the most aggressive member of the Aerialbots; he combines with the others to form the Autobot combiner known as Superion.

    Short summary describing this character.

    Air Raid last edited by gravenraven on 07/06/23 07:01PM View full history

    Origin

    Out of the Aerialbots, his tactics are the most fearless, although some might call them rash and foolish. An excellent tactician, he achieves his goals, even when in the middle of battle. Air Raid and the other Aerialbots were created to give the Autobots a fighting chance against Devastator by creating the combiner Superion. Buster Witwicky saw the idea in a dream and informed Optimus Prime and Wheeljack. Air Raid forms Superion's Left leg.

    Creation

    Air Raid was created by Hasbro for The Transformers (1984) Cartoon. He was later added in 1986 to The Transformers Marvel comic by writer Bob Budiansky and editors Mike Carlin and Jim Shooter. Hasbro didn't register the name Air Raid until October 2003.

    Major Story Arcs

    Generation 1 Continuity

    Marvel Comics

    After Buster Witwicky's vision the Autobots discovered a way to reverse engineer the technology the Decepticons used to create Devastator. Working off the blueprints recorded by Bumblebee, Wheeljack successfully created Air Raid and the Aerialbots. During their first test run, the Autobots were alerted to a Decepticon operation at Hoover Dam. The Aerialbots were the only team fast enough to reach the location in time, and so Prime hesitantly sent the Aerialbots into battle before their programming was completed.

    Air Raid proved to be the most effective of the new Aerialbots in battle. When his fellow Aerialbots where under fire by the Seekers, Air Raid broke up their formation and damaged Ramjet's nose-cone with his torque rifle, allowing the other Aerialbots to regroup.

    G1 Air Raid
    G1 Air Raid

    The Aerialbots drove the Decepticons away, giving them time to focus on the energy siphon. In order to destroy the device Silverbolt commanded they merge into Superion. However Bombshell's cerebro-shell was controlling a human Ricky Vasquez, and forced him to fire Megatron at Superion. Unfortunately the majority of the Aerialbots were not programmed to protect human life, and Superion saw him as a potential threat. Ricky fought against the Bombshell's control, and Silverbolt fought inside Superion's mind with the other Aerialbots to protect the human. In order to save him, Silverbolt was forced to disengage Superion's combined mode. Luckily Ricky was able to resist the cerebro-shell and used Megatron to destroy the energy siphon.

    After the almost disaster at Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime had the Aerialbots shut down and their original programming erased. He then inputted their fully-programmed personalities using the Matrix. During their next battle with Menasor as Superion, the Aerialbots were attacked by Circuit Breaker, deactivated, and captured by RAAT. Luckily they were later freed.

    When Grimlock took over the Autobots, Air Raid and the other Aerialbots left. When a distress call came from Buster it was Air Raid, Skydive, and Fireflight who were the first to respond. Buster had been a prisoner of the Decepticons for over a year. This led the Autobot and Decepticon forces to battle with Starscream, who had acquired the power of the Underbase. The Aerialbots were his first victims, when he blasted them with the Underbase's cosmic power.

    When the Autobots left Earth Air Raid was with the other deactivated Autobots aboard the Ark. Air Raid and the Aerialbots were eventually revived by the Nucleon super-energy that Grimlock and the Dinobots recovered from Hydrus Four.

    Marvel UK

    Air Raid and Beachcomber rush to defend Autobot City from Quintesson invaders. They were quickly overwhelmed, and were forced to retreat and get reinforcements.

    In the 1992 Annual, Air Raid joined Silverbolt and Skydive in an assault on Hydrus Four. They infiltrated a medical center occupied by the Decepticons in order to rescue the Dinobots and prevent the resurrection of Megatron.

    IDW Publishing

    Air Raid has not yet appeared in Regeneration One.

    IDW Continuity

    Autocracy

    The Aerialbots respond to Optimus' call for additional support against the Decepticons and fought against the Seekers.

    Chaos

    Air Raid was among the Autobots fighting against Galvatron's army on Cybertron. Led by Silverbolt, he and the other Autobot fliers attacked Kimia Facility.

    Robots in Disguise

    Air Raid and his fellow Aerialbots work as crowd control after Ratbat was murdered. He along with the other Aerialbots later deserted Bumblebee's fledgling government.

    Powers & Weaknesses

    Air Raid can fly at speeds of up to Mach 5 and has a range of 1500 miles. In his alt-mode he can shoot air-to-air heat-seeking missiles and, in robot-mode, carries a high pressure torque rifle. He combines with his fellow Aerialbots to form the giant robot know as Superion. Air Raid is reckless and often exposes himself to greater odds than he can reasonably expect to handle.

    Characteristics

    • Allegiance: Autobot
    • Sub Group: Aerialbot
    • Function: Warrior/Scout
    • Alt-Modes: Cybertronian Jet, F-15 Eagle Fighter, B1-B Bomber, Boeing E-767, F117A Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Antonov An-225, WWII Fighter Plane
    • Color Schemes: Red/Blue/Black (G1, Animated), Silver/Burgundy (Games), Black (3H), Red/Gold (Toys), Green (Film, DW), Silver/Red (Toys), Black/Blue (G2)

    Alternate Versions

    Marvel Comics

    Generation 2

    Air Raid and the other Aerialbots were seen after the Autobots had retreated to an asteroid. During a battle on Ethos with the G2 Cybertronians, Air Raid was rescued by the Decepticon Skywarp. Air Raid battled the Cybertronians again blasting them out of the sky to the waiting Dinobots on the ground.

    3H Productions

    Dreamwave Publications

    Transformers/G.I. Joe

    While not named individually the Aerialbots are seen in several issues. They were reconfigured WWII fighter planes.

    War Within

    Air Raid and the Aerialbot are part of a subgroup called combiners, able to merge to form Superion. Because Superion and the other combiners caused wide spread destruction, the Crisis Intervention Accords were signed by the various factions, prohibiting the use of combiners. The members of each combiner could either join different factions separately or remain together as a neutral faction. It is unknown what Air Raid and the Aerialbots chose.

    Generation 1

    Air Raid and the Aerialbots were part of the crew that journeyed to Earth on the original Ark to defeat the Decepticons. When they were ordered to leave Earth, they were deactivated and put on the Ark II. Disastrously Ark II exploded in mid-air on its journey back to Cybertron. In reality the ship was sabotaged by the rogue engineer turned arms dealer Adam Rook, known as Lazarus, and General Robert Hallo. They planned to reprogram the Transformers and use them as weapons in the United States military. Fortunately Aerialbots were some of the Transformers who were not recovered by Lazarus. They remained immobile in the Arctic waters until reactivated by Optimus Prime and the Matrix of Creation.

    Air Raid vs. Starscream
    Air Raid vs. Starscream

    Air Raid and the Aerialbots in their Superion form, battled the Decepticons in the Northwest Territories of Canada, and San Francisco. During the their first battle, Superion was broken down into the individual Aerialbots by the Seekers, and Devastator hoisted Air Raid in his hand in triumph. Megatron tried and failed to convince Optimus Prime to join his cause. The Autobots then battled the Decepticons, where Air Raid battled against Starscream. Unfortunately General Hallo betrayed the Autobots and launched a nuclear missile at San Francisco to destroy all of the Transformers. Before Optimus Prime could stop them, the Aerialbots formed Superion and intercepted the missile. Superion and the Aerialbots, were destroyed in stopping the missile. The remains of Air Raid and the other Aerialbots are recovered for study by the Earth Defense Command.

    Universe

    Not seen in the comic but was released as a toy. His packaging states that Air Raid is a aerial bot flier, but he was sent to take care of a water-borne Decepticon Storm Surge.

    IDW Publishing

    Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance

    Before coming to earth Air Raid was a member of Cybertron's Science Division. When an ancient relic is uncovered, they are attacked by aliens from the Eshems Nebula. Megatron in turn declares martial law and demanded the full cooperation of every Cybertronian. Air Raid was among the Autobots that obeyed Optimus's command for them to not abandon their traditions and beliefs. When Optimus Prime and his followers were declared traitors, civil war erupted across the planet. Air Raid joined the Autobots and lead other Aerialbots in battle.

    Reign of Starscream

    Death of Air Raid
    Death of Air Raid

    After the defeat of Megatron on Earth, Air Raid was part of a small Autobot unit led by Arcee to track down Starscream on Mars. Air Raid chased him but was shot down by Thundercracker. Smokescreen attempted to evacuate Air Raid but they were both destroyed by Starscream.

    Other Media

    Television

    The Transformers (1984)

    No Caption Provided

    To combat Megatron's new Stunticons, the Aerialbots were created on Cybertron by Optimus Prime. With the assistance of Hoist, Wheeljack, Ratchet and Alpha Trion, Air Raid and the other Aerialbots were born. They are the Autobots' first combiner team, and when merged to form Superion. Unlike the Decepticons' combiner team the Constructicons, their configuration consists of five transformers instead of six.

    Like most of the Aerialbots, Air Raid was slow to learn the Autobots' ways. He was more impressed with the flying skills of Starscream and the Seekers. His first appearance comes in the two-part episode "Key to Vector Sigma". When the Aerialbots saw Megatron deactivate Ariel, Dion and Orion Pax. Air Raid and the others soon returned to their time with a new mission and to oppose the Decepticons' tyranny.

    Episode Appearances

    • The Keys to Vector Sigma; part 2
    • War Dawn
    • Cosmic Rust
    • Aerial Assault
    • Five Faces of Darkness; part 2 & 3
    • Forever is a Long Time Coming
    • Fight of Flee
    • Thief in the Night
    • Carnage in C-Minor
    • The Big Broadcast of 2006
    • The Ultimate Weapon
    • The Burden Hardest to Bear
    • The Return of Optimus Prime; part 1
    • The Rebirth; part 1 & 3

    Transformers: The Headmasters (1987) (Japan)

    Air Raid appeared in several episodes of the Headmasters series. His first appeared was in Episode 1, "Four Warriors Come Out of the Sky". His last appearance was in Episode 13, "Head On, Fortress Maximus".

    Episode Appearances

    • Four Warriors Come Out of the Sky
    • The Mystery of Planet Master
    • The Great Cassette Operation
    • Approach of the Demon Meteorite
    • Cybertron is in Grave Danger; part 1 & 2
    • Head On!! Fortress Maximus
    • Return of the Immortal Emperor
    • The Final Showdown on Earth; part 2

    Transformers: Energon (2004)

    Known as Treadshot and a member of the Autobot Air Team. He forms part of the combiner Superion Maximus.

    Episode Appearances

    Note: Treadshot was never referred to by name, or as an individual. Most of his appearances were as the right arm of Superion Maximus.

    • Ambition
    • Wishes
    • Distribution
    • Spark

    For the Decepticon see Treadshot

    Transformers Animated (2007)

    Air Raid is seen after Cheetor caught up with the fallen Crumplezone at the episodes conclusion.

    Episode Appearances

    • Moving Violation

    Video Games

    Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game (PS3/360)

    Aerial Bots, Dark of the Moon Game
    Aerial Bots, Dark of the Moon Game

    Air Raid was one of the officers at the NEST base housing the MechTech. Air Raid intercepted a Decepticon intruder, that turned out to be Starscream, who had been ordered to track down and destroy the MechTech. Air Raid engaged Starscream in the base along with a squad of Autobots and NEST helicopters. Starscream proved too powerful and he retreated to the runway where Stratosphere was preparing to lift off. Air Raid managed to warn Stratosphere of Starscream's approach and board his comrade before the Decepticon arrived. When Stratosphere's escort was unable to bring down Starscream, the Autobot unleashed the Aerialbots, made up of Air Raid, Breakaway and Silverbolt. The Aerialbots put up a good fight but were take out one by one. When Air Raid was shot down, Starscream stated "You're fast, Air Raid, but not fast enough!"

    Transformers: War for Cybertron (PC/PS3/360)

    War for Cybertron
    War for Cybertron

    Air Raid appears in all versions of the game. His alternate form his a Cybertronian Jet. He helps Optimus Prime and the other Autobots escape the prisons of Kaon as part of their plan to rescue the injured Zeta Prime who was captured by Megatron. Air Raid is later tasked with destroying a Decepticon satellite that is shooting down Autobot escape ships alongside Jetfire and Silverbolt. The trio of jets disable the cooling and pulse stations inside the station though the come to realize the station is one big Decepticon named Trypticon. The trio including Air Raid go on the destroy Trypticon's transformation cog forcing him to transform into his beast like form. Once transformed Trypticon begins flying via a jet-pack attachment to Iacon to destroy it for Megatron. Air Raid, Jetfire, and Silverbolt destroy the jet-pack and force Trypticon to the ground where Optimus and the ground team finish him off.

    Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)

    Air Raid acts as a trainer for new recruits.

    Transformers: Cybertron Adventures (Wii)

    When Bumblebee and Ironhide escaped from Kaon prison, Air Raid was on hand to provide air support. Later, Air Raid volunteered for a mission to infiltrate the Decepticon controlled tunnels around the Core. With Ironhide's directions, Air Raid flew into the underground tunnels to access the bridge and take it off-line. After getting past a Destroyer and multiple troops, but Air Raid cut power to the Bridge. During the launch, Thundercracker and Skywarp started bombing of the Autobot position, so Optimus Prime dispatched Air Raid and Jetfire to hold off the Seekers.

    Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (PC/PS3/360)

    Air Raid appears in all versions of this game. He is a member of the Autobots like before and is still a Cybertronian jet. Air Raid appears at the end aboard the Ark and is one of the fliers alongside again Jetfire and Silverbolt who on Jazz's signal bombs the Decepticon Bruticus, who is the combined form of the Combaticons (Onslaught, Brawl, Blast Off, Vortex, and Swindle). They are eventually successful in launching Brucitus off the Ark and into empty space.

    Books

    Galvatron's Air Attack (1986 Children's Book)

    sizepositionchange
    sizepositionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    bordersheaderpositiontable
    positionchange

    This edit will also create new pages on Comic Vine for:

    Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.

    Comment and Save

    Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Comic Vine users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.