ALLEGIANCE: DECEPTICON

FUNCTION: MILITARY TRANSPORT
FIRST APPEARANCE: TRANSFORMERS # 29

“In confusion there is opportunity.”

Profile: Creating confusion is Astrotrain’s specialty. As a Decepticon
Triple Changer he can switch from robot to locomotive train to space shuttle
almost instantaneously. This ability not only leaves unsuspecting enemies perplexed,
but often vulnerable to his attack. His favorite ploy is to lure an Autobot
to chase him as he enters a railroad tunnel in train mode and then exits in
shuttle mode. The Autobot is usually ill-prepared to battle the shuttle-mode
Astrotrain and rarely knows whether two Decepticons or one confront him. But
it is that particular moment when his opponent realizes his mistake that especially
delights Astrotrain. He truly lives for that moment and thrives on his foe’s
panic and fear. “It makes it all worthwhile,” Astrotrain says gleefully.
“That part I enjoy even better than destroying him afterwards!”

Abilities: As a space shuttle, Astrotrain can achieve, under his own
power, planetary orbit, where he can attain a maximum speed of 20,000 mph. He
can launch weapons and satellites while in orbit, and carry other cargo as well.
If he carries an extra fuel supply, he can leave his orbit and is capable of
true space travel, boosting his speed to 50,000 mph. He would be able to travel
from the Earth to the Moon and back, but not much more. As a train, his top
speed on rail is 400 mph and he has a range of 1700 miles. In robot mode he
has great strength and carries a powerful ionic displacer rifle, which destroys
by disrupting molecular bonds in metal alloys with its beam.

Weaknesses: Astrotrain is prone to mechanical breakdowns as a train
in his wheel assemblies. As a space shuttle his communications systems often
fail him and he must be wary of burning up while re-entering the atmosphere.