MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Wreckers

2012-07-10T08:00:06Z

125.237.203.154: /* Dark of the Moon */

{{factions|autobot|wreckers}}
{{featured}}
{{disambig3|Wrecker}}
[[Image:Wreckers symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|Wreck & Rule]]
The '''Wreckers''' are a special task force, generally composed of the best and the toughest die-hard fighters around. Its ranks comprise a who's-who of the obscure; mechs you've never heard much about, mostly because the Wreckers are often called in to fight when the odds of success are slim. Bluntly, they tend to burn through their roster at a frightening rate. The Wreckers are a close-knit group that's more concerned with bursting in, guns-blazing, and doing their Thing, than they are concerned with, say, strategy. Despite their disregard for planning and the bodycount their team mounts, the Wreckers are amazingly successful. If it's a lost cause, the Wreckers will be there, winning the day with sheer guts and determination.

Perhaps the most celebrated leader of the Wreckers is [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], though the memory of his former leader, [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], hangs over his head. The team also has vague ties to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and its roster often includes the other [[Triple Changer]]s, the [[Jumpstarter]]s and the [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s. The roster of the Wreckers, as noted, is always in flux, and the future will bring leaders such as [[Apelinq]] and members outside the usual pool of [[Autobot]]s, including [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], and even former [[Decepticon]]s. But those were [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|pretty weird times]].

{{bigquote|Never a dull moment when you're a Wrecker.|[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]|[[Stormbringer issue 4|''Stormbringer'' #4]]}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel UK Generation 1 comics===
[[Image:Wreckersoriginallineup.jpg|right|300px|thumb|They always smile after a nice massacre.]]
The initial roster of the Wreckers consisted of Impactor (the leader), Roadbuster, Whirl, Twin-Twist, Topspin and Rack'n'Ruin. They were later joined by Broadside, Sandstorm and Springer (who became the team's leader after Impactor's death). The team were set to be at the business end of [[Operation: Volcano]], killing ten of the most deadly Decepticons as they converged on a staged conference. However, when [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] called off the Decepticons' advance (truth be told, he didn't seem to know or care about it), the Wreckers' plans were also cancelled. As was Impactor's life, as one of the Decepticons, [[Macabre]], had stayed behind to kill [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]], and Impactor took the 'bullet' for him. Impactor named Springer his successor as he lay dying. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

Later, the team and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] were misled into trying to kill [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] upon his return to Cybertron. Decepticons had planted misinformation that Prime was in fact a Decepticon made up to ''look'' like Prime. Fortunately for the Wreckers' record, Magnus and Xaaron uncovered the truth before anyone could kill the Autobots' Greatest Leader. {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}} During his stay on Cybertron, Optimus Prime led the Wrecks on a number of fruitful raids on [[Decepticon fuel store]]s. {{storylink|Resurrection!}}

Both Roadbuster and Whirl appear to be absent from the team later on. Roadbuster reappears amongst the Wreckers eventually, but Whirl is never seen again. {{storylink|Time Wars}} Inferno is later affiliated with the team. {{storylink|Firebug!}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] (original leader, offline)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
* [[Rack'n'Ruin]] (offline)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (offline)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (offline)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (leader after Impactor's death)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (offline)
* [[Twin Twist]] (offline)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]

After the team takes major casualties during the Time Wars, the few survivors (Springer, Broadside and Inferno) joined together with other "outsiders"—both Autobot and Decepticon—to form the (aptly named) [[Survivors]].

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
[[Image:Wreckers3hlineup.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Now taking applications for: [[Cyclonus (G1)|Traitors]], [[Arcee (G1)|Girls]], [[Fractyl|Wimps]], and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|People Who Shouldn't Be Here]].]]
After the end of the war, the [[Maximal High Council]] called the Wreckers back into service to protect the fragile peace that existed between [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]. The war veteran and gifted engineer Apelinq was assigned to be a squad commander of this new iteration of the legendary Autobot strike force, and several of his former comrades were also drafted. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Major]] was also added to the ranks of the Wreckers in a commanding role. {{storylink|Disclosure|Apelinq's extended profile}}

All but Rodimus and Apelinq were lost to [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon forces]] and its [[transformation virus]], but their depleted ranks were filled with other survivors, some rescued by Apelinq from the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. In this troubled time, even [[Decepticon]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] were accepted into their ranks. {{storylink|Transformers: Universe (comic)|Transformers Universe: Featuring The Wreckers}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Apelinq]]
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]
* [[CatSCAN]]
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (traitor)
* [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]]
* [[Dillo]] (offline)
* [[Fractyl]]
* [[Mol]] (offline)
* [[Packrat]] (offline)
* [[Primal Prime]]
* [[Ramulus]]
* [[Rav (BM)|Rav]] (offline)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] (offline)
* [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]]
* [[Sentinel Maximus]]
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
* [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]] (offline)
* [[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]] (offline)
* [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]]
* [[Tigatron]]

===Dreamwave Generation 1 comics===
[[Image:Wreckersdw.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Wreckers: Featuring Ultra Magnus' Crotch.]]
The Wreckers split from the Autobot forces after the disappearance of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in a [[space bridge]] explosion. Led by Springer, they clashed with [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon|Ultracons]] in the [[Tagan Heights]] for a time {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}} before reuniting with the Autobots and the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]] immediately prior to the Age of Internment. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (leader)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]
* [[Twin Twist]]
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]

Later on, during Shockwave's reign on Cybertron, the Wreckers whittled down to small but elite task force of Autobots dedicated to keeping the peace wherever (and however) necessary. The [[Triple Changer]]s left the group and Ultra Magnus stepped in to lead.

'''Known members:'''
* Topspin
* Twin Twist
* Roadbuster
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (leader)
* Whirl

When the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] were released from imprisonment in Cybertron's [[Detention Banks]], the Wreckers responded in kind. This, however, was after [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] had already wiped out the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]] and defeated [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. In the battle, both Whirl and Roadbuster were apparently killed before Ultra Magnus took charge and brought Menasor down. {{storylink|War and Peace}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
{{ongoing}}
{{quote|What do you '''mean''', it's a lost cause? Of '''course''' it's a lost cause. That's why we're '''here!'''|[[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2]]}}

{{quote|They give the Autobots something to ''believe in!'' And it's all thanks to [[Ironfist (G1)|you]]. Without Fisitron and his datalogs, the Wreckers would be nothing more than a bunch of ''thugs with a death wish.''|[[Verity Carlo]], "[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5]]}}

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers4-triumphoverevil.jpg|left|thumb|300px|This roster feels familiar.]]

The Wreckers are the Autobots who get called in when the odds of success are nonexistent, but the job needs to be done anyway. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} They've been fighting for a long time, first under [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} and originally with no official acknowledgement that they existed. {{storylink|Zero Point}} They've have many grand exploits and gained numerous fan-boys along the way, mainly "Fisitron" who writes the ''[[Wreckers: Declassified]]'' datalogs {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} and the odd [[Ladybird Books|stories for children]]. They even had their own Decepticon counterparts, the dreaded [[Squadron X]]! {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} The original leader was [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], until he did some ''minor'' thing to be incarcerated for. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} Other leaders have included [[Crest]] and [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]]. {{storylink|Bullets}}

The Wreckers are an inspiration to the Autobots, heroes of daring exploits who never leave each other behind and always save the day... or so ''Wreckers: Declassified'' and the official line would tell them. What only a handful know is the dark reality... like the abuse of prisoners, the deliberate maimings and tortures, the dismissal of the Tyrest Accord {{storylink|Zero Point}}, or how Impactor was ''really'' locked up for murdering a helpless, chained-down Squadron X. As the Autobots are mostly ignorant of that, the Wreckers are heroes for them to believe in. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

Springer became the Wrecker leader after Impactor's arrest. He'd been asked to by the other Wreckers and thought that he could correct their increasingly immoral course; what he didn't know was that the other members were trying to cover up their collusion with Impactor's murders. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

Assigned to [[Varas Centralus]] after the Decepticon infiltration on that planet went to [[Infiltration protocol|Phase Six]], they were pulled out and sent back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] at the order of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] when the Autobot leader suspected that [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] might have been behind the disappearance of the [[Calabi-Yau]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}}

[[Image:Wreckersstormbringer.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Wreckers are so hardcore they don't even need a spaceship. Except for when they [[Xantium (G1)|do]].]]

The Wreckers arrived just in time to save [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] and [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]. They then proceeded to take [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s team apart without breaking a sweat. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3|Stormbringer #3}} Thunderwing was ''slightly'' more challenging, but the Wreckers suffered no apparent casualties. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer #4}}

When Thunderwing popped up again guarding a cave on [[Corata-Vaz]], Optimus Prime sent for the team once again. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} While they did not succeed in stopping Thunderwing themselves, they managed to survive until he was rendered inert by [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Sometime later, some of the Wreckers were captured by the Decepticons. They were rescued by the remaining Wreckers, now led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], who was acting independently. After this, Kup decided to form a new team that included Wreckers [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

After the great push by Megatron, Kup and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] were made into Wreckers, with Ultra Magnus and [[Verity Carlo]] providing them with transport. A few years later, Wrecker reservists [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]], [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]], [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]] and [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] were added to the team. Springer was becoming weary of assembling these teams, only to see them blown apart.

The first mission by the new team was to travel to [[Garrus-9]] and bring it back under Autobot control. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} After the arrival of a battered Impactor, however, they discovered that the sociopathic [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] had seized control of the facility and the whole place had gone mental. A report from Prowl also stated they needed to find "[[Aequitas]]". Splitting into two teams, the Wreckers made planetfall {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} and soon became separated from each other. Perceptor's team were tasked to find Aequitas, but Springer abruptly changed strategy and split his group into two: one to find the prisoners, the other to "get help" from a maximum security cell. Perceptor's team succeeded—albeit with the loss of Rotorstorm to Overlord—but Springer, Impactor and Twin Twist were captured. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

Topspin willingly sacrificed himself to activate Aequitas, simultaneously killing Twin Twist due to their branched spark. Kup and Guzzle failed to find the help they were looking for, but managed to save Springer and Impactor from death by torture. As Springer's team faced down Overlord himself, the other Wreckers finished their mission by downloading Aequitas's data into Ironfist. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} Perceptor's group then went to aid the others in the battle against Overlord, with Pyro sacrificing himself in the process. Overlord effortlessly defeated most of the remaining Wreckers, but was eventually taken down thanks to Ironfist's connection to Aequitas. Garrus-9 was liberated, and miraculously, no further Wreckers had been killed in the fight with Overlord... though Springer was in a critical condition and Ironfist succumbed to a workplace injury and died on the way home. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

{{spoiler|Interiors| July 27}}
Convinced that their leader, Springer, was a goner, Whirl used Roadbuster's [[Sparkeater (weapon)| Sparkeater]] to attempt to euthanize Springer. Instead he was caught in the act by Roadbuster and kicked out of the Wreckers. {{storylink|Interiors}}
Impactor and Guzzle fail at an alien rescue mission. {{storylink|Escape (G1)| Escape}}
[[Rung]] later suggested to Roadbuster that reading something emotional could reactivate the leader of the Wreckers and after Roadbuster read a few datalogs of the ''Wreckers: Declassified'', Springer began showing signs of life. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers1-newrecruits.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"What's your name, soldier?"<br>"Parts, sir! Private Parts!"]]
'''Known members:'''
* [[Blocker]] (former member)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (former member)
* [[Crest]] (former leader)
* [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]]
* [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]] (former leader, offline)
* [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] (former leader)
* [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (offline)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
* [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] (offline)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin]] (offline)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]
* [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]] (offline)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
* [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (leader)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (offline)
* [[Twin Twist]] (offline)
* [[Valve]] (former member, traitor, dead to them)
* [[Verity Carlo]] (stowaway), the only non-Cybertronian member.
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (former member)
{{-}}
{{note|Their starship, the ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'', appears able to transform into a robot and thus may also constitute a member of the team.}}

===Shattered Glass===
The Wreckers were a band of mercenaries led by [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]], who spent their time looting and pillaging the countryside. They approved of [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus]]'s campaign of conquest, but initially preferred to remain autonomous.

That is, until one fateful day when Optimus hired the Wreckers to fight alongside his Autobots at the battle of [[Praxus-Delta]]. The battle was brutal and resulted in every Wrecker except Rodimus meeting the fate of most Wreckers across the [[multiverse]] at the hands of the Decepticons. Rodimus impressed Optimus by remaining in the fight regardless, in order to fulfill the contract. Thanks to his efforts the Autobots escaped without further losses, and Optimus was so impressed that he offered Rodimus leadership of the [[Seeker (SG)|Seekers]], which the former Wrecker accepted. {{storylink|Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus's toy bio}}

After the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]] had successfully turned back one of the Autobots' raids, [[Side Burn (SG)|Side Burn]] reminded Prime that he ''had'' recommended reforming the Wreckers as their best counter to the Squad.

Later, when trying to convince [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] to leave the Decepticons and join up with one of his power-grabbing schemes, Rodimus hearkened back to what was likely the Wreckers' old motto, when he told them that they'd have "a whole planet ready to ''wreck-and-ruin''!" {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

===''Transformers Animated''===
During the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], the Wreckers were a major problem for the Decepticons, operating behind their lines as a commando unit. They are noted for interrupting supply lines, destroying the mainframe on [[Bk'n]], and demolishing the shipyards of [[Salvvatan VI]]. They operated from the [[Omega Sentinel (Animated)|Omega Sentinel]] ship ''[[Zeta Supreme|Xantium]]'', which was bonded to [[Impactor Major]], apparently the leader of the team. Megatron created the [[Decepticon Heavy Brigade]] specifically to hunt down the Wreckers. When they finally met in battle, [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]] was the only survivor on either side. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

===Aligned continuity===
{{bigquote|Wreckers don't call for backup. They call for clean-up!|[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]|"[[Loose Cannons]]"}}

The Wreckers were [[Autobot High Council|Council Guardians]] led by [[Ultra Magnus (Prime)|Ultra Magnus]] during the siege of the [[Hydrax Plateau]]. Afterwards, they were all that stood between [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] and the [[Tagan Heights]] before [[Defensor (Prime)|Defensor]] arrived. They guarded the [[Well of All Sparks]] when [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] descended through it to free the [[core]] of its suffocation by [[Dark Energon]]. Ultra Magnus, [[Springer (WFC)|Springer]] and others team members opted to remain behind to distract [[Trypticon (Prime)|Trypticon]] when the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'' launched, gaining invaluable allies in [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]], [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]] and [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] were also members, though early on in the war Bulkhead left to join [[Team Prime]]. {{storylink|Con Job}} The [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] [[Hardshell]] noted that he had offlined several when fighting Bulkhead.

'''Known members:'''
* [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]
* [[Impactor (Prime)|Impactor]] (offline)
* [[Pyro (Prime)|Pyro]] (offline)
* [[Roadbuster (Prime)|Roadbuster]] (offline)
* [[Rotorstorm (Prime)|Rotorstorm]] (offline)
* [[Seaspray (Prime)|Seaspray]] (offline)
* [[Springer (WFC)|Springer]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (Prime)|Ultra Magnus]] (leader)
* [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]

===''Dark of the Moon''===

{{bigquote|We don't let them off the base much 'cause they're assholes.|[[Charlotte Mearing]]|''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''}}

[[Image:DOTM-Leadfoot-Topspin.jpg|thumb|250px|right|How am I gonna stop some big, mean Mother Hubbard from tearing me a structurally superfluous new behind? The answer, use a gun. And if that don't work? Use more gun.]]

The Wreckers, [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], were a trio of engineering geniuses who came to Earth aboard the Autobot spaceship ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''. The Wreckers rarely left the secret Autobot launch facility at Cape Canaveral, partially because caring for the ship dominated their time, and partially because they were assholes. The Wreckers helped engineer the Autobots' feigned exile from Earth and assassination by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and later participated in the battle for [[Chicago]]. They proved effective, if vicious, fighters, dismantling their fair share of Decepticons, challenging [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and rescuing [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] from an embarrassing situation. All three of them would continue fighting and would be among the surviving Autobots, accepting Earth as their true home.{{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

'''Known members:'''
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] (leader)
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Wreckers''' (レッカーズ ''Rekkāzu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Rontók''' (''Dark of the Moon'', "Ruiners")
*''German:'' '''Schrotter''' (''Prime'', "Wrecker(s)")

[[Category:Animated subgroups]]
[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Prime subgroups]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass subgroups]]
[[Category:Subgroups]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Wreckers| ]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

Windcharger (G1)

2012-07-10T03:41:55Z

125.237.203.154: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{picsneeded|fiction, decoy, Binaltech toy}}
{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambigr|Windcharger|the Energon Mini-Con combiner robot|Windcharger (Energon)}}
:''Windcharger is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Windcharger flash.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This looks like a job for...]]
Of all the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew that crash-landed on Earth, '''Windcharger''' is unquestionably the fastest on the ground, at least for short distances. Of all [[Autobot| Autobots]] living or deactivated, he is among the quickest; he can go from zero to 60 MPH virtually instantly, limited only by the traction between his tires and their driving surface. Frequently, after tearing away with a neck-snapping jerk, he will just as rapidly squeal to a halt to investigate something that caught his eye, for Windcharger is impulsive as well as impatient, both in mind and in body.

Naturally, such quick starts require a huge burst of energy from Windcharger's power systems. He can also use this energy in another way. In robot mode, he can energize his arms and make them the poles of a precisely controllable electromagnet, powerful enough to levitate ten tons of steel 700 feet away. With care, he can draw objects gently toward him or hurl them violently away. Also, as the long-suffering laws of physics dictate, this field is extremely strong near Windcharger; at close range, he can tear magnetic objects to shreds.

Unfortunately for Windcharger, his power supply, biased as it is toward a brief, heavy overload, is prone to failure if the overload is too severe or too long-lasting. Even worse, his impulsive nature makes him hardly willing to exercise the mental control he needs to avoid overusing his power. As a result, Windcharger often finds himself stumbling home, reeking of ozone and burned insulation, and needing medical attention and a nice, tall, chilled glass of dielectric oil.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
''Five million years ago, Windcharger was part of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s plan to defend [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] from the [[Decepticon]]s. After Prime lured the Decepticons onto a bridge and blew it up, Windcharger used his magnetic powers to pull him to safety.'' {{storylink|And There Shall Come...a Leader!}}

Windcharger was among the elite few selected by Optimus Prime to join him in crashing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] into the [[Earth]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} After the Autobots awoke in 1984, Windcharger was very concerned with how they would obtain more fuel. {{storylink|Power Play!}} He participated in the attack on [[Fortress Sinister]], and looked at [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]'s body after his fellow Autobot fell off the Decepticon fortress and was deactivated. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:WindchargerTriumphant.gif|left|200px|thumb|When he gets done with Guardian, he's gonna erase all the big guy's VHS tapes. Just BECAUSE.]]
''During a Decepticon attack on the Ark, Optimus Prime attempted to activate the Ark's computer, known as [[Aunty]], to bring the defense systems back online. Unfortunately, Auntie had been damaged in the crash and become unstable. Unable to remember who was friend or foe, she used a magnetic field to subdue all the combatants aside from Windcharger and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], whose magnetic powers enabled them to counter Auntie’s magnetic force. With Ravage's help, Windcharger was able to deactivate Auntie's [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] battle droid. Once Ravage shut down Auntie, Windcharger used his powers to hurl [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] from the Autobot base.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

After witnessing [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] accuse [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] of treachery, Windcharger battled the Decepticons once more, but was defeated by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] along with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} His deactivated body was strung up from the Ark's ceiling to be used as spare parts. {{storylink|The New Order}}

''Once the Decepticons had been vanquished from the Ark, Guardian was reactivated to guard the ship, full of deactivated Autobots in need of repair. When the few active Autobots returned, they made Windcharger's reactivation a priority so that he could use his magnetic powers to thwart Guardian. Ultimately, however, Windcharger did not get the chance.'' {{storylink|The Wrath of Grimlock!}}

Windcharger and the other Autobots were eventually repaired by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} Some time later, Windcharger was gunned down by Optimus Prime's body when the Decepticons took control of it using a fake head. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''When the Autobots were dispatched to locate the missing [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], all suffering from madness due to circuit damage, Windcharger was assigned to lead "A-Team", which included [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. The three searched for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] in a northern [[California]] swamp, but were captured in a Decepticon ambush led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. They were later rescued thanks to [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese), [[Juan Cuadra]] (Latin American), [[Ulises Cuadra]] (Latin American, Masquerade)

[[Image:MTMTE2 Windcharger coat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"A phone booth! I need a phone booth!! ...Also, pants."]]
Windcharger was part of the initial crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], on a mission to seek out new energy sources to fuel their struggle with the Decepticons. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After awakening on Earth over four million years later, Windcharger participated in the unsuccessful Autobot counter-attack on the Decepticon siege of [[Sherman Dam]], which was being run at dangerous capacities to fill the Decepticons' [[Energon cube|energon cubes]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

He was also among the group of Autobots who attempted to stop the Decepticons raiding the [[ruby crystal mines of Burma]]. He dressed up in a lab coat during an attempt to trick the Decepticons into attacking a fake rocket base, though it turned out the Decepticons they were fighting were decoys, and he and the other Autobots were forced to try and stop the Decepticons from taking off in their [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

When [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was severely damaged, Windcharger, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] went to see how the repairs were going, unaware that [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] had hitched a ride on Brawn's shoulder. He later helped defend headquarters long enough for a new [[cosmitron]] to be retrieved from Cybertron, so Prime could be repaired. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Windcharger attended the unveiling of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], and was knocked over by [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the ensuing chaos. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Laserbeak (G1)|Tinfoil turkey]] at seven o'clock.]]
Of all the other Autobots, he seemed to be closest to [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], judging from their excellent teamwork and friendly banter while journeying with [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate a Decepticon super-weapon in Peru. When Windcharger was injured during the battle later in that mission, Brawn was quick to swear vengeance for the small 'bot. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Windcharger, sitting in the rafters, waving a flashlight in a slow circle. Welcome to the worst rave ever.]]
When [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons, Windcharger was in the group which tunneled beneath the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], using his magnetic field to detect when they'd reached their destination and carrying Sparkplug from the base. Along with the other Autobots, he was unsuccessful in preventing [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] from bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} After [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] fell into a chasm during the Autobot retreat, Windcharger used his tractor beam to pull the little Autobot out. The eruption of [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] at Autobot HQ blew Windcharger, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] into the air, necessitating a rescue by Skyfire. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Windcharger's call for help from the sea creatures was unsuccessful. It was answered by a yellow Volkswagen and a kid in a hard hat.]]
After [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] were sighted in [[Bali]], Windcharger, Brawn and Bumblebee headed there in Skyfire. They found the Insecticons feeding on a field of hay, but had trouble fighting them off. Windcharger had to set up a repulsor field to stop them from being cut to bits by the spikes from [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'s grenade. The rest of the Autobots turned up in time to save their bacon, and they pursued the Decepticons to a nearby refinery. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

Windcharger was in the group of Autobots who attempted to defend a new Air Force rocket base from the Decepticons. He and Ratchet were taken out by an attack from behind by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], who was promptly given the boot by Brawn. Windcharger was OK though, and later helped the other Autobots try to reason with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] when the boy was placed in a robot body and went a little nuts. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} He was hanging around Autobot HQ when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detected strange readings from the bottom of the Atlantic, but didn't bother volunteering to go check it out. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} At one point, he helped the other Autobots construct [[detection plate]]s to increase Headquarter's security grid. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|right|thumb|200px|"Silly Windcharger — did you destroy another good PC with your amazing magnetic powers?"<br>"...A bee flew by and I panicked."]]
Much like the other Autobots, Windcharger was bemused by Optimus Prime's odd behavior after one particular battle, and even more confused when a second Optimus drove into Headquarters. Their test to determine the real Prime proved inconclusive, however the Autobots were alerted by strange energy readings from the crevasse the earlier battle had taken place at. Returning to the scene, they battled the Decepticons again, however Windcharger and Spike spotted [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] acting oddly, and found Megatron's [[Incredibly tall rocket|control center]], from which he was controlling the false Prime.

Before they could return to warn the other Autobots, the pair were spotted, and Windcharger was knocked into the crevasse, where he only escaped destruction by transforming — his vehicle mode tires insulated him from the [[korlonium crystal]]s filling the crevasse. He was able to climb out and warn the other Autobots. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:PrimeTarget Optimus addresses Autobots.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"Why do I bother showing up for roll call when no one ever talks to me?"]]
Windcharger was around when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] attempted to demonstrate how he'd taught the Dinobots to better control their abilities. It didn't go well. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} When Megatron supercharged himself with the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Windcharger helped defend Headquarters against the Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Microbots}} All of the Autobots were banished from Earth after the Decepticons framed them with an elaborate plan. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They almost crashed into the sun, but made it back to Earth safely. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

After a close call with [[Cybertonium]] depletion, Windcharger was around for a ceremony honoring Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots for retrieving more of the valuable substance from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} He, Huffer and Ironhide blasted Decepticon drones in New York City. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} After [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Bumblebee disappeared, Windcharger took part in the search. As the other Autobots were picked off by [[Chumley|Lord Chumley]] and his servant [[Dinsmoore]], Windcharger narrowly escaped one of their fiendish traps. He regrouped at HQ with the other Autobots in time for Chumley to deliver his challenge to Optimus. {{storylink|Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target}}

[[Image:WindchargerTFMovie.jpg|right|180px|thumb|He got better... maybe.]]
Windcharger was among the five Autobots who disguised themselves as [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] in order to halt one of Megatron's evil schemes; he [[camouflage paint|camouflaged himself]] as [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. When the group was forced to become a fake [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], Windcharger's magnetic powers were essential to pull the Autobots together for the illusion. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

Windcharger was among the Autobots killed at the [[Battle of Autobot City]]; [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] pulled his corpse into the shelter of a bunker and laid it alongside that of Wheeljack. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

However he seemed to recover as he was seen on Cybertron trying to repel the attack of [[Primacron]] {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

{{note|In an early draft of the movie, Windcharger's fate was much more gruesome. He survived the initial assault on Autobot City, true, but was present when [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and his new troops came back to finish the job. Windcharger was launched into the air by a volley of missile fire that obliterated [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], and was ripped to pieces in midair by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and his "armada" '''flying through him'''. His dismembered parts rained down on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who then ran for it.<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/heritaage-auctions-transformers-movie.html</ref>}}
{{-}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
Windcharger greeted [[Kenji]], the Autobots' new human friend, when he came to visit their headquarters in [[Japan]]. Shortly afterwards, the city of Yokohama came under attack from the Decepticons, and Windcharger followed Optimus Prime to the site of the battle. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}

====''Full Throttle Scramble Power!'' comic====
After the Autobots had foiled the Decepticons' [[Omega Whip|latest plan]], Windcharger and dozens of other Autobots arrived at the villains base alongside [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] to punish them for their misdeeds. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

====''Binaltech'' (unused)====
Two BT-16 Honda S-2000 Aero Style bodies were built for Windcharger to use, but the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] shuttle they were on disappeared during delivery. One of the BT-16s ended up being possessed by the [[spark]] of a [[Blackarachnia (BW)|future Transformer]], while the other was implanted with an evil [[laser core]] by [[Unicron]] and became [[Decepticharge]].

Or not.

{{Note|Due to the cancellation of ''[[Binaltech]]'' Blackarachnia, this storyline was never used.}}

===Find Your Fate Junior===
[[Image:DinobotsStrikeBack-magnets.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Magnets, how do they work?]]
When [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] used a [[cerebro-shell]] to control the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and send them on a violent rampage, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] had few options. One option involved letting [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] use a hologram of Optimus Prime to lure the Dinobots over a cliff. The other was to allow Windcharger to use his magnetic powers to remove the shells from a distance. Windcharger was eager to be chosen.

But how far away should he stand? If he stands too close, he may cause a whirlwind of magnetic destruction that would rip the Dinobots to shreds, causing dino-corpse parts to fly about and knock the Autobots around! But if he stands too far away, his powers may have no effect and everyone will die helplessly at the hands of their brainwashed comrades.

{{quote|"The magnetism is too much - they'll be ripped apart!" shouts Prowl as bolts, screws, and bits of metal fly away from the whirling Dinobots. "I'm afraid you're right," Windcharger replies with a frown, "but there's nothing we can do."}}

Let's stand a little further away next time, Windcharger. You murderer. {{storylink|Dinobots Strike Back}}

{{-}}
===Colorforms audiobooks continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' ??
While spying on the Decepticons, Windcharger found out that they were intending to use Doctor [[Heath Blaisedale]]'s solar reactor to drain all the [[Sun]]'s energy for their own use, spelling doom for Earth. He returned to headquarters to warn [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and found that Dr Blaisedale had already been persuaded to help the Autobots. They raced to the solar plant to defend it against the Decepticons, but when Blaisedale was kidnapped by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Windcharger was part of a team led by Optimus to rescue her. By the time they got back to the solar plant, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] had run out of energy, and Windcharger had to push him clear of the battle. {{storylink|Sun Raid}}

===The Battle for Planet Earth===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
After a day of hard work repairing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], Windcharger and the other Autobots relaxed in front of the [[television]], only to discover the Decepticons were kidnapping humans. {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue (G1)|Bumblebee to the Rescue}} He, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] kept the Decepticon base under constant surveillance via a shift system. When Windcharger spotted the Decepticons leaving for [[Stanley Lake]], he alerted the other Autobots and was part of the mission to save the dam there. {{Storylink|Menace at the Dam}} When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attempted to defect to the Autobots, Windcharger thought that the Decepticon would have much useful information for them. As it turned out, it was a trick so Starscream could pass on information to the Decepticons, but the Autobots were able to use it to their advantage and destroy the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Espionage!!!!!}}

===Deadly Paradise storybook===
[[Image:DeadlyParadise_Windcharger_kills_Starscream.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Oh, okay, ''that's'' how they work. Yikes.]]
Windcharger was part of a team of Autobots who traveled to [[Carob Island]] to investigate suspected Decepticon activity. Upon discovering Decepticon machines digging for a unique ore, he helped destroy them using his magnetic abilities. It soon transpired that the Decepticons were forcing local roboticist [[Cee|Madame Cee]] to build fake Autobots, and after rescuing [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] from her grasp, Windcharger and the others made it to the Decepticon base on the island. They were initially captured and imprisoned, but were soon busted out by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and started attacking their captors. During the battle, Windcharger grabbed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and crushed him to death using the full force of his personal magnetic field. {{storylink|Deadly Paradise}}

{{-}}
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Windcharger was among the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed on [[Earth]], and awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. When the Autobots defeated the Decepticons and planned to return to Cybertron aboard the [[Ark II]], Windcharger was one of many Transformers recovered by Lazarus after the starship exploded over the Arctic. In 2002, the Decepticons broke free of Lazarus' control before the Autobots, and tore through their captive enemies. Optimus Prime and a free group of Autobots did some spot-welding to repair as many comrades as they could in a hurry, but Windcharger was too badly damaged and remained off-line until after the resulting battle in [[San Francisco]] was over. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

[[Image:NightofCombaticons_Wheeljack_Windcharger_defeated.jpg|thumb|left|200px|This looks familiar....]]
''When Optimus Prime and Megatron joined forces against the U.S. military, Windcharger was on hand with the Autobots in confronting the President's forces. He was one of the first to fall before the assault of the [[Deconstructionite|deconstructionites]]. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When Shockwave arrived from Cybertron, proclaiming a new era of peace, Optimus Prime and a number of other Autobots were forced to surrender to his fantastically violent security force. Windcharger was left behind on Earth as part of a small unit led by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} When a group of Decepticons returned to Earth under Starscream's command, Windcharger was deactivated battling the brutal [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], and left to rust at the bottom of a lake. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} He was eventually brought back on line with the help of [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:TheIronAge_Autobots_vs_Decepticons.jpg|thumb|300px|Behind Prime, firing without looking, not hitting anything. Damn it, Windcharger, quit trying to look cool and just act normal!]]
After [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] were killed in the line of duty, Windcharger attended their funeral along with the other Autobots working in [[Kaon]] Security Services with [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

{{spoiler|Endgame| July 20}}
Windcharger responded to Optimus' rallying call for additional support and fought in the following battle for control of Cybertron. {{storylink|Broadcast}} Windcharger later met the Autobot leader personally. {{storylink|Endgame}}

As the war spread across Cybertron, Windcharger became a soldier in the Autobot army under Optimus Prime's command. When they were defending a city from the Decepticon advancing force, Optimus Prime ordered [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] to use his speed to break through the enemy ranks and sow confusion. Windcharger volunteered his own rapid movement, but Optimus Prime rebuffed him due to Blurr's superior speed, and asked Windcharger to hold the line with [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. After their victory, he was seen at a celebration talking with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

Much, much later, Windcharger made it to [[Earth]], along with [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] after the Decepticons wiped out Autobot outposts across the galaxy. {{storylink|Spotlight: Prowl}} At one point, Windcharger was captured by [[Skywatch]], along with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

He was released from captivity once the Autobots and Skywatch settled their differences, but it wasn't long before the Decepticons struck once again. Forced to abandon their Skywatch base, Windcharger and the other Autobots fled towards [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] only to find themselves under attack, first from humans with anti-Transformer sentiments, then from Megatron himself. Even the Autobots' combined firepower failed to put a scratch on the Decepticon's brand new body, and they were defeated in short order. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies}}

Most of the Autobots left Earth a while later, intending to return to Cybertron. They took a captive Megatron with them, and seeing the powerful Decepticon leader in bounds was a source of great interest to Windcharger and others. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Once back on their home planet, the Autobots fought against [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s [[Sweep]] army. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
Windcharger had been taken prisoner by the Decepticons, and was hidden away in their maze-like base along with several other Autobots. This prompted Optimus Prime to embark on a rescue mission. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Windcharger toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|What, no face? Ripoff!]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''12'''

: Released in the first year of Transformers in the same color as its [[Micro Change|Microchange]] version, and later on in a darker shade of red (coinciding with the addition of the rub mark to the line in 1985), Windcharger transforms into a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sports car. The Microchange toyline was meant to depict robots that turn into toy cars, which accounts for the somewhat cartoonish proportions of Windcharger's Trans Am mode.

: This mold was also used to make [[Camaro]], and was [[retool]]ed to make [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Windcharger/windcharger.htm More information on Windcharger at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Estrela}}
*'''Camaro''' (Robocar, 1985)

:Released in Brazil by [[Estrela]] in 1985, Robocar Camaro was available in two color schemes: red and grey (Windcharger's original colors) and white and grey. Whether or not Robocar Camaro is the same character as the evil [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] Camaro is unknown.

:No, he's not actually a Camaro.

{{-}}{{anchor|Antex}}
[[Image:AntexCamaro.jpg|thumb|300px|[http://s0.ilike.com/play#The+Dead+Milkmen:Bitchin%27+Camaro:68893:s10602794.13120974.22864842.0.2.154%2Cstd_b4a67af2604249fab8fed0385ab3a138 BITCHIN CAMARO BITCHIN CAMARO]]]

*'''Camaro''' (Robocar, 19??)
:Released in Argentina by [[Antex]] in, Robocar Camaro was available in two color schemes: blue and black and yellow and black. Both toys feature a paper decal based on the original Microchange sticker on the robot mode chest that doesn't particularly like to stay in place thanks to weak glue.

:While Camaro's cardback depicted a white version, it is suspected that this was merely photography of an Estrela toy, and that the white version was never sold in Argentina.

{{-}}{{anchor|keychain}}
[[Image:G1-toy WindchargerKeychain.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Keychain, 2003)

: In 2003, toy company [[Fun4All]] made four different keychains, based on four of the original Generation 1 [[Mini Vehicle]] molds, Windcharger among them. This version is almost identical to the original, only it has a ring on the front bumper to attach the chain portion, and no face paint.

: In Japan, all four keychains were released in blind-packed boxes. Each one also had a rarer all-black "chase" version. While the normal Windcharger retained the lack of silver face-paint, the black version actually got the silver paint on his face once again.

:This toy was [[redeco]]ed to make the [[BotCon Europe]] [[exclusive]] [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/BlackWindcharger/windcharger.htm More information on the black keychain Windcharger at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:AltWindcharger toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Who am I and what happened to my gun?!!]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-shield

: Originally designed to be an updated version of the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] [[Overdrive]], this ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' toy ended up having its name changed to "Windcharger" by [[Hasbro]] after they were unable to obtain the [[trademark]] for "Overdrive". (The toy ''was'' released as Overdrive as part of the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line, however.) He transforms into a 1:24-scale licensed Honda S2000 sports car with a removable "ragtop" roof, which doubles as a shield in robot mode.

: Aside from the lack of die-cast metal, the major difference between Windcharger and Overdrive is that Windcharger lacks the long drive-shaft/barrel for his engine/rifle accessory, which was even called a "shield" on the packaging. This was at the request of Honda's USA branch, who didn't like the idea of "their" toy toting a gun around. Since Honda's Japanese department had no such objections, however, ''Binaltech'' Overdrive did include an unchanged barrel. Other minor differences include slightly differently-shaped visors, the [[paint operation]]s on the front grille, and their dashboards sculpted as mirrored counterparts of each other, with Overdrive having the steering wheel on the rights side while Windcharger has it on the left side for all the Hasbro markets he was released in.

: This sculpt was [[Retool|retooled]] into [[Decepticharge]], which was planned to be released in Japan as "[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackwidow]]" but ultimately scrapped. The intended "Blackwidow" version was later released in different colors as ''Binaltech'' [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/AltWindcharger/windcharger.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Windcharger at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
[[Image:TF2010_scout_G1Windcharger.jpg|thumb|300px|Fire, water, air and dirt, ****ing magnets, how do they work?]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Scout, 2010)

:Windcharger transforms into a genericized modern muscle car that's a cross between a fifth generation [[Wikipedia:Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang]] and a fifth generation [[Wikipedia:Chevrolet Camaro|Chevrolet Camaro]]. The front end is primarily based on the Mustang, including a trapezoid front grille inspired by the 2010 facelift, a GT hood scoop and a chin spoiler, while the rear half of the car is heavily inspired by the Camaro's distinct curves. The shape of the taillights, meanwhile, is also taken from the Mustang's 2010 facelift. His rear window sports a sculpted louver cover (available as an optional-add-on for both real-life cars) similar to the ''Generation 1'' Windcharger toy, thus recreating G1 Windcharger's characteristic shins due to a similar leg transformation.

:In robot mode, Windcharger features flip-out "hand blasters"/magnets in his wrists. His head sculpt is based on the same "modified [[character model|animation model]] head" design as ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Decepticharge]]'s head, which had originally been designed with Windcharger in mind (see below). His magnet assembly also features [[C joint]] bars that can be used even when the magnets are retracted. As part of the ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' [[subline imprint]] of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toy line]], he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:Like many other ''Reveal the Shield'' toys, Windcharger fell victim to the discontinuation of the 2010 ''Transformers'' line by all major US retail chains in favor of the then upcoming ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' line. While he ''was'' widely available in foreign markets such as the United Kingdom, Canada or Germany, US [[fandom|fans]] who didn't want to import him could initially only buy him from online retailers. Windcharger, together with several other ''Reveal the Shield'' toys, later showed up at discount stores such as Ross and Five Below, where he sold for a mere $5 a pop, and CVS Pharmacies, who charged more than MSRP for him. Coupled with the demand for a new-sculpt toy of a 1984 character, this resulted in a situation where you could either buy him locally for cheap if you were lucky, or had to resort to importing him or even buying from [[toy scalping|scalpers]]. On the upside, at least ''he'' got officially released, unlike [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)|the subsequent]] [[Rumble (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Scout Class]] [[Downshift (TF 2010)|wave]].

===United===
[[Image:Unitedtoy-Windcharger.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Now with less ambiguity!]]
*'''Windcharger vs Decepticon Wipe-Out''' (two-pack, [[January 28|1-28]]-2012)
**''ID number:'' '''UN-27'''

: Windcharger is part of wave five of [[United (toyline)|''United'']], and comes packaged with his [[redeco]], [[Wipe-Out]]. ''United'' Windcharger replaces the rub sign with a tampographed Autobot symbol. While there are the ''slightest'' of plastic shade differences from the Hasbro release, they're pretty much visually negligible.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Windcharger''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy ID number'': '''25'''

:[[Decoy]] Windcharger is a small, red rubber figure depicting his robot mode. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was randomly packaged with [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Windcharger/windcharger.htm More information on Decoy Windcharger at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
[[Image:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Look alive, everybod—oh, sorry, Windcharger."]]
*Windcharger had the preliminary name of '''Sprint'''.
* Poor ol' Windcharger is the only Autobot who doesn't get a name-check or a chance to use his special powers at any point during the show's three-part pilot, "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]". All he gets to do is get beat up by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. Per the episode's original script, he was ''supposed'' to get a brief spotlight helping Brawn and Huffer fight the oil rig fire at the conclusion of the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|first episode]], but with the removal of this scene, he didn't even get to ''speak'' until "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* Windcharger makes a post-mortem appearance in the third season episode "[[Call of the Primitives]]" as the energy creature [[Tornedron]] attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Whether this appearance was accidental or if he "got better" (like [[Wheeljack (G1)#Victory cartoon|Wheeljack]]) is unknown.
* The retool of ''Alternators'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators|Grimlock]] was originally planned to be Windcharger (presumably in red), with the vehicle mode being a convertible. Ultimately, however, the toy ended up as [[Wheeljack (G1)#Alternators|Wheeljack]] instead, with a new head sculpt. The head sculpt originally intended for Ford-Windcharger eventually ended up being used for the retool of the actual "Windcharger" toy (the Honda S2000 mold) instead, now named "[[Decepticharge]]".

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Charger''' (チャージャー ''Chājā''), '''Windcharger''' (ウィンドチャージャー ''Windochājā'')
*''French:'' '''Rapido''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Széllovas''' ("Wind-rider")
*''Italian:'' '''Lampo''' ("Lightning Flash")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Ventania''', '''Vendaval''', '''Giro''' (Brazil comics)
*''Russian:'' '''Razrjadnik''' (Разрядник, "Discharger")
*''South American:'' '''Camaro'''

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Windcharger Windcharger's ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]