MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Call of the Primitives

2008-04-21T19:55:40Z

78.149.125.217: /* Detailed synopsis */

[[Image:PrimitiveCall.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Prim and Proper]]
{{episodenav|g1|season=3|26|prev=Money Is Everything|next=The Face of the Nijika}}

All Transformers with animal modes are summoned to battle a being called [[Tornedron]], the little brother of [[Unicron]].

==Detailed synopsis==
[[Image:AutobotsCall.jpg|150px|thumb|left|Having your energy drained changes your paint job.]]

Somewhere, an energy creature begins feeding off other forms of energy--slowly, at first. Then his creator gives him an [[Energon cube]]. The creature grows and spreads out into the universe. Soon, it attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The [[Autobot]]s attack it, but it simply drains their energy from them. The creature's creator is pleased with him, saying he's done better than his predecessor, [[Unicron]].

[[Image:Ejectcall.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Sorry, I ejected too soon]]

On [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Rodimus Prime]] is leading a group of Autobots against the [[Decepticon]]s. However, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s, [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], [[Trypticon]], and the animal-form [[Mini-Cassette]]s are all summoned by a mysterious voice. They leave the battle, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] orders a retreat. Suddenly, the energy creature arrives and drains the energy from both the Autobots and Decepticons (including Rodimus Prime and Galvatron), as well as Earth and the Moon.

Most of the departed Transformers are riding Trypticon. Naturally, tempers flare after [[Headstrong]] picks a fight with the Dinobots by insulting [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], so [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] suggests they stomp him. The Preds stick with their teammate and fight the Dinobots, and the Terrorcons decide to fight everyone. At Sky Lynx's suggestion, Trypticon shakes himself and causes his passengers to stop fighting. They arrive on an ancient planet near the center of the galaxy. After touching down, Sky Lynx assumes command of the group, despite the objections of [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] and [[Hun-Gurrr]]. Finding a cave, they encounter [[Oracle (G1)|a strange entity]]. He explains that he summoned the [[Primitive]]s, all animal-based Transformers, to come to fight Tornedron, the energy being who was created by [[Primacron]]. The entity, who was once Primacron's assistant, explains how Primacron created Unicron but was nearly destroyed by his creation. After Unicron's defeat, Primacron created Tornedron as a replacement. Primacron's assistant hopes that the Primitives' simple instincts will allow them to defeat Primacon's complex plans.

[[Image:Terrorconcall.jpg|150px|thumb|left|Ptooie]]

Suddenly, Tornedron arrives and drains Trypticon of his energy. Trypticon crashes, and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is believed destroyed. Sky Lynx attacks, only to have his energy drained as well. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] leads the Dinobots in retreat, while the other Primitives split up. Tornedron separates into four parts to track them down. He easily dispatches the Mini-Cassettes, chewing on [[Ratbat]] in the process. [[Headstrong]] declares that it would be better to [[Furmanism|fight and die]], and the Predacons form [[Predaking]]. Their energy is sucked away as well. The Terrorcons try to fight back, but are also drained. The Dinobots ambush Tornedron, but they too are dispatched. Unknown to Tornedron and Primacron, however, Grimlock has survived, and he follows them.

[[Image:Tornedroncall.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Two scoops of raisins]]

At his base, Primacron is having trouble controlling Tornedron. Tornedron declares that he intends to feed on Primacron, and that all of Primacron's failsafes have failed. Grimlock breaks into Primacron's lab to find that Primacron is a tiny little alien...thing. Grimlock orders Primacron to reverse his damage, but Primacron declares that he's tried everything. Grimlock fixes things easily: He throws the reverse switch, which reverses Tornedron's energy polarity, restoring the energy to the drained Transformers and planets. In celebration, Grimlock destroys Primacron's lab, declaring it the smartest thing he's ever done.
{{-}}

==Stats==
'''Original airdate:''' 18th of November, 1986

'''Production number:''' # 700-112

'''Written by:''' [[Donald F. Glut]]

===Featured Characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
*[[Springer]] (15)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
*[[Rodimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Slag]] (19)
*[[Snarl]] (20)
*[[Grimlock]] (21)
*[[Sludge]] (22)
*[[Blaster]] (23)
*[[Kup]] (25)
*[[Cliffjumper]] (26)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (27)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (28)
*[[Wheelie]] (29)
*[[Blades]] (30)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (31)
*[[Swoop]] (32)
*[[Sky Lynx]] (36)
*[[Ramhorn]] (42)
*[[Steeljaw]] (43)

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
*[[Sweeps]] (3)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (4)
*[[Razorclaw]] (5)
*[[Galvatron]] (6)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (7)
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (8)
*[[Hun-Gurrr]] (9)
*[[Rippersnapper]] (10)
*[[Sinnertwin]] (11)
*[[Blot]] (12)
*[[Cutthroat]] (13)
*[[Divebomb]] (14)
*[[Tantrum]] (18)
*[[Headstrong]] (24)
*[[Abominus]] (33)
*[[Predaking]] (34)
*[[Trypticon]] (35)
*[[Soundwave]] (37)
*[[Ravage]] (38)
*[[Ratbat]] (39)
*[[Slugfest]] (40)
*[[Overkill]] (41)

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" |

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |
*[[Primacron]] (1)
*[[Tornedron]] (2)
*[[Oracle (G1)|The Oracle]] (44)
*[[Unicron]] (45)

|}

==Notable quotes==
"Now remember, before you do anything, think, 'Is this what Sky Lynx would do in my position?', and you will not go far wrong."
:{{m-}}'''Sky Lynx's''' sensible instructions to the rest of the Primitives.

"I have summoned you here to tell you a tale from long ago."<br>
"Oh, me Grimlock love long ago tales!"<br>
"Then allow me to tell it."
:{{m-}}The '''Oracle''' slaps '''Grimlock''' into place.

"Suffer my rage, monster! I will show you no mercy! You will rue the day you crossed Sky{{m-}}aaahhh!"
:{{m-}}'''Sky Lynx's''' righteous fury at the deaths of Trypticon and Grimlock.

'''Headstrong:''' Sky Lynx is destroyed! Who will lead us now?<br>
'''Slag:''' I Slag lead Dinobots away till I get better idea.<br>
'''Hun-Gurrr:''' Best idea yet! We run too!<br>
:{{m-}}Strategy is not their strong suit.

'''Headstrong:''' I detest fleeing, I would rather die fighting!<br>
'''Razorclaw:''' He is right! Predacons, unite!<br>
''(The Predacons combine.)''<br>
'''Predaking:''' Tornedron... face Predaking! To the end!<br>
:{{m-}}The Preedacons decide that [[Furmanism|it is better to fight and die than live with the knowledge that they ran]].

"Only you can save the world now, Grimlock."<br>
"Me Grimlock feel important!"
:{{m-}}The '''Oracle''' rests the fate of... erm, the universe, on '''Grimlock's''' shoulders.

"You stupid--!"<br>
"Why you call Grimlock stupid?"<br>
"You've ruined my lab!"<br>
"Me Grimlock think is smartest thing me Grimlock ever do!"
:{{m-}}'''Primacron's''' reaction to '''Grimlock's''' celebratory destruction of his lab.

==Other Notes==
[[Image:Unicroncall.jpg|150px|thumb|Where am I from?]]

* The art style in this episode is very different from all others in the Generation 1 series, with stylized "anime-like" character models and proportions. In fact, the character models for this episode are based on the Studio Ox designs rather than the standard animation models used for the other episodes of the series. It is widely believed that this lone episode was animated by [[Tokyo Movie Shinsha]], though little evidence has been found to confirm this.
*In Japanese continuity, the scene where the Primitives encounter the [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]] is set in the past; apparently, the Primitives arrived there via time travel. This is done to accommodate the idea that the Oracle later evolved into [[Vector Sigma]] and later [[Primus]]. Yeah, gotta love the Japanese.

===Animation and/or technical glitches===

* When the Dinobots are being summoned, [[Sludge]] is referred to as [[Sweep]].

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Yo, [[Kup]]! [[Windcharger|I]] just got better!]]
* When summoning the Primitives, they forgot all about[[Laserbeak (G1)| Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]! Instead, Soundwave unleashes two new cassette Decepticons: [[Slugfest]] and [[Overkill]]...who are then never seen again. Gee.
* [[Windcharger]] is seen running around on Cybertron, despite having been killed in [[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|the Transformers movie]]. But hey, [[Ironhide (G1)|that]] [[Prowl (G1)|happens]] [[Wheeljack (G1)|all]] [[Brawn|the]] [[Huffer|time]].

===Transformers references===
* This episode marks the last appearance of the Dinobots, Trypticon, Ravage, and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in the western cartoon...bummer.

===Real-world references===
* References

===Miscellaneous trivia===
[[Image:Firecall.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Me Grimlock like Predacons and Terrorcons Cajun style]]

* Unicron's origin is a bit...random.
* When Grimlock uses his [[flame breath]] on the Predacons and Terrorcons, they start to ''cough''...cause that's what you do when you're being hit with fire reaching several hundred degrees.
*This episode seems to resolidify the Dinobots' position as freakishly powerful (which took a beating in Season 3), as Grimlock alone seems to be a match for three Terrorcons and two Predacons, and the only Autobot sent flying is Swoop, who takes a blast to the chest early on. Also, the Dinobots seem to handle Tornedron with the most finesse.

===Keywords===
(''separate by commas and link each one so a page can be created for it if it does not already exist'')

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/call_of_the_primitives.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{epstub}}

[[Category: Generation 1 episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Flight

2008-04-21T19:53:07Z

78.149.125.217: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

'''Flight''' is a capability many mechanoids and no few [[Transformer]]s have, whether through rocket boosters, propellers, or even flapping wings. It has proven quite useful strategically in many continuities.

==Jet-powered flight==
The most common means by which Transformers fly is some variation on jet-propulsion engines, rocket engines, or similar. Transformers such as the [[Seekers]] have such thrusters built into their legs, while other individuals such as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] possess removable jet-packs which strap to their backs.

===Transformers with jet-powered flight===
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Dinomode Grimlock]]<ref>[[Call of the Primitives]]</ref>
*[[Inferno (BW)]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Transmetal Megatron]]
*[[Optimus Primal]]
*[[Starscream (Movie)]]

==Propeller-powered flight==
Sometimes, by virtue of a Transformer's [[alternate mode]], they can fly by means more primitive than they might be accustomed to on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Using airplane propellers, helicoptor rotors, or other similar technologies they can fly at speeds comparable to native aircraft on the worlds they are residing upon.

===Transformers with propeller-powered flight===
*[[Divebomb (Classics)|''Classics'' Divebomb]]
*[[Obsidian (BM)]]
*[[Blackout (Movie)]]
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)]]
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]

==Biological flight==
Many transformers have a physical pair of beast-mode wings, whether natural-looking or mechanical. In these cases, the transformer's flight derives from flapping these wings or gliding much like an animal would.

===Transformers with biological flight===
*[[Airazor]]
*[[Divebomb (G1)]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Transmetal 2 Megatron]]
*[[Nightscream (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Nightscream]]
*[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Fuzor Silverbolt]]
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]
*[[Waspinator]]

==Levitation==
Some Transformers just float, often by no apparent means. It isn't always that well explained in the fiction, though certainly there exist transformers with anti-gravity generators and other technologies which allow them to maneuver effortlessly even within a gravitational field.

===Transformers with levitation===
*[[Shockwave (G1)]]
*[[Sky-Byte]]
*[[Transmutate]]

==Robot-mode flight==
[[Image:G1 cartoon Autobots fly.JPG|thumb|200px|A rare instance of flying.]]

Robot-mode flight powers are an innovative power that allows [[Transformer]]s without a flight based [[alternate mode]] to fly while in robot mode. The [[Decepticon]]s make good use of this power.

Sometimes the [[Autobot]]s have them....sometimes they don't. Most often they display them early in Season 1 of the US cartoon, particularly the pilot. It is uncertain if they require external equipment to fly; several times the Autobots used strap-on jet packs or rocket packs, but sometimes they don't.

Robot-mode flight was prevalent in the post-movie episodes, in which the focus was shifted to space (perhaps, taking a hint from the Gundam franchise.) As although some characters could not fly under the influence of a planets gravity, 'everyone' seemed to posses the power of flight in deep space.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
Robot-mode flight powers were a technological innovation that allowed the Decepticons, who had just mastered the art of [[Transformation]], to start a [[Great War|new war]] and battle the Autobots for supremacy of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Their initial attacks were not a matter of public knowledge, and some Autobots, such as [[Orion Pax]] and [[Dion]], admired them for their innovations. This admiration was ended when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] blasted Orion, Dion, and [[Ariel]]. It was to Megatron's detriment, however, for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] rebuilt Orion and Ariel into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Eventually, the Autobots also mastered robot-mode flight powers, and they used them to reach an oil rig which the Decepticons were plundering. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Ironhide and Bluestreak pursued the fleeing Decepticons into the air, though Skywarp had little difficulty shooting down Ironhide. Optimus required the use of [[Sideswipe]]'s rocket pack to catch up to the space-bound [[Decepticon space cruiser|Decepticon ship]] shortly afterwards, implying a limit on the speed or range of his flight capabilities. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 3}} Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker]] also used robot-mode flight powers in their use of [[jet judo]] against [[seeker]]s attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

The Decepticon's own flight capabilities have known to fail them at times too. In one instance, under a barrage of firepower, Optimus and the Autobots drove the Decepticons back until they fell down a canyon into lava, instead of simply flying there. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

The Autobots' ability to fly in robot mode effectively vanished after that. To reach Dinobot Island, Optimus Prime and a crew of Autobots used strap-on jetpacks. Even Autobots with flying alternate modes did not seem able to fly in robot mode, though [[Cosmos]] seemed able to maneuver in space while in robot mode.

The newly-created Dinobots could fly in robot mode, an abiliy they consistently demonstrated throughout their history. Their creator [[Wheeljack]] was also shown flying in robot mode apparently unassisted, an ability his on-package [[bio]] claims for him. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

In the years following the defeat of Unicron, a number of Autobots were seen to fly through space without any visible aid or means of propulsion. Notable among them was Perceptor, who had never before demonstrated such an ability. Before one such instance, Sky Lynx advised the Autobots in question to "don your rocket packs, gentlemen!" The Technobots all flew in robot mode from Earth to Saturn's moon Titan.

Despite the Autobots' rare display of this ability, some claim they do not have it at all. [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] once said outright that "Autobots cannot fly," himself flying easily over a booby trap, while his apparently earthbound Autobot companions remained helpless. Then again, Galvatron is beyond psychotic. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

===Beast Wars cartoon===

Early in this series, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] had a tactical advantage due to the imbalance of flight-capable individuals in their faction. Initially, only [[Optimus Primal]] could provide air support for the [[Maximal]]s, and then only in robot-mode which was risky in the [[energon]]-rich enviroment. However as more [[Protoform]]s were formatted and pressed into service, particularly [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], the balance of forces was more even.

Sufficient volumes of energon itself, of a certain instability, are said to have the ability to cause large objects to float {{storylink|Power Surge}}.

[[Transmutate]] had an apparently unique flight mechanism: it extended a crystalline object from within its body, and when the crystal was exposed to air it gave off an intense energy field and then caused its user to levitate. Since Transmutate was a malformed, incomplete design, this might have been a display of widespread Transformer flight technology that otherwise would always be internal and unseen.

===IDW comics===

Back before the war, information on scientific breakthroughs in levitation/"repulsors" that could lead to robot-mode flight abillities catches the greedy optics of Senator [[Ratbat]] who manipulates the stock to tack control. Given that he offers a variety of war-tech to the fledgling Decepticons under Megatron this is may be intended as reference to or origin for their robot-form flight abilities; however, the Decepticons have demonstrated no such abilities in the IDW continuity. This may be an artifact of this storyline's planning and even possible scripting during the latter days before the [[Dreamwave]] bankruptcy.

==Trivia==
Despite all these advanced flight abilities, Cybertronians seem incapable of actually ''landing'' successfully after achieving flight. [[Ark (G1)|There]] [[Nemesis (G1)|are]] [[Axalon (BW)|many]], [[Darksyde|many]] [[Jetfire (G1)|instances]] [[Megatron (Movie)|of]] [[Exodus|infamous]] [[Miranda II|crashes]] [[Ark II|within]] [[Orion|the]] [[Transition form|fiction]]s.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformer anatomy]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Flight

2008-04-21T19:52:51Z

78.149.125.217: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

'''Flight''' is a capability many mechanoids and no few [[Transformer]]s have, whether through rocket boosters, propellers, or even flapping wings. It has proven quite useful strategically in many continuities.

==Jet-powered flight==
The most common means by which Transformers fly is some variation on jet-propulsion engines, rocket engines, or similar. Transformers such as the [[Seekers]] have such thrusters built into their legs, while other individuals such as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] possess removable jet-packs which strap to their backs.

===Transformers with jet-powered flight===
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Dinomode Grimlock]]<ref>[[Call of the Primitives]]</ref>
*[[Inferno (BW)]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Transmetal Megatron]]
*[[Optimus Primal]]
*[[Starscream (Movie)]]

==Propeller-powered flight==
Sometimes, by virtue of a Transformer's [[alternate mode]], they can fly by means more primitive than they might be accustomed to on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Using airplane propellers, helicoptor rotors, or other similar technologies they can fly at speeds comparable to native aircraft on the worlds they are residing upon.

===Transformers with propeller-powered flight===
*[[Divebomb (Classics)|''Classics'' Divebomb]]
*[[Obsidian (BM)]]
*[[Blackout (Movie)]]
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)]]
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]

==Biological flight==
Many transformers have a physical pair of beast-mode wings, whether natural-looking or mechanical. In these cases, the transformer's flight derives from flapping these wings or gliding much like an animal would.

===Transformers with biological flight===
*[[Airazor]]
*[[Divebomb (G1)]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Transmetal 2 Megatron]]
*[[Nightscream (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Nightscream]]
*[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Fuzor Silverbolt]]
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]
*[[Waspinator]]

==Levitation==
Some Transformers just float, often by no apparent means. It isn't always that well explained in the fiction, though certainly there exist transformers with anti-gravity generators and other technologies which allow them to maneuver effortlessly even within a gravitational field.

===Transformers with levitation===
*[[Shockwave (G1)]]
*[[Sky-Byte]]
*[[Transmutate]]

==Robot-mode flight==
[[Image:G1 cartoon Autobots fly.JPG|thumb|200px|A rare instance of flying.]]

Robot-mode flight powers are an innovative power that allows [[Transformer]]s without a flight based [[alternate mode]] to fly while in robot mode. The [[Decepticon]]s make good use of this power.

Sometimes the [[Autobot]]s have them....sometimes they don't. Most often they display them early in Season 1 of the US cartoon, particularly the pilot. It is uncertain if they require external equipment to fly; several times the Autobots used strap-on jet packs or rocket packs, but sometimes they don't.

Robot-mode flight was prevalent in the post-movie episodes, in which the focus was shifted to space (perhaps, taking a hint from the Gundam franchise.) As although some characters could not fly under the influence of a planets gravity, 'everyone' seemed to posses the power of flight in deep space.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
Robot-mode flight powers were a technological innovation that allowed the Decepticons, who had just mastered the art of [[Transformation]], to start a [[Great War|new war]] and battle the Autobots for supremacy of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Their initial attacks were not a matter of public knowledge, and some Autobots, such as [[Orion Pax]] and [[Dion]], admired them for their innovations. This admiration was ended when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] blasted Orion, Dion, and [[Ariel]]. It was to Megatron's detriment, however, for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] rebuilt Orion and Ariel into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Eventually, the Autobots also mastered robot-mode flight powers, and they used them to reach an oil rig which the Decepticons were plundering. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Ironhide and Bluestreak pursued the fleeing Decepticons into the air, though Skywarp had little difficulty shooting down Ironhide. Optimus required the use of [[Sideswipe]]'s rocket pack to catch up to the space-bound [[Decepticon space cruiser|Decepticon ship]] shortly afterwards, implying a limit on the speed or range of his flight capabilities. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 3}} Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker]] also used robot-mode flight powers in their use of [[jet judo]] against [[seeker]]s attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

The Decepticon's own flight capabilities have known to fail them at times too. In one instance, under a barrage of firepower, Optimus and the Autobots drove the Decepticons back until they fell down a canyon into lava, instead of simply flying there. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

The Autobots' ability to fly in robot mode effectively vanished after that. To reach Dinobot Island, Optimus Prime and a crew of Autobots used strap-on jetpacks. Even Autobots with flying alternate modes did not seem able to fly in robot mode, though [[Cosmos]] seemed able to maneuver in space while in robot mode.

The newly-created Dinobots could fly in robot mode, an abiliy they consistently demonstrated throughout their history. Their creator [[Wheeljack]] was also shown flying in robot mode apparently unassisted, an ability his on-package [[bio]] claims for him. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

In the years following the defeat of Unicron, a number of Autobots were seen to fly through space without any visible aid or means of propulsion. Notable among them was Perceptor, who had never before demonstrated such an ability. Before one such instance, Sky Lynx advised the Autobots in question to "don your rocket packs, gentlemen!" The Technobots all flew in robot mode from Earth to Saturn's moon Titan.

Despite the Autobots' rare display of this ability, some claim they do not have it at all. [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] once said outright that "Autobots cannot fly," himself flying easily over a booby trap, while his apparently earthbound Autobot companions remained helpless. Then again, Galvatron is beyond psychotic. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

===Beast Wars cartoon===

Early in this series, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] had a tactical advantage due to the imbalance of flight-capable individuals in their faction. Initially, only [[Optimus Primal]] could provide air support for the [[Maximal]]s, and then only in robot-mode which was risky in the [[energon]]-rich enviroment. However as more [[Protoform]]s were formatted and pressed into service, particularly [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], the balance of forces was more even.

Sufficient volumes of energon itself, of a certain instability, are said to have the ability to cause large objects to float {{storylink|Power Surge}}.

[[Transmutate]] had an apparently unique flight mechanism: it extended a crystalline object from within its body, and when the crystal was exposed to air it gave off an intense energy field and then caused its user to levitate. Since Transmutate was a malformed, incomplete design, this might have been a display of widespread Transformer flight technology that otherwise would always be internal and unseen.

===IDW comics===

Back before the war, information on scientific breakthroughs in levitation/"repulsors" that could lead to robot-mode flight abillities catches the greedy optics of Senator [[Ratbat]] who manipulates the stock to tack control. Given that he offers a variety of war-tech to the fledgling Decepticons under Megatron this is may be intended as reference to or origin for their robot-form flight abilities; however, the Decepticons have demonstrated no such abilities in the IDW continuity. This may be an artifact of this storyline's planning and even possible scripting during the latter days before the [[Dreamwave]] bankruptcy.

==Trivia==
Despite all these advanced flight abilities, Cybertronians seem incapable of actually ''landing'' successfully after achieving flight. [[Ark (G1)|There]] [[Nemesis (G1)|are]] [[Axalon (BW)|many]], [[Darksyde|many]] [[Jetfire (G1)|instances]] [[Megatron (Movie)|of]] [[Exodus|infamous]] [[Miranda II|crashes]] [[Ark II|within]] [[Orion|the]] [[Transition form|fiction]]s.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformer anatomy]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Flight

2008-04-21T19:52:25Z

78.149.125.217: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

'''Flight''' is a capability many mechanoids and no few [[Transformer]]s have, whether through rocket boosters, propellers, or even flapping wings. It has proven quite useful strategically in many continuities.

==Jet-powered flight==
The most common means by which Transformers fly is some variation on jet-propulsion engines, rocket engines, or similar. Transformers such as the [[Seekers]] have such thrusters built into their legs, while other individuals such as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] possess removable jet-packs which strap to their backs.

===Transformers with jet-powered flight===
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Dinomode Grimlock]]<ref>[[Call of the Primitives]]</ref>
*[[Inferno (BW)]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Transmetal Megatron]]
*[[Optimus Primal]]
*[[Starscream (Movie)]]

==Propeller-powered flight==
Sometimes, by virtue of a Transformer's [[alternate mode]], they can fly by means more primitive than they might be accustomed to on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Using airplane propellers, helicoptor rotors, or other similar technologies they can fly at speeds comparable to native aircraft on the worlds they are residing upon.

===Transformers with propeller-powered flight===
*[[Divebomb (Classics)|''Classics'' Divebomb]]
*[[Obsidian (BM)]]
*[[Blackout (Movie)]]
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)]]
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]

==Biological flight==
Many transformers have a physical pair of beast-mode wings, whether natural-looking or mechanical. In these cases, the transformer's flight derives from flapping these wings or gliding much like an animal would.

===Transformers with biological flight===
*[[Airazor]]
*[[Divebomb (G1)]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Transmetal 2 Megatron]]
*[[Nightscream (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Nightscream]]
*[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Fuzor Silverbolt]]
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]
*[[Waspinator]]

==Levitation==
Some Transformers just float, often by no apparent means. It isn't always that well explained in the fiction, though certainly there exist transformers with anti-gravity generators and other technologies which allow them to maneuver effortlessly even within a gravitational field.

===Transformers with levitation===
*[[Shockwave (G1)]]
*[[Sky-Byte]]
*[[Transmutate]]

==Robot-mode flight==
[[Image:G1 cartoon Autobots fly.JPG|thumb|200px|A rare instance of flying.]]

Robot-mode flight powers are an innovative power that allows [[Transformer]]s without a flight based [[alternate mode]] to fly while in robot mode. The [[Decepticon]]s make good use of this power.

Sometimes the [[Autobot]]s have them....sometimes they don't. Most often they display them early in Season 1 of the US cartoon, particularly the pilot. It is uncertain if they require external equipment to fly; several times the Autobots used strap-on jet packs or rocket packs, but sometimes they don't.

Robot-mode flight was prevalent in the post-movie episodes, in which the focus was shifted to space (perhaps, taking a hint from the Gundam franchise.) As although some characters could not fly under the influence of a planets gravity, 'everyone' seemed to posses the power of flight in deep space.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
Robot-mode flight powers were a technological innovation that allowed the Decepticons, who had just mastered the art of [[Transformation]], to start a [[Great War|new war]] and battle the Autobots for supremacy of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Their initial attacks were not a matter of public knowledge, and some Autobots, such as [[Orion Pax]] and [[Dion]], admired them for their innovations. This admiration was ended when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] blasted Orion, Dion, and [[Ariel]]. It was to Megatron's detriment, however, for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] rebuilt Orion and Ariel into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Eventually, the Autobots also mastered robot-mode flight powers, and they used them to reach an oil rig which the Decepticons were plundering. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Ironhide and Bluestreak pursued the fleeing Decepticons into the air, though Skywarp had little difficulty shooting down Ironhide. Optimus required the use of [[Sideswipe]]'s rocket pack to catch up to the space-bound [[Decepticon space cruiser|Decepticon ship]] shortly afterwards, implying a limit on the speed or range of his flight capabilities. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 3}} Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker]] also used robot-mode flight powers in their use of [[jet judo]] against [[seeker]]s attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

The Decepticon's own flight capabilities have known to fail them at times too. In one instance, under a barrage of firepower, Optimus and the Autobots drove the Decepticons back until they fell down a canyon into lava, instead of simply flying there. {{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

The Autobots' ability to fly in robot mode effectively vanished after that. To reach Dinobot Island, Optimus Prime and a crew of Autobots used strap-on jetpacks. Even Autobots with flying alternate modes did not seem able to fly in robot mode, though [[Cosmos]] seemed able to maneuver in space while in robot mode.

The newly-created Dinobots could fly in robot mode, an abiliy they consistently demonstrated throughout their history. Their creator [[Wheeljack]] was also shown flying in robot mode apparently unassisted, an ability his on-package [[bio]] claims for him. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

In the years following the defeat of Unicron, a number of Autobots were seen to fly through space without any visible aid or means of propulsion. Notable among them was Perceptor, who had never before demonstrated such an ability. Before one such instance, Sky Lynx advised the Autobots in question to "don your rocket packs, gentlemen!" The Technobots all flew in robot mode from Earth to Saturn's moon Titan.

Despite the Autobots' rare display of this ability, some claim they do not have it at all. [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] once said outright that "Autobots cannot fly," himself flying easily over a booby trap, while his apparently earthbound Autobot companions remained helpless. Then again, Galvatron is beyond psychotic. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

===Beast Wars cartoon===

Early in this series, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] had a tactical advantage due to the imbalance of flight-capable individuals in their faction. Initially, only [[Optimus Primal]] could provide air support for the [[Maximal]]s, and then only in robot-mode which was risky in the [[energon]]-rich enviroment. However as more [[Protoform]]s were formatted and pressed into service, particularly [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], the balance of forces was more even.

Sufficient volumes of energon itself, of a certain instability, are said to have the ability to cause large objects to float {{storylink|Power Surge}}.

[[Transmutate]] had an apparently unique flight mechanism: it extended a crystalline object from within its body, and when the crystal was exposed to air it gave off an intense energy field and then caused its user to levitate. Since Transmutate was a malformed, incomplete design, this might have been a display of widespread Transformer flight technology that otherwise would always be internal and unseen.

===IDW comics===

Back before the war, information on scientific breakthroughs in levitation/"repulsors" that could lead to robot-mode flight abillities catches the greedy optics of Senator [[Ratbat]] who manipulates the stock to tack control. Given that he offers a variety of war-tech to the fledgling Decepticons under Megatron this is may be intended as reference to or origin for their robot-form flight abilities; however, the Decepticons have demonstrated no such abilities in the IDW continuity. This may be an artifact of this storyline's planning and even possible scripting during the latter days before the [[Dreamwave]] bankruptcy.

==Trivia==
Despite all these advanced flight abilities, Cybertronians seem incapable of actually ''landing'' successfully after achieving flight. [[Ark (G1)|There]] [[Nemesis (G1)|are]] [[Axalon (BW)|many]], [[Darksyde|many]] [[Jetfire (G1)|instances]] [[Megatron (Movie)|of]] [[Exodus|infamous]] [[Miranda II|crashes]] [[Ark II|within]] [[Orion|the]] [[Transition form|fiction]]s.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformer anatomy]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Flight

2008-04-21T19:49:25Z

78.149.125.217: /* Transformers with propeller-powered flight */