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Slingshot (G1)

2025-06-10T18:22:10Z

Quantum Qat: /* Age of the Primes */ changed "right arm" to "left arm", as he is depicted as the left arm in all current promotional materials. This is also consistent with previous Superion layouts.

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|minicon}}
{{disambigm|Slingshot (disambiguation)|Quickslinger (disambiguation)}}
:''Slingshot is an [[Autobot]] [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:TFU Slingshot.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|I don't care who you are. As far as I'm concerned, you're worthless.]]

'''Slingshot''' (aka '''Quickslinger'''<ref name="quickslinger">"Quickslinger" is a substitute name used by Hasbro since the name "Slingshot" is not available to them as a trademark (or simply not trademarkable), first used for a 2012 ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]] (which was later re-released in 2016), then for a 2013 ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' figure and then again for the 2015-onwards ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' line. Thus far, the name has not appeared in any fiction outside the on-packaging [[bio]] [[micro-continuity]].</ref>) is a loud-mouthed, bragging jerk. Many believe that his annoying, self-aggrandizing, and abrasive personality is a cover for his insecurities over being the smallest and weakest [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]. Just as many couldn't care less and just wish he would shut up or go away. Surprisingly, however, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] turns a blind [[Sensor#Optical sensors|optical sensor]] to Slingshot's faults and is very supportive of him as he sees, and he might be the only one who does, that Slingshot is nonetheless a loyal and hardworking soldier, qualities that he believes merit his understanding and trust.

He can combine with his fellow Aerialbots to form [[Superion (G1)|Superion]].

{{quote|Now I'm the fastest, smartest, hottest jet you ever saw!|Slingshot|"[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Rob Paulsen]] (English), [[Hirotaka Suzuoki]] (Japanese), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese, "The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2", "War Dawn", ''2010'')|[[Xia Zhiqing]] (Chinese), [[Carlos Lladó]] (Spain-Spanish), [[Carlos Nieto]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, ''Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2''), [[Imo Heite]] (German, ''Forever is a Long Time Coming''), [[Albert Augier]] (European French), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French, "Aerial Assault"), [[Olivier Destrez]] (European French, "War Dawn"), [[Garcia Júnior]] (Portuguese), [[Júlio Chaves]] (Portuguese, "War Dawn")}}

[[File:KeytoVectorSigmaPt2 Slingshot Motormaster.jpg|left|thumb|Optimus never realized dressing up as a Decepticon could be so cathartic.]]
Slingshot was created from an old carrier drone along with the rest of the Aerialbots by the [[Autobot]]s as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s answer to the newly created [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. However, Slingshot quickly made it clear that he didn't care for [[Earth]], the [[human]]s, or the other Autobots, and he certainly had no respect for his new commander, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], whose fear of heights caused him to abandon Slingshot when [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] attacked him. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] threatened to install some humility programming into Slingshot via his fists on more than one occasion. However, Silverbolt was able to convince Slingshot and the other Aerialbots of the noble natures of the Autobots and humans. Slingshot even saved Silverbolt after the latter destroyed the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

[[File:Slingshot war dawn 1.jpg|thumb|"Mr. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], can I have your autograph?"]]
Slingshot was once a major fanboy of the [[Decepticon]] [[Seeker (body-type)|jets]], and believed [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] would be a real ''swell'' guy to have as a friend. He changed his mind while in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s past, after seeing Megatron casually destroy the young [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax]]. After that, he declared that Megatron will never be able to run from the Aerialbots, and they won't stop hounding him until he is finished. Man, he is such a [[Brawn (G1)|bandwagon jumper]]. {{storylink|War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn}}

Soon afterward, the Aerialbots helped spray [[Corrostop]] on the [[Statue of Liberty]]. When [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] was kidnapped by the Stunticons and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], Slingshot led the pursuit, only for [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] and [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] to be zapped by Megatron's [[Lightning Bug]]. Later, when the Decepticons tried to destroy Lady Liberty to prevent the Autobots from mass-producing Corrostop, Superion soundly defeated Menasor and destroyed the Lightning Bug. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[File:AerialAssault Slightshot newchest.jpg|left|thumb|Probably not silicon.]]
While in the Middle East to help the local governments discover why military jets have been disappearing from hangars, the Aerialbots were lured into a trap by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and Slingshot was buried alive in a cave by [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. With his [[weapons console]] destroyed, Slingshot volunteered to act as a regular jet plane at an air force hangar in the hope of uncovering the plane-nappers. He and [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] got more than they bargained for when they were dismantled by the Decepticon-backed criminals and smuggled across the border. Fortunately, they befriended a young boy named [[Jumal|Hassan]] who identified [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]], the ringleader of the plane thieves who was helping the Decepticons rebuild the stolen planes into [[drone jet]]s and had deposed the young ruler of the country, Prince Jumal. Hassan managed to recover all the parts removed from the two Aerialbots except for Slingshot's chest panel, but luckily Hassan borrowed the grill of Prince Jumal's Rolls Royce.
[[File:Skydive slingshot.jpg|thumb|]]
During the subsequent battle between the Aerialbots and the Decepticons, their drone fighter jets and the [[Giant Purple Griffin]], Hassan snuck on board the Griffin to try and steal a weapons console for Slingshot, but was trapped when the Decepticon fortress took off. Weaponless, Slingshot bravely attacked [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] and came to Hassan's rescue. With his weapons restored, came to his friends' aid by causing [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] to trip with his tow cable. Superion defeated the Griffin and the Aerialbots blew Megatron, Bruticus and oil prices away by destroying the oil fields beneath them. Afterwards, Hassan revealed himself as Prince Jumal and assured his friend Slingshot that he would always consider the young Aerialbot a Rolls Royce. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

After the death of Megatron and the retaking of Cybertron, Slingshot and the Aerialbots became part of the Autobot Fleet. When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] and Spike were kidnapped to [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], the rescue party alerted the Aerialbots to swoop by for covering fire and pick-up. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the Quintessons destroyed their own planet to get at the Autobots, the resulting blast wave destroyed the Aerialbots' ship, sending Slingshot and the rest hurtling through space. Although they clearly survived, Skydive, Fireflight and Slingshot were not seen after the explosion. They eventually impacted on [[Goo Number 8739-B|Goo]], and were rescued by [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} In the Decepticon attack on Cybertron that followed, Slingshot was seen fighting alongside Perceptor. He used his sharpshooting skills to send [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] into a tailspin. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[File:Aerial forever 2.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Before long, history repeated itself (literally) as Slingshot and the Aerialbots had another time travel adventure involving Alpha Trion, only this time it involved the ancient Autobot himself traveling into the present from the past, back from when he was merely A-3. The Quintessons were experimenting with [[Time Window]] technology when Perceptor and a group of Autobots came across their work. Summoned for reinforcements, Rodimus Prime arrived with Superion and the other Autobots to drive the Quintessons off the asteroid. As the time window was left open, a robot named A-3 materialized on the asteroid. It wasn't until after the Quintessons convinced the Autobots that the window needed to be closed for the sake of the universe, and A-3 returned to his own time, that Slingshot and the Aerialbots realized they had once again been in the presence of "the father of the Autobots". {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

[[File:FightOrFlee SlingshotFires.jpg|thumb|]]
Once, Air Raid led the Decepticon duo of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and Cyclonus into an asteroid field where Slingshot and his fellow Aerialbots were waiting to spring an ambush. The Aerialbots messed the Decepticons up pretty badly, especially after they transformed into Superion. Eventually, Slingshot and the others chased the Decepticons through a strange warp in space. This proceeded to have no consequences for [[Sandstorm (G1)|anyone]] [[Paradron|whatsoever]]. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}}

Slingshot and the Aerialbots tried to stop the Decepticons' abduction of [[Octane]], and later showed up to stage an ambush for [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Slingshot and the Aerialbots were spending a relaxing day watching home movies on [[Teletraan II]] when things suddenly get serious, as the Autobots' computer off-handedly informed them [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] was never destroyed in his last battle with [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. When they tracked Trypticon to his new staging grounds, Slingshot and the Aerialbots launched from [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], but the Decepticon presence in [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] was more than they had anticipated. The Aerialbots made a hasty retreat when confronted with overwhelming firepower, but soon returned with reinforcements and drove the Decepticons from Carbombya. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

After Scourge was possessed by the ghost of Starscream, he stole Metroplex's eyes and Slingshot and the Aerialbots were almost hit by friendly fire from the giant. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (G1)|Ghost in the Machine}} During a battle in space, Slingshot and the Aerialbots may or may not have been present. Superion, at least, was surely there on the planet [[Eurythma]]... sometimes. {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}

[[File:AutobotsCall.jpg|thumb|left|That's two down! Sorry, Blades.]]
After [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] took some hostile fire over the [[Junkion (planet)|planet of Junk]], Rodimus Prime dispatched Slingshot and the Aerialbots to investigate. They were caught in a crossfire between the brain-addled Junkions and the Quintessons, who were responsible for messing with the Junkions' air waves, and their minds. Even after becoming Superion, the Aerialbots took heavy fire and had to be brought back to [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] on Cybertron for repairs. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}} Later, Slingshot and the Aerialbots were working with Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus in Europe to fend off the latest wave of Decepticon attacks. When Trypticon arrived, they played the bi-planes to his King Kong. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

Alongside [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], Slingshot was one of the first Transformers whose energy was consumed by [[Tornedron]]. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

[[File:ReturnOfOptimusPrime1 SlingshotPunchesSilverbolt.jpg|thumb|Like he needs the Hate Plague to be a dick.]]
During the Decepticon invasion of Japan, the Aerialbots fought against [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] when he tried to derail a bullet train full of passengers. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Sometime thereafter, Slingshot and the Aerialbots were recruited by Rodimus Prime to rescue the body of Optimus Prime from [[Gregory Swofford|Swofford]] and [[Mark Morgan|Morgan]]. Unfortunately, this only meant they were among the first Autobots exposed to the [[Hate Plague]]. Despite the madness induced by the red dust, the Aerialbots were apparently still willing to form Superion. Superion ran amok, causing serious property damage, infecting [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and taking several other Autobots out of action. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} Slingshot and the others were eventually cured of the Hate Plague along with the entire planet when Optimus Prime unleashed the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

When the Decepticons invaded Cybertron searching for the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], the Aerialbots tried to stop them. Unfortunately, they didn't reckon with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]. Slingshot was caught off-guard when the [[Six Changer]] jumped modes from winged wolf to armored carrier, and was shot down. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} The Aerialbots were next seen retreating in disarray from an advancing [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] as the battle on Cybertron continued. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}} The Aerialbots were ultimately defeated and had their [[power pack]]s removed to help fuel the rocket engine the Decepticons installed on Cybertron. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Scramble City=====
Slingshot and the Aerialbots were dispatched from the [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] project by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] to aid Optimus Prime in battle with the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Their aerial firepower frankly overwhelmed the marauding Decepticons, and sent them home with their transistors between their struts. On his second attempt, Megatron sent the Stunticons, who were considerably more successful in engaging the Autobots. Damaged in jet modes, Slingshot the Aerialbots chose instead to merge and form Superion. As Superion, they possessed scramble combining abilities, but so did the Stunticons when they formed Menasor. The Aerialbots were in the midst of reconfiguring their limb formation when Fireflight, being... well, a daydreaming idiot, mixed up whether he was supposed to be the right leg or the left. His indecision gave Menasor time to shoot him down, and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] assumed the place of Superion's right leg instead, corrupting his programming. Slingshot and the others were trapped as Superion, literally fighting themselves, until Fireflight retook his place as Superion's limb. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Masato Hirano]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Hm4 Superion Combines.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Slingshot and the Aerialbots were stationed at Autobot City on Earth in [[2011]]. When Galvatron attacked Cybertron via the old [[space bridge]] network, the Aerialbots were summoned to Cybertron as reinforcements. They soon arrived with the [[Trainbot]]s and quickly joined the battle. Slingshot and his team formed Superion and battled [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and Devastator. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Later, the combined Aerialbots fought alongside [[Raiden]] and Defensor against the Decepticon combiners, and were nearly crushed when Bruticus collapsed a building on their position. They were bailed out by the arrival of the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]]. When Hot Rod began his search for the [[Matrix of Leadership]] on Earth, Slingshot and the Aerialbots returned to the humans' planet to assist him. They confronted the Stunticons in the desert, pitting Superion against Menasor yet again. The battle was so fierce it eventually carried them to the Arctic where Hot Rod was searching. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

Slingshot and his flying comrades joined the [[Triple Changer]]s in distracting the Decepticons long enough for [[Twincast]] to sneak inside Trypticon and gather data on the Madmachine. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Sometime later, Slingshot and the Aerialbots were on a research vessel that passed near a [[Metamorphose|strange meteorite]]. The meteorite had been altered by Galvatron to produce gravity-warping waves whenever it detected metal, and so it send the Aerialbots and their ship twisting through space. Although the Decepticons tried to intervene, the Autobots eventually recovered Slingshot and his injured colleagues. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

[[File:HM9 Aerialbots charge with Superion.jpg|thumb|left|]]
Following a lengthy repair cycle, Slingshot and the Aerialbots were ready for action when Galvatron and the Decepticons laid siege to Cybertron one last time. Transporting to Cybertron from Earth, they raced into battle (on foot, for some reason). Slingshot and the team got the drop on the Stunticons when they merged into Superion, smashing and scattering the 'Cons before they could form Menasor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} As the fighting continued, the Aerialbots battled Abominus as Superion and later separated to trade blaster fire with the Stunticons. The warring only came to an end once [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s bombs blew up [[Vector Sigma]] and annihilated the planet. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

When [[buridanka|a giant carnivorous plant]] attacked San Francisco, Ultra Magnus dispatched Slingshot and the Aerialbots to combat it. Although they made frequent bombing runs on the organism, the Aerialbots were unable to stop it. Only the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and his powerful giant [[Transtector]] brought an end to the creature's rampage. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Slingshot and the Aerialbots were part of a strike team that flew to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] to disrupt Scorponok's gathering of Decepticons. They immediately formed Superion upon entering the battle. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}

When one of Scorponok's Death Towers emerged in Washington D.C., Slingshot and the Aerialbots were dispatched to investigate it. As part of Superion, Slingshot participated in the Autobots final battle with Scorponok's Decepticons at the North Pole. He lent his energies to the Headmasters' [[Head Formation]] to revitalize Fortress Maximus at the critical moment. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====Metrowars=====
As part of Superion, Slingshot was stationed at [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] while it was under reconstruction after an attack from [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. {{storylink|Metrowars}}

=====''Unite Warriors''/''Legends''=====
In the 2030s, Slingshot and the Aerialbots deployed from Metroplex to put a stop to the Stunticons' latest bout of mischief. {{storylink|Today Is Us Stunticons' Annual Holiday Demolition Race!}} This led to a battle in which Superion battled and was defeated by [[Grand Scourge]], though he was saved by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], allowing the Aerialbots to escape. They went on to accompany Broadside to the [[Legends World]] and help him defeat [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], who then started living with them on Broadside's giant [[transtector]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} The Aerialbots later visited Metroplex, another visitor to this world, and hosted their annual barbecue party on his city mode together with their old friend, [[Jumal|King Hassan]], who Slingshot toasted with. {{storylink|Today Is Energon BBQ!}} {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Metroplex}} When the world was flooded by [[Tigerburn]], Slingshot watched from the safety of Broadside's ship mode as the [[Laser Beast]] took control of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 64|Bonus Edition Vol. 64}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], the Autobots chose to support the [[Selector]]s in their revolution against their human creators and masters. As a result, Slingshot and the Aerialbots abandoned their friend [[Jumal]] in the Middle East to reunite with the Autobot forces. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}} Despite this, when the [[Angolmois Energy]] began erupting violently around the world, Slingshot returned to Jumal to make sure he was alright. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Life Form Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:Slingshot-manga.jpg|left|thumb|Cheer up, baldy.]]
As part of Superion, Slingshot helped drive [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] away from a baseball field. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}} Slingshot was later ordered to stay at base while the other Aerialbots went on a mission to save some kidnapped Autobots, as Optimus Prime believed he might damage the flora and/or fauna of the area. His place on Superion was instead taken by [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], and Slingshot had to spend the rest of his day moping about it. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
When the Aerialbots attempted to rescue Doctor [[Dalton]] from the Decepticons at Trypticon, they were repulsed by the awesome launching power of the Stunticons and Combaticons. Slingshot and his comrades were repaired in the field by [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] of the Protectobots, and then Silverbolt used his own launching power to deploy the Aerialbots in a high-speed flurry around Bruticus and Menasor, confusing the giant Decepticons long enough for the Autobots to escape with Dalton. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====Full Throttle Scramble Power!====
The Decepticons, up to their usual tricks, threatened to plunder Earth's resources. The Aerialbots pleaded with Optimus Prime to allow them to deal with their bitter rivals, the Stunticons, currently attacking a powerplant. Though Optimus was hesitant at first, the Aerialbots being new and inexperienced, he allowed them this chance to prove themselves. The two teams met, and quickly combined into their gestalt forms to do battle. Though Superion was initially crippled by the [[Omega Wave Cannon]], a new weapon controlled by the Decepticons, he held his own until the Autobots dispatched enough reinforcements to turn the tide of battle. As a coup-de-grace against Menasor, Superion dislodged Wildrider, acting as the combiner's right leg, and had Slingshot force himself into the Decepticon as his new limb. Menasor, unable to control Slingshot, was left unable to move out of the way as Superion defeated him with a dive-bomb kick. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Aerialbots second generation.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Yankee Doodle Floppy Disk, this is Foxtrot Zulu Milkshake, checking in at 700 feet, request permission to land."]]
''Thanks to his previous connection to the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]], [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] began experiencing dreams and visions of new Transformers, beginning with an etching of Superion he made without even being consciously aware of it.'' {{storylink|Devastation Derby!}} ''By sharing his visions with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], Buster was able to clarify the images and understand the future of the evolution of the Cybertronian race—amalgam model robots like the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]' [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], capable of a more-streamlined merging into a more powerful form.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}} ''Together, Optimus and Buster witnessed a prophetic vision in which Slingshot and the other Aerialbots assisted the Protectobots in defending the [[Pullen Power Plant]] from the Combaticons and the Stunticons by combining into their gestalt forms. {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} It was this vision which allowed Optimus Prime and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] to conceive of and construct the Aerialbots.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[File:MarvelUS21 RamjetSlingshotBONK.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.05|Is that why they call him Ramjet?]]
Working on a plan to reverse engineer the gestalt technology the Decepticons used to create Devastator, Optimus Prime and the Autobots staged a daring raid on the Decepticon base of operations, giving [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] enough time to digitally record the Constructicons' electrical transformation pattern for study. {{storylink|Command Performances!}} Working off that blueprint, Wheeljack successfully created Slingshot and the Aerialbots. During the new warriors' testing phase, however, the Autobots were alerted to a Decepticon operation at Hoover Dam. Only the Aerialbots were fast enough to reach the location in time, and so Prime was forced to send them into battle before their programming was completed.

As the Aerialbots arrived and engaged the Decepticons in aerial combat, Slingshot was blindsided by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], who literally rammed him out of the skies. He recovered, but only to take another shot from [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'s electro-blasts, and had to be rescued from a nosedive by [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]].

The Aerialbots eventually turned the tide on the Decepticons and drove them off, giving them time to focus on the energy siphon which was the core of the problem. At Silverbolt's command, they merged into Superion and began dismantling the drill device. A problem arose, however, when [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s [[cerebro-shell]] controlled pawn [[Ricky Vasquez]] pointed [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (in his gun mode) at the giant Autobot. Because the majority of the Aerialbots were not programmed specifically to protect human life, Superion only saw a potential threat that needed to be eliminated. As the human fought against the Decepticons' control, Silverbolt too fought inside Superion's gestalt mind to protect the human. In the end, Silverbolt was forced to disengage Superion to keep him from destroying the human. Luckily, Ricky was more successful and managed to break the cerebro-shell's hold long enough to point Megatron at the drill and destroy it, ending the threat. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}

[[File:Aerialbots minds wiped marvel 22.jpg|thumb|Actually, a mind wipe would probably do him good.]]
After the near disaster at Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime had the Aerialbots shut down and their programming completely erased. Returned to a blank slate, he then inputted fully-programmed personalities for them with the Matrix before their next mission. It, uh... didn't help. In battle with [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] as Superion, the Aerialbots were attacked by [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]], deactivated, and captured by [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]]. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} It was only when the [[Battlecharger]]s went on a rampage across America and Circuit Breaker required extra materiel to take them down that she struck a deal with her Autobot captives; in exchange for allowing themselves to be temporarily combined into a [[Circuit Breaker's Autobot suit|battlesuit]] that she could use to defeat the Decepticons, they were allowed to go free afterwards. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

{{GIJoeTransformersfiction}}
[[File:Aerialbots all fall down.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8]]
Optimus Prime sent Slingshot and the Aerialbots to back up Bumblebee as he investigated possible Decepticon activity at the unveiling of [[Power Station Alpha]]. They arrived just in time to see Bumblebee being blown away by the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] team guarding the power station and combined into Superion in an attempt to retrieve Bumblebee's body. {{storylink|Blood on the Tracks}} Upon learning that Optimus Prime had died in battle while the Aerialbots were on their mission Superion immediately disengaged and returned to the Ark. {{storylink|Power Struggle}} United with both G.I. Joe and [[Cobra]] against the Decepticons, who planned to use Power Station Alpha to destroy the world, Slingshot and the Aerialbots entered the battle and once more formed Superion, this time to defeat [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|...All Fall Down!}}

''The Aerialbots would once again encounter Menasor at a [[Blackrock Enterprises|Blackrock]] plant. When they combined into Superion this time, Slingshot and the others discovered that Silverbolt suffered from vertigo, and horrified at his fear of heights being found out, he drove their combined form into a vicious, brutal fury.'' {{storylink|...Perchance to Dream}}

''Following this, Slingshot and the other Aerialbots would come under [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s command to investigate enemy activity in a small East Coast town. Little did the group suspect that Jetfire had been tasked with undermining them throughout the mission in order to test their psychological limits. Eager to prove his usefulness, Slingshot rushed into a surprise attack upon arrival, forcing the rest of his team to follow suit lest he find himself out of his depth.''

''The Autobots were met with [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]] [[Power siphon|siphoning]] electricity into [[energon cube]]s. The Decepticons' cache was detonated by a stray shot, and both Thundercracker and Skywarp managed to escape. Silverbolt then called upon the rest of his team to merge into Superion and catch Starscream before he too made himself scarce. Unfortunately, the Aerialbots' collective neuroses and loathing of each others' weaknesses made it impossible for Superion to focus on more than one thing at a time. Starscream escaped, though Jetfire gave the Aerialbots a positive review, having been unconscious during the combiner's poor showing.'' {{storylink|The Return of the Transformers}}

[[File:DarkStar SlingshotDisrupted.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|This is only the START of Slingshot's Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day.]]
Following Optimus Prime's self-sacrifice, Slingshot and the other Autobots aboard the Ark watched as [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] tried and failed to save him. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} Slingshot disembarked with the rest of the Earth-bound Autobots from the Ark onto Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], where they witnessed a battle for leadership between [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. This was a moment of opportunity for [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s Decepticons, who attacked Slingshot and the others on the moon's surface. Though the Decepticons struck a devastating first blow, Blaster and Grimlock managed to temporarily put aside their differences in order to lead their troops together. Though many Autobots were severely damaged, the Decepticons were successfully pushed into a retreat. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

''At some point, the Aerialbots shot down [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]] over one of Earth's oceans. Unfortunately the Decepticon was carrying a vital power source, requiring the Autobot [[Powermaster]]s to go down to the sea bed to retrieve it.'' {{storylink|Dreadwing Down!}}

Sometime later, most of the Autobots rushed to the [[Arctic]] in response to a distress call sent by Buster Witwicky. Unfortunately, this was a trap staged by Starscream, as the [[Club Con|Decepticon headquarters]] was located nearby. The Autobots were overwhelmed by the Decepticons, including Slingshot, who was first shot by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and very shortly thereafter blasted out of the sky by [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]. Starscream used this trap as a diversion as he attempted to claim the nigh-infinite power of the [[Underbase]] for himself. The Autobots and Decepticons called for a truce and assembled three teams to wait for Starscream in three target cities. Slingshot and the other Aerialbots were his first victims, wiped out in a single blast of cosmic power in the skies over [[New York City|New York]]. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

Along with the other deactivated Autobots aboard the Ark, Slingshot and the Aerialbots were eventually revived by the [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] super-energy Grimlock and the Dinobots recovered from [[Hydrus Four]]. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[File:Aerialbots the house that wheeljack built.jpg|thumb|left|"Alpha Velveeta Knuckle Underwear, you are cleared for take-off. When you hit that nuclear weapons plant... drop a bomb for me!"]]
Slingshot was present with the entire Earthforce team outside Autobot [[Earthbase]] when [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] unveiled his brand-new unbreachable defensive system. This was unfortunate, as Wheeljack had forgotten that, once activated, the system could only be turned off from the inside. [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] elected to run the gauntlet and reach the shutdown console inside, and the Aerialbots provided air support for him. Slingshot and his buddies gunned down the [[Acid Bat]]s at the entryway, giving Prowl his chance to get through. {{storylink|The House that Wheeljack Built!}}

In a later battle, Slingshot and his team formed Superion... and were quickly taken over by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]. {{storylink|Inside Story!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
In [[2008]], Slingshot was one of several Autobots deactivated by the [[Quintesson]]s when they invaded [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

=====The Big Broadcast of 2006=====
{{NoteMarvelBB2006}}
After receiving reports from [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] that the [[Quintesson]]s were up to no good on the [[Junkion (planet)|planet of Junk]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]] sent Slingshot and the Aerialbots to investigate. Encountering a [[Quintesson Cruiser]] above the planet, they formed Superion, who fired his jets at the ship's force fields. The resultant explosion not only damaged the Quintesson craft but also knocked Superion unconscious. He was recovered by Sky Lynx, who returned him to Cybertron for repairs. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|Transformers in Action: He Who Laughs Last ...}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 13|The Energon Trap}}}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:ARageInHeaven! SlagSlingshotConsumed.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Last Stand of the Jerks.]]
After the defeat of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his Decepticons on [[Klo]], the Autobots split into smaller combat units throughout the universe. Once Optimus Prime and Grimlock learned of the threat posed by the second generation [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian army]], though, the Autobot forces reconsolidated under their command. Slingshot and the other Aerialbots were first seen after the Autobots had retreated to an asteroid sanctuary for retraining. They were, um, outsmarted by [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] during the war games, and led into a Dinobot ambush. {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}} He was later seen fighting the [[Ethos raiding party|Cybertronians]] with his fellow Aerialbots on [[Ethos]]. {{storylink|Escalation!}} In the final battle with the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] on Earth, Slingshot was heavily damaged and then consumed by the entity alongside [[Slag (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Slag]]. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:Shadow-leeches the war to end all wars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Why does Furman hate me?]]
After Silverbolt was reformatted into a new [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]]-free body, he was reunited with Slingshot and the rest of the Aerialbots, flying scouting missions for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s [[Cybertronian Civil Defense]]. They were recalled to base before they were able to stumble upon [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s Neo-Decepticons, which may have been fortunate as Soundwave had [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] waiting for them. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Three}} Soon after that Slingshot and the Aerialbots flew alongside [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] as he located Ultra Magnus, missing since his first bout with [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]], and updated him regarding the arrival of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s ''[[Warworld]]'' and its invading army of [[Blitz Engine]]s above Cybertron. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Four}} Slingshot and the Aerialbots then joined [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], Blades, [[Doubleheader]], [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]], [[Dogfight (G1)|Dogfight]] and [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] in attacking the ''Warworld'' directly, providing a distraction so that the [[Wreckers]] could sneak aboard. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Five}}

After surviving the battle against [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his forces at the [[Hub (G2)|Hub Network]], Slingshot was killed by a [[shadow-leech]] upon his return to Cybertron. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 5}}
{{-}}

===The Special Teams===
Slingshot was created on Cybertron, where Vector Sigma first ignited the spark of life within him.
Slingshot, and the rest of the Aerialbots were nearly convinced to join the Decepticons upon their initial alliance with the Autobots. This was due to a fault in the Aerialbots’ programming, present due to a sudden drop in the mega-computer when they were being created. The Aerialbots were sent over by Optimus to help the Protectobots defend the [[Pullen Power Plant]] from the Decepticons. Happening upon Bruticus and Menasor teaming-up to take on Defensor, the Aerialbots combined into Superion to even the odds. Bruticus fell early in the battle, prompting the Aerialbots to separate and give chase to Starscream while Defensor took over the fight with Menasor. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
When an Autobot salvage expedition was unexpectedly ambushed by Decepticons, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] became concerned that the Cons had developed a new form of surveillance. Silverbolt suggested his men perform a full scan of the area for any spy installation. The Aerialbots were unable to locate any sites on the ground, but a ghost of a radar contact at high altitude caught their attention. Forming Superion, they flew as high as possible and confirmed that ''something'' was out there in the upper atmosphere. {{storylink|Galvatron's Air Attack}}

===Battle Beneath the Ice===
[[File:BBTI-Slingshot+Skydive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left]]
Slingshot and Skydive assisted [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] in apprehending the Battlechargers. The incident was captured on television.

When human scientists discovered a mysterious city beneath the ice of the North Pole, they placed a call to Autobot City in order to get the Transformers' perspective on the discovery. Slingshot, Skydive and Hot Rod were dispatched with the research team to investigate. On their way, the humans' research plane was shot down by a powerful laser, and the Aerialbots were unable to locate the craft in the terrible blizzard. They instead made their way to the on-site research team, only to happily discover that Hot Rod and their human friends had been saved by the [[city-dweller]]s themselves. While the [[Watcher]], leader of the city-dwellers, showed the humans and Autobots around their hidden home, monitor screens alerted the group that the Combaticons had arrived, and were investigating the crash site. The Aerialbots concluded that [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]'s orbital firepower was responsible for the crash, and flew out to engage the Decepticons in battle. Eventually, however, Autobot and Decepticon alike learned that the city-dweller were the real threat, and joined forces to vanquish the strange but malevolent beings. Slingshot rather reluctantly complied with the truce and allowed [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and the Combaticons to leave without incident once the fighting was over. {{storylink|Battle Beneath the Ice}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
At some point in Cybertronian history, roughly around the time of the [[Dark Ages]], Slingshot and his Aerialbot comrades became a combiner subgroup, able to merge to form Superion. Because Superion and his fellow super-robots began causing too much sheer devastation during the war, however, the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]]s were signed by the various factions, prohibiting the use of super-robots. Combiner sub-group members could either join different factions separately (like [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]) or remain together as a neutral, unaligned group (like the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]). What Slingshot and the Aerialbots chose to do is unknown. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

[[File:DWPrimeDirective6 Autobots wanttheirheads.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Ah, crap. I didn't mean to free you, Slingshot."]]
In some unexplained way, the Aerialbots eventually made their way to modern 20th century Earth, becoming some of the few Transformers fighting on that planet who hadn't arrived via either the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' or the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. Slingshot and his comrades fought alongside Optimus Prime and his crew until [[Operation Liberation]] eliminated the Decepticon threat in 1999. Tragically, they and the rest of the Autobots were believed destroyed following the explosion of the [[Ark II]], though in reality the ship was sabotaged by the rogue engineer-turned arms dealer Adam Rook, known as [[Lazarus]], and General [[Robert Hallo]], who planned on reprogramming the Transformers into the service of the United States military. The Aerialbots were some of the few Transformers who were not recovered by Lazarus for his reprogramming venture, now aimed at hiring out the Transformers to the highest bidder. Instead, they lay immobile in the Arctic waters until reactivated as Superion in 2002 by Optimus Prime, using the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}}

Slingshot and the Aerialbots in their Superion form, battled the Decepticons in the Northwest Territories of [[Canada]] {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} and again in [[San Francisco]]. During the latter conflict, Superion was broken down into his individual components while battling [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} The Autobots were then tied up with steel girders while Megatron tried to convince Optimus to join him, purporting that humans were too morally bankrupt to be worth his efforts. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} But thanks to the interference of some humans, Slingshot and his team were freed and eventually reunified in order to intercept a nuclear missile (launched by General Hallo) headed for the California coastline. Superion, and by extension the Aerialbots, were destroyed in stopping the missile. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

Their remains were collected secretly by [[Earth Defense Command]] and held in Area 51. {{storylink|Generation 1 issue 0|Generation 1 #0}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
The Aerialbots were awakened on the [[Fera Islands]] in [[1939]] and were reformatted as [[World War II]]-era fighter planes. After joining the battle against [[Cobra]] and the Decepticons, Slingshot and the others battled the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], forcing them back. {{storylink|Trial by Fire}} When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] fell off a cliff, the Aerialbots combined into Superion and rescued them. {{storylink|Wolves}}

As Superion, they came under fire from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], {{storylink|Trenches}} eventually succumbing to his firepower, and were destroyed. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1]] (cameo); [[Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Transformers vol. 1 #26]] (full)
[[File:AHM1 Slingshot.jpg|thumb|left|Optimus makes sure to put Slingshot in front of the charge at Megatron's [[fusion cannon]].]]
Early in the war, the Aerialbots responded to Optimus' rallying call for additional support against the Decepticons and fought against the Seekers in the battle that followed. {{storylink|Broadcast}}. Later, when [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] was awakened and went on a rampage in [[Harmonex]], Slingshot and his fellow Aerialbots helped stop the giant by collapsing the city's giant central structure on top of him. {{storylink|The Illusion of Control}}

Slingshot and Wheeljack used to listen to [[Nebulan]] rock operas together. Wheeljack thought that he had terrible taste in music. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}}

He briefly appeared among the Autobot troops fighting Megatron and the Decepticons on Cybertron in the distant past. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}}

[[File:StickTogether-Aerialbots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
Slingshot was among the Autobots poised to fight against [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s army on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Led by [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], he and the other Autobot fliers attacked [[Kimia Facility]] and fought with the many [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] defending it. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}} Slingshot and his fellow Aerialbots worked crowd control on the Decepticons after Ratbat was murdered. He later followed Silverbolt's lead along with the rest of the Aerialbots in deserting Bumblebee's fledgling government. {{storylink|Stick Together}}

However, after they entered the wilderness, they were found by [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], who elected to use them as test subjects, exposing them to the mysterious energies that had previously been responsible for creating the "Deceptigod" combiner. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} Initially, they began to succumb to rage and madness, but then, Slingshot and the others began to unify in purpose, hunting down Silverbolt, who resisted the process for longer. {{storylink|Night and the City}}

To cope, the Aerialbots' minds and bodies—like those who combined into the Deceptigod before them—spontaneously reconfigured of their own accord, fusing the five Autobots together into "The Superion". {{storylink|Second Exodus}} Dismissing the newborn combiner as insane, Megatron left Superion in the wilderness, using the data he had gained from the experiment to perfect the combination process and create a new version of Devastator. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

When [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] came looking for the missing Aerialbots, the prehistoric Autobots soon succumbed to the energy's effects as well and Slingshot, as part of Superion, rescued him from his pursuers. {{storylink|Night and the City}} With a sufficiently large number of Transformers now in one place, the energies Megatron was broadcasting became too diluted to have any effect, restoring everyone to their right minds, {{storylink|Second Exodus}} and Ironhide then led them all back to Iacon to help save the city from Megatron. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} Slingshot, as part of Superion, grappled with the new Devastator and was able to bring him down after the death of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], who was controlling him from afar, caused his mind to shut down. However, as Superion turned his attention elsewhere, the Decepticon combiner rose again under the control of ''himself'' and attacked the Aerialbot combiner from behind, tearing him in half. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

[[File:TheWorldOfTomorrow DeadSlingshot.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|"I hate to speak ill of the dead, but... it's Slingshot."]]
After Megatron's defeat, Starscream seized control of Iacon and exiled those who would not renounce their factions from the city. Slingshot, as part of Superion, was allowed to remain in the city until he was repaired enough to make a decision for himself. {{storylink|Second Exodus}} However, Slingshot, who was badly damaged in the fight against Devastator, succumbed to his injuries and died. In order to repair Superion, Starscream recruited [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] to aid in restoring the combiner as well as [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Alpha Bravo]] to serve as his, and any other lost components', replacements. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
Pursuing the AllSpark after it had been launched into space, Slingshot was one of the many Autobots that found his way to Earth. There, he participated in a great battle within a human settlement against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
During his invasion of Cybertron, [[King Sombra]] used his magic to enslave many Cybertronians, including Slingshot and the other Aerialbots. As Superion, the Aerialbots attacked the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, but [[Spike (MLP)|Spike]] broke through Sombra's mind control and forced them to de-combine. {{storylink|The Mightiest Dinobot}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Slingshot and the rest of the Aerialbots flew over a barren, rocky terrain to meet against the Stunticons. Both teams combined, and their gestalt forms engaged in a no-holds-barred slug-fest. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Aerialbots and Stunticons|Aerialbots and Stunticons commercial}}
*After being upgraded to their "Generation 2" bodies, the Aerialbots flew over some suburbs, greatly impressing a young boy. They then merged into Superion to duel against [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 2#Aerialbots and Combaticons|Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons commercial}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Slingshot and the other Aerialbots managed to drive [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] into a retreat after this twisted creation of [[Doctor Arkeville]] was unleashed on the world. {{storylink|Nemesis Rising}} He and [[Kup (G1)|Sergeant Kup]] foiled an attempt by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to resurrect [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Unicron Returns}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:EW-Slingshot.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]

Slingshot has an annoying habit of doing very little and yet claiming the lion's share of the credit for any (group) victories. He's a braggart, one who talks a good fight but is only ever peripherally involved when the flak starts flying.
In truth, he suffers from cripplingly low self-esteem, somehow convinced he's less of an asset than his fellow Aerialbots. In fact, his teammates got so sick of his self-aggrandising attitude, they bumped him out of Aerialbot 'A' team.
Behind the bluster, though, Slingshot is loyal, hardworking and resolute, it's just he can't see those qualities in himself. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Strafe Bio}}

{{chargamestub|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Slingshot was a boisterous flier. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}} The Aerialbots were among the many Transformers summoned to the [[Apex (RPG)|Apex]], where they provided air support and covering fire for other heroes. {{storylink|Worlds Collide: Battle for the Multiverse}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Slingshot toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Who cares about my flaws? I'm the best toy of the franchise.]]
*'''Slingshot''' ([[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]], [[1986]], [[1991]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''A4'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-53'''
**''Accessories'': [[neutron rifle]]
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Slingshot transforms into a white Sea Harrier jumpjet. While the other three Aerialbot limbs follow a standard design with similar proportions and parts distribution, Slingshot is unusual in that he is much, much thinner than the other jets (partly due to his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]), with stick-like arms and his front landing gear is mounted on his chest, as the Harrier nose cone on the toy is far too short to accommodate fold-down landing gear.

:As a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner, Slingshot can be connected to any free arm or leg slot on Silverbolt to form Superion, and indeed can also combine with any other Scramble City combiner. However, his nominal placement is as the left arm of Superion.

:Slingshot, along with his teammates, were released in the [[1990]] [[Europe]]an/[[Australia]]n ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' reissue series of Generation 1 toys.

:In [[Japan]], the Aerialbots were also later all made available again as mail-away items during ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1991 (Return of Convoy)|Return of Convoy]]''. The smaller toys cost 1000 yen (120 more than their original retail price!) and 2 [[Robot Point|robot points]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Slingshot/slingshot.htm More information on Slingshot at TFU.info.]''

{{anchor|G1Superion}}{{anchor|Superion}}
*'''Superion''' (Gift set, 1986)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-55'''
**''Accessories'': neutron rifle
:Slingshot was also available in a Superion boxed [[giftset]], along with the rest of his teammates. All of the toys in this set are identical to their individual releases.

{{anchor|1990Classic}}
*'''Slingshot''' ([[1990]])
**''Accessories'': neutron rifle
:Slingshot, along with his teammates, was rereleased without changes in 1990 as part of the European "gold-boxed" [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] reissue line.

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2 Slingshot toy.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Get a good look before he crumbles.]]
*'''Slingshot''' (Aerialbot, [[1994]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''A4'''
**''Accessories'': neutron rifle
:For ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', Slingshot was [[redeco]]ed in gold and silver with orange and blue tiger striped stickers on his wings which proudly proclaim his name.

:This toy is infamous for being [[Gold Plastic Syndrome|one of the most breakable Transformers toys ever released]]. If you still own it, never touch it again.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1994/Autobot/Slingshot/slingshot.htm More information on Generation 2 Slingshot at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (campaign item)===
{{anchor|Henkei! Henkei!}}
[[File:Henkei-toy Sling.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|It's everywhere you want to be (AKA: eBay and numerous Japanese dealer tables in the "please take" pile).]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Cybertron Sling''' (Micron, [[2009]])}}</ul>

: A redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Mini-Con]] [[Thunderwing (Classics)#Toys|Thunderwing]], Sling(shot) now transforms into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-14 Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat swing-wing fighter jet]]. As a Mini-Con, he has a "[[Powerlinx]]" socket that allows him to attach to compatible Powerlinx plugs when in vehicle mode... though its placement (sticking out of the back of the jet like a single thruster) can make for some awkward placement.

: Sling was only available by signing up for a [http://www.transformers-card.com/pre2/index.html Transformers-themed Visa credit card] through Pocket Card Co., Ltd. Sling was sent to those who got the Autobot-themed card, with [[Vortex (G1)#Henkei! Henkei!|Vorter]] sent to those who get the Decepticon card. Everyone braced for these being super-expensive to obtain on the secondary market, but in the end, apparently these got dumped to dealers in large numbers a few years later, significantly lowering the asking price.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Nightscream (Cybertron)#Toys|Nightscream]], [[Noise Effect]], [[Boltflash]], and [[Barrel Roll#Toys|Barrel Roll]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Cybertron/Sling/sling.htm More information on Sling at TFU.info]''{{ClassicsThunderwingMold}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy QuickslingerKreon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
* '''Quickslinger''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, [[2012]])
**''Collection'': '''1'''
**''Bag number'': '''***** 44'''
**''Accessories'': logo brick, built-up [[Deconstructo Blaster]]
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the first normal wave of ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]] [[Kreon]]s, "Quickslinger" is a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]]-bagged mini-figure, though a stamped ID number can be found on the back of the bag, top-right corner. He comes with extra parts so he can be converted into a tiny, tiny plane, and his pistol is built-up with extra parts in order to make it look bigger. He also comes with a 2x4 block with the Kre-O logo on the side, which he can use as a stand so he can look taller.

:He uses [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Ratchet]]'s helmet and the [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Starscream]] wing-pack.

:Quickslinger's pre-production photography shows him with a black crest on his helmet, ''aka'' "exactly like Ratchet's helmet". This version also sports a slightly different chest decoration, and a burgundy tailfin and nosecone rather than the final version's red.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/Kre-OQuickslinger/quickslinger.htm More information on Quickslinger at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{Anchor|2016}}
* '''Quickslinger''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, [[2016]])
**''Collection'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': logo plate, built-up Deconstructo Blaster
:In 2016, Collection 1 was re-released in a whole new production run for Dollar General stores in the US as part of a large collection of re-released ''Kre-O'' sets. But where most of these releases are nigh-identical to the originals, the re-released Micro-Changer blind-bags use the almost-entirely-retooled 2015 Kreon, with slightly-differently-hued plastics than the originals. (It is possible for some of the add-on pieces to be in the older hues.) Quickslinger's torso and face [[tampograph]]s have also been reworked to be slightly more detailed, and the formerly-bare legs now have extra detail tampographing on them. All of his light gray paint has been replaced with shiny silver.

:He also uses the revised Ratchet helmet, which has had the crest trimmed so as not to cover his eyes.

:Sadly, this release has no individual-identification code on the bag, requiring you to use the feel-through-the-bag method or just buy blind and hope.
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShots 5pack Quickslinger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Autobot Air Force''' (Five-pack, [[2013]])
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T012'''
***''Fist strength'': '''437'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''808'''
***''Sword strength'': '''365'''
:Quickslinger is a redeco of the [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Starscream]] mold. As such, he turns into a super-deformed jet with a spring-loaded transformation back into robot mode. He was available in a five-pack with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Fireflight (G1)|Autobot Firestrike]], and [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSQuickslinger/quickslinger.htm More information on Quickslinger at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CombinerWarstoy-Quickslinger.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I hope that [[The End of the Beginning of the World|comic book]] features me as the main character!]]
*'''Quickslinger''' (Deluxe Class, May [[2015]])
**'''4 OF 5: [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle, gun/fist/foot
:Hasbro's ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' release of the ''Unite Warriors'' "Sling" figure is a redeco of [[Fireflight (G1)#Generations|Firefly]] with a new head sculpt, renamed "Quickslinger" for [[trademark]] reasons. Unlike his ''Unite Warriors'' counterpart, ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Quickslinger features blue eyes instead of show-accurate orange. His cardback bio contains a cute reference to his old name, citing how for his enemies, "there's a good ''shot'' they'll end up in a ''sling''."

:Quickslinger comes with a copy of "''Combiner Wars'' #3" (actually [[The End of the Beginning of the World|''Robots in Disguise'' #11]]). Along with [[Wildrider (G1)#Generations|"Brake-Neck]]" (a similarly renamed Wildrider), he was released as part of a promotion named "May Mayhem" that, as far as its official United States release was concerned, was (at least in theory) a "shared exclusive" between various online retailers (such as [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], [[BigBadToyStore]], and Entertainment Earth), the online storefronts of major "big box" retailers (such as [[Toys"R"Us]], [[Walmart]], [[Target]], and [[Kmart]]), and comic book stores that order through Diamond Distributors. It was still available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets, though.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/CWQuickslinger/quickslinger.htm More information on Combiner Wars Quickslinger at TFU.info]''
{{CWFireflyMold}}
{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|GenerationsG2}}

[[File:Generations-Combiner-Wars-G2-Quickslinger.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You're gonna expect me to [[Gold Plastic Syndrome|crumble into space dust]] again? In your dreams.<br>But hey, the [[Silverbolt (G1)/toys#GenerationsG2|big guy]] got some problems instead.]]
*'''Superion''' (Collection Pack, 2016)
**''Accessories:'' rifle, individual Aerialbots guns/fists/feet
:A ''Generation 2''-themed redeco of ''Combiner Wars'' Quickslinger is molded in durable and flat gold plastic rather than the fragile swirly one seen in his original ''Generation 2'' toy, and he's packed along with the other Aerialbots (including [[Powerglide (G1)#CWG2|Powerglide]]), and sold as a [[giftset]].

:Similar to the "May Mayhem" single release of Quickslinger, the Superion "Collection Pack" was also a "shared exclusive" between various online retailers and the online storefronts of major "big box" retailers in the United States, but was available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/CWQuickslinger/quickslinger.htm More information on Combiner Wars G2 Quickslinger at TFU.info]''
{{CWFireflyMold}}
{{--}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
{{anchor|UniteWarriors}}
[[File:Takaratomy-uw-01-superion-sling.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Alpha Bravo]]? NEVER heard of that scrap.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Superion''' (Multi-pack, [[2015]] / [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''UW-01'''
:*''Release date'': [[June 27]], 2015 / [[February 23]], 2019
:*''Accessories'': Rifle, gun/fist/foot
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] and [[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Takara's ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Sling (also identified on the bilingual packaging by his English name, Slingshot) is a redeco of his ''Combiner Wars'' toy. His heavily-cartoon-based deco includes black lines painted on the top of his jet mode, mimicking the appearance of the joints for his cockpit and tail from the original toy that were included on his animation model.

: He can also transform into either an arm or a leg for any ''Combiner Wars''-style combiner, or into [[Godbomber#Legends|Godbomber]]'s legs, but his nominal placement is as the left arm for [[Superion (G1)#Unite Warriors|Superion]]. Thus he also comes with a large weapon that transforms into either a foot or a hand for the combiner.

: Sling was only available in a Superion multi-pack with the other Airbots, which was also reissued nearly four years later.
{{CWFireflyMold}}
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
*'''Blunderbuss & Broadside''' (Voyager Class, [[2017]])
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}
:''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Broadside comes with tiny Aerialbot jets (specifically in the alternate modes of their ''Combiner Wars'' figures, with a representation of Quickslinger rather than Alpha Bravo) molded on a sprue; once cut off this sprue, the jets can be attached to his carrier and robot mode ports.

===''Legends''===
*'''Broadside''' ([[November 25]], 2017)
**''ID number'': '''LG53'''
:The ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' release of Broadside also includes five Airbot sprues, redecoed in a different shade of gray to match Broadside's cartoon-accurate appearance.

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:AOTP Deluxe Slingshot.jpg|thumb|300px|I got my name back!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aerialbot Slingshot''' (Deluxe Class, [[2025]])}}</ul>
:*'''1 of 5: [[Superion (G1)#Age of the Primes|Superion]]'''
:*''TakaraTomy name:'' '''Slingshot''' (スリングショット)
:*''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AOTP-05'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[2025]] [[July 26]]
:*''Accessories:'' 2 double-barreled blasters
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Zhi6Y6EkU/ ''Age of the Primes'' panel] with [[Hasbro]] designer [[Mark Maher]] at [[Cybertron Con 2024]] Day 1, recorded at the "Giant Peng Peng" (巨大化鹏鹏) BilliBilli channel.</ref>
:"Aerialbot Slingshot" is part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' Deluxe Class toys, turning from a cartoon-accurate robot into an unlicensed approximation of a Sea Harrier. He comes with two identical double-barreled blasters which can store under his wings in jet mode.

:His biggest feature, however, is his ability to transform into an arm (which involves bisection at the waist) to connect to the frame included with Commander Class [[Silverbolt (G1)#Age of the Primes|Silverbolt]] to help form Superion. Unlike the ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' [[Stunticon (G1)#Legacy|Stunticons]] before him, though, he can alternate between either of the combiner's arms instead of being confined to one. However, his nominal position is as the left arm, where his blasters can serve as additional firepower for Superion.

:Slingshot was revealed at [[Cybertron Con 2024]] and went up for preorder on [[December 10]].
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Superion and Menasor.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Superion & Menasor Set''' ([[February 6]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''37 & 38'''

:Released as part of the sixth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (with his components [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] and Slingshot) and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (with ''his'' components [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] and [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]]) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#37|Translation of Superion's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
*The Canadian [[giftset]] of G1 [[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]] accidentally misspelled Slingshot as "Slingslot".
*In an [[Hasbro Q&A/October 2009: Answers|October 2009 question-and-answer session]], it was mentioned that Slingshot's name is "no longer available" and that various "replacement" Aerialbot characters such as [[Airazor (Universe)|''Universe'' Airazor]] are designed "in memorium" {{sic}}. Either this is simply a particularly odd word choice, or Slingshot was at the time considered "dead" by Hasbro. Of course, the release of a new Slingshot toy instead of a replacement vouches for his wellbeing.
*Due to how Slingshot's legs and wings work on his original toy, his [[character model]] depicts his wings hanging off of his back with the rest of his jet mode [[kibble]], making for a rather unique design when compared to his fellow Aerialbots.
*Hasbro indefinitely losing the [[trademark]] "Slingshot" likely lead to the 2003 [[Storm Jet (Universe)|''Universe'' incarnation of "Storm Jet"]] being named as such. A 2009 [[Hasbro Q&A/October 2009: Answers|Hasbro Q&A]] confirmed this was the reasoning behind the 2008 [[Airazor (Universe)|''Universe'' character "Airazor"]], precipitating several "Quickslinger" toys in the mid-2010s due to the trademark still being unavailable at that time.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Sling''' (スリング ''Suringu'')
*''French:'' '''La Fronde''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Parittya''' ("Sling")<ref>Hungarian Marvel Comics</ref>
*''Italian:'' '''Vertic'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dàngōng''' (China, 弹弓, "Slingshot")
*''Russian:'' '''Rogatka''' (Рогатка)

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:RID11 cvrHAS.jpg|''Combiner Wars'' comic packaging art
File:EW-skin-Slingshot-G2.jpg|''Generation 2''-themed skin on ''Combiner Wars''-based robot mode in ''Earth Wars'' mobile game
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Age of the Primes Autobots]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Aerialbots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]

Fireflight (G1)

2025-06-10T18:16:43Z

Quantum Qat: /* Age of the Primes */ changed "left arm" to "right arm", as he is depicted as the right arm in all current promotional materials. This is also consistent with previous Superion layouts.

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambigm|Fireflight (disambiguation)|Firefly}}
:''Fireflight is an [[Autobot]] [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:DW G1Fireflight.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Hey guys! I was off on a mission somewhere while you were fighting the [[Giant Purple Griffin]]. Hope that wasn't a problem!"]]
'''Fireflight''' (aka '''Firestrike'''<ref name="firestrike">Hasbro lost the [[trademark]] to "Fireflight" at some point between 2008 and 2013. The substitute name "Firestrike", which is [[Transformers names in other Hasbro lines|shared]] with Hasbro's ''[[Nerf]]'' line, was used for a ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' figure and a ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]], both of them released in 2013.</ref> or '''Firefly'''<ref name="firefly">For the 2015 ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' line, Hasbro used a second substitute name that was closer to "Fireflight": "Firefly" was used both there and in the contemporary 2015 mobile game ''[[Transformers: Battle Tactics]]'', with his limited-release comic pack-in bio making both replacement names he'd chosen in-universe. Following from this self-determination, the 2016 re-release of the ''Kre-O'' Micro Changer in a multi-pack also had the name of the figure changed from "Firestrike" to "Firefly".</ref>) combines a childlike sense of wonder with the soul of a daydreamer, resulting, unfortunately, in one major menace to airborne navigation. Near collisions and crashes come fast and frequent when he's around. If Aerialbots had to be certified to take to the air, he'd have been grounded for life long ago. Fireflight means well and has a good heart, he just can't help losing himself in the beauty of the world when seen from the sky. It's hard for his teammates to get too mad at someone so filled with wonder and innocence, but at the same time it's also hard to fly next to someone who's never paying any attention to where he's going.

Fireflight combines with his fellow [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] to form [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] or with other Transformers to form [[Ultra Prime]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Jeff MacKay]] (English), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese), [[Yoku Shioya]] (Japanese, "Cosmic Rust", "War Dawn"), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese, ''2010'')|[[Georges Atlas]] (European French), Unknown (European French, "The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2"), [[Mário Monjardim]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:Fireflightwardawn.jpg|thumb|left|"No, I'm Fireflight. He's Air Raid. I'm the one who needs horse blinders to pay attention."]]
At one point during the eternal war with the Autobots on Earth, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] grew fed up with how his opponents ruled the roads and created a group of Decepticon cars known as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. In order to give his new warriors life, he brought them to Cybertron and tracked down the ancient supercomputer, [[Vector Sigma]], to input cybernetic personalities into the Stunticons. Thanks to a series of traps and drones in their way, the Autobots failed to prevent Megatron from succeeding and returning to Earth. Seeking to even the playing field, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] conceived of the idea of retrofitting several broken-down Cybertronian ships into Earthly jets, and bringing them to life as a team of Autobot flyers. With the help of his tech-savvy soldiers, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], and Prime's own creator, [[Alpha Trion]], Optimus's plan was enacted and the Aerialbots were born. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

Because Optimus Prime specified to Vector Sigma that the Aerialbots be given personalities that required them to learn and grow, and make their own decisions, however, Fireflight and his friends were not instantly bound to the Autobot cause. Their sense of pride in their flying ability caused many of them to look down on the other Autobots. As the Aerialbots became impressed with the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]' flight skills, their wide-eyed nature caused them to fall into a Decepticon trap. Turning the [[Kronosphere]] on the hapless Autobots, Megatron sent the Aerialbots back in time nine million years. Their journey led them to the earliest days of the war, and they personally saw Megatron maliciously gun down unarmed Cybertronians in his quest for power. Fireflight and the other Aerialbots returned to the present with an unshakeable commitment to seeing the Decepticon threat ended. {{storylink|War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn}}

[[File:CosmicRust Fireflight in trouble.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Okay, so mmmmmaybe carrying extra [[Fire-fog missile|firefog]] ammo into battle was a bad idea.]]
Fireflight and the Aerialbots attended the coating ceremony for the Statue of Liberty, which was being covered with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s new invention, [[Corrostop]], to prevent corrosion. Fireflight mistook the statue for a non-functioning giant robot and had to be educated by [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]. Unfortunately, the Decepticons were just as interested in Perceptor's work, and the Stunticons arrived to kidnap him. Fireflight and the others chased the Stunticons aboard [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] all the way back to the Decepticons' undersea base, but were driven off by the [[Lightning Bug]]. This impressive heat ray zapped Fireflight's wing, and he had to pick up some replacement parts back at the Ark for repairs. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[File:Kentucky fried aerialbot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|"Wait, I was on FIRE?? Huh, so that's why it got so hot in here all of a sudden."]]
Fireflight's spacey demeanor got his partners in trouble from time to time. As the Aerialbots were searching the Middle East for a squadron of stolen jets, Slingshot and Skydive found the jets being reprogrammed by Megatron and the Decepticons as a remote-controlled air force. The two Aerialbots summoned their fellow flyers, but while Silverbolt and Air Raid turned up quickly, Fireflight was lost out somewhere in the sands for a good portion of the battle with the [[Giant Purple Griffin]], leaving his teammates vulnerable and unable to combine and form Superion. Only after he finally got his head together and followed up on Skydive's signal did the Aerialbots manage to gain the upper hand. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

After the death of Megatron and the retaking of Cybertron, Fireflight and the Aerialbots became part of the Autobot Fleet. When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] were kidnapped to [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], the rescue party alerted the Aerialbots to swoop by for covering fire and pick-up. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the Quintessons destroyed their own planet to get at the Autobots, the resulting blast wave destroyed the Aerialbots' ship, sending Fireflight and the rest hurtling through space. Although they clearly survived, Skydive, Fireflight, and Slingshot were not seen after the explosion. They eventually impacted on [[Goo Number 8739-B|Goo 8739-B]], and were rescued by [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

{{Note|In the episode "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]", several jets in the Autobot Fleet resembling the Aerialbots' alt modes were destroyed by the Quintessons. Repeatedly. Since the Aerialbots unquestionably survived the attack, it would seem their character models were merely used to build up the size of the fleet, and the casualty figures.}}

Before long, history repeated itself (literally) as Fireflight and the Aerialbots had another time travel adventure involving Alpha Trion, only this time it involved the ancient Autobot himself traveling into the present from the past, back from when he was merely A-3. The Quintessons were experimenting with [[Time Window]] technology when Perceptor and a group of Autobots came across their work. Summoned for reinforcements, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] arrived with Superion and the other Autobots to drive the Quintessons off the asteroid. As the time window was left open, a robot named A-3 materialized on the asteroid. It wasn't until after the Quintessons convinced the Autobots that the window needed to be closed for the sake of the universe, and A-3 returned to his own time, that Fireflight and the Aerialbots realized they had once again been in the presence of "the father of the Autobots". {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

[[File:Fireflightfightorflee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45|Photo featuring Fireflight finding fireflies while flying and firing.]]
Once, Air Raid led the Decepticon duo of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] into an asteroid field where Fireflight and his fellow Aerialbots were waiting to spring an ambush. The Aerialbots messed the Decepticons up pretty badly, especially after they transformed into Superion. Eventually, Fireflight and the others chased the Decepticons through a strange warp in space. This proceeded to have no consequences for [[Sandstorm (G1)|anyone]] [[Paradron|whatsoever]]. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}}

Fireflight and the Aerialbots tried to stop the Decepticons' abduction of [[Octane]], and later showed up to stage an ambush for [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Fireflight and the Aerialbots were spending a relaxing day watching home movies on [[Teletraan II]] when things suddenly got serious, as the Autobots' computer off-handedly informed them [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] was never destroyed in his last battle with [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. When they tracked Trypticon to his new staging grounds, Fireflight and the Aerialbots launched from [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], but the Decepticon presence in [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] was more than they had anticipated. The Aerialbots made a hasty retreat when confronted with overwhelming firepower, but soon returned with reinforcements and drove the Decepticons from Carbombya. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

During a battle in space, Fireflight and the Aerialbots may or may not have been present. Superion, at least, was surely there on the planet [[Eurythma]]...sometimes. {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}

[[File:Fireflightfightorflee2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|"Sensors have turned up evidence of a dot, sir. It appears to be a red one."]]
After [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] took some hostile fire over the [[Junkion (planet)|planet of Junk]], Rodimus Prime dispatched Fireflight and the Aerialbots to investigate. They were caught in a crossfire between the brain-addled Junkions and the Quintessons, who were responsible for messing with the Junkions' air waves, and their minds. Even after becoming Superion, the Aerialbots took heavy fire and had to be brought back to [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] on Cybertron for repairs. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}} Later, Fireflight and the Aerialbots were working with Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus in Europe to fend off the latest wave of Decepticon attacks. When Trypticon arrived, they played the bi-planes to his [[King Kong]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

During the Decepticon invasion of Japan, the Aerialbots fought against [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] when he tried to derail a bullet train full of passengers. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Sometime thereafter, Fireflight and the Aerialbots were recruited by Rodimus Prime to rescue the body of Optimus Prime from [[Gregory Swofford|Swofford]] and [[Mark Morgan|Morgan]]. Unfortunately, this only meant they were among the first Autobots exposed to the [[Hate Plague]]. Despite the madness induced by the red dust, the Aerialbots were apparently still willing to form Superion. Superion ran amok, causing serious property damage, infecting [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and taking several other Autobots out of action. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} Fireflight and the others were eventually cured of the Hate Plague along with the entire planet when Optimus Prime unleashed the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

When the Decepticons invaded Cybertron searching for the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], the Aerialbots tried to stop them. Unfortunately, they didn't reckon with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]. Fireflight was knocked out of the sky when Sixshot turned into a winged wolf and tore his wings right off. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} The Aerialbots were next seen retreating in disarray from an advancing [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] as the battle on Cybertron continued. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}} The Aerialbots were ultimately defeated and had their [[power pack]]s removed to help fuel the rocket engine the Decepticons installed on Cybertron. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Scramble City=====
{{voiceactor|[[Yoku Shioya]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:ScrambleCity Fireflight Leg.jpg|thumb|left|170px]]
Fireflight and the Aerialbots were dispatched from the [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] project by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] to aid Optimus Prime in battle with the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Their aerial firepower frankly overwhelmed the marauding Decepticons, and sent them home with their transistors between their struts. On his second attempt, Megatron sent the Stunticons, who were considerably more successful in engaging the Autobots. Damaged in [[alternate mode|jet mode]]s, Fireflight and the Aerialbots chose instead to merge and form Superion. As Superion, they possessed scramble combining abilities, but so did the Stunticons when they formed Menasor. The Aerialbots were in the midst of reconfiguring their limb formation when Fireflight, being... well, a daydreaming idiot, mixed up whether he was supposed to be the right leg or the left. His indecision gave Menasor time to shoot him down, and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] assumed the place of Superion's right leg instead, corrupting his programming. Abashed by his boner, Fireflight teamed up with Optimus Prime to assault Menasor, and retook his place as Superion's limb. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
Fireflight was among the Autobots defending their base when the Decepticons came to steal the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Naoki Tatsuta]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Hm4 Superion Combines.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Fireflight and the Aerialbots were stationed at Autobot City on Earth in 2011. When Galvatron attacked Cybertron via the old [[space bridge]] network, the Aerialbots were summoned to Cybertron as reinforcements. They soon arrived with the [[Trainbot]]s and quickly joined the battle. Fireflight and his team formed Superion and battled [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and Devastator. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Later, the combined Aerialbots fought alongside [[Raiden]] and Defensor against the Decepticon combiners, and were nearly crushed when Bruticus collapsed a building on their position. They were bailed out by the arrival of the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]]. When [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] began his search for the [[Matrix of Leadership]] on Earth, Fireflight and the Aerialbots returned to the humans' planet to assist him. They confronted the Stunticons in the desert, pitting Superion against Menasor yet again. The battle was so fierce it eventually carried them to the Arctic where Hot Rod was searching. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

Fireflight and his flying comrades joined the [[Triple Changer]]s in distracting the Decepticons long enough for [[Twincast]] to sneak inside Trypticon and gather data on the [[Madmachine]]. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Sometime later, Fireflight and the Aerialbots were on a research vessel that passed near a [[Metamorphose|strange meteorite]]. The meteorite had been altered by Galvatron to produce magnetic warping waves whenever it detected metal, and so it sent the Aerialbots and their ship twisting through space. Although the Decepticons tried to intervene, the Autobots eventually recovered Fireflight and his injured colleagues. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

[[File:HM9 Aerialbots charge with Superion.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|For once his confusion is merited.]]
Following a lengthy repair cycle, Fireflight and the Aerialbots were ready for action when Galvatron and the Decepticons laid siege to Cybertron one last time. Transporting to Cybertron from Earth, they raced into battle (on foot, for some reason). Fireflight and the team got the drop on the Stunticons when they merged into Superion, smashing and scattering the 'Cons before they could form Menasor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} As the fighting continued, the Aerialbots battled Abominus as Superion and later separated to trade blaster fire with the Stunticons. The warring only came to an end once [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s bombs blew up [[Vector Sigma]] and annihilated the planet.{{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

When [[buridanka|a giant carnivorous plant]] attacked [[San Francisco]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] dispatched Fireflight and the Aerialbots to combat it. Although they made frequent bombing runs on the organism, the Aerialbots were unable to stop it. Only the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and his powerful giant [[Transtector]] brought an end to the creature's rampage. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Fireflight and the Aerialbots were part of a strike team that flew to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] to disrupt Scorponok's gathering of Decepticons. They immediately formed Superion upon entering the battle. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}

When one of Scorponok's Death Towers emerged in Washington D.C., Fireflight and the Aerialbots were dispatched to investigate it. As part of Superion, Fireflight participated in the Autobots final battle with Scorponok's Decepticons at the North Pole. He lent his energies to the Headmasters' [[Head Formation]] to revitalize Fortress Maximus at the critical moment. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====Metrowars=====
As part of Superion, Fireflight was stationed at [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] while it was under reconstruction after an attack from [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. {{storylink|Metrowars}}

=====''Unite Warriors''/''Legends''=====
In the 2030s, Fireflight and the Aerialbots deployed from Metroplex to put a stop to the Stunticons' latest bout of mischief. {{storylink|Today Is Us Stunticons' Annual Holiday Demolition Race!}} This led to a battle in which Superion battled and was defeated by [[Grand Scourge]], though he was saved by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], allowing the Aerialbots to escape. They went on to accompany Broadside to the [[Legends World]] and help him defeat [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], who then started living with them on Broadside's giant [[transtector]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 53|Bonus Edition Vol. 53}} The Aerialbots later visited Metroplex, another visitor to this world, and hosted their annual barbecue party on his city mode together with their old friend, [[Jumal|King Hassan]]. {{storylink|Today Is Energon BBQ!}} {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], the Autobots chose to support the [[Selector]]s in their revolution against their human creators and masters. As a result, Fireflight and the Aerialbots abandoned their friend [[Jumal]] in the Middle East to reunite with the Autobot forces. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
When the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] confronted Menasor at a baseball stadium, Fireflight and the Aerialbots arrived as back-up. They formed Superion to engage Menasor and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. After [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] was injured, Superion targeted the Decepticon combiners' legs, shaking them loose and giving the smaller Protectobots a chance to link up with the Decepticon gestalts and override control of their bodies. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}} After the Autobots discovered a utopia island paradise, it was besieged by Megatron and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who wanted to build an impregnable fortress. [[Kenji]] radioed for help, and Optimus Prime sent Fireflight and the Aerialbots to the rescue. As Superion they fought off [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] using their smarts to outthink the evil warriors. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
In [[2010]], Galvatron kidnapped Doctor [[Dalton]] of [[Eran]] to utilize his skills and improve the Decepticons' combiner technology. Fireflight and the Aerialbots joined the Protectobots in assaulting Trypticon, in hopes of rescuing the hostage scientist. Fireflight and his team formed Superion for a first strike, but the Decepticon combiners countered with their deployment modes, launching the Stunticon and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] troops with enough force to tear Superion apart. The Protectobots stood guard over [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] as he performed battlefield triage on the Aerialbots in his repair bay mode, bringing them back on-line. Silverbolt then transformed into launcher mode and unleashed Fireflight and the Aerialbots in their own scramble attack, blinding Menasor and Bruticus long enough for the Autobots to escape safely with Dalton. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====Full Throttle Scramble Power!====
The Decepticons, up to their usual tricks, threatened to plunder Earth's resources. The Aerialbots pleaded with Optimus Prime to allow them to deal with their bitter rivals, the Stunticons, currently attacking a powerplant. Though Optimus was hesitant at first, the Aerialbots being new and inexperienced, he allowed them this chance to prove themselves. The two teams met, and quickly combined into their gestalt forms to do battle. Though Superion was initially crippled by the [[Omega Wave Cannon]], a new weapon controlled by the Decepticons, he held his own until the Autobots dispatched enough reinforcements to turn the tide of battle, and send the Decepticons fleeing. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Aerialbots second generation.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|And, Fireflight's already wandering off to look at a pretty flower.]]
''Thanks to his previous connection to the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]], [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] began experiencing dreams and visions of new Transformers, beginning with an etching of Superion he made without even being consciously aware of it.'' {{storylink|Devastation Derby!}} ''By sharing his visions with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], Buster was able to clarify the images and understand the future of the evolution of the Cybertronian race—amalgam model robots like the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]' [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], capable of a more-streamlined merging into a more powerful form. {{storylink|Second Generation!}} Together, Optimus and Buster witnessed a prophetic vision in which Fireflight and the other Aerialbots assisted the Protectobots in defending the [[Pullen Power Plant]] from the Combaticons and the Stunticons by combining into their gestalt forms. {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} It was this vision which allowed Optimus Prime and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] to conceive of and construct the Aerialbots.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

Working on a plan to reverse engineer the gestalt technology the Decepticons had used to create Devastator, Optimus Prime and the Autobots staged a daring raid on the Decepticon base of operations, giving [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] enough time to digitally record the Constructicons' electrical transformation pattern for study. {{storylink|Command Performances!}} Working off that blueprint, Wheeljack successfully created Fireflight and the Aerialbots. During the new warriors' testing phase, however, the Autobots were alerted to a Decepticon operation at Hoover Dam. Only the Aerialbots were fast enough to reach the location in time, and so Prime was forced to send them into battle before their programming was completed.

[[File:MarvelUS21 firefogmissiles.JPG|upright=1.2|left|thumb|]]
The unfinished programming quickly proved to be an issue, however—only [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] had received the personality directives that made human safety a top priority. When Fireflight's dogfighting with [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] very nearly caused a deadly avalanche, the Aerialbot leader needed to directly order Fireflight to blast the rocks with his [[fire-fog missile]]s before anyone was killed.

The Aerialbots eventually turned the tide on the Decepticons and drove them off, giving them time to focus on the energy siphon which was the core of the problem. At Silverbolt's command, they merged into Superion and began dismantling the drill device. A problem arose, however, when [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s [[cerebro-shell]] controlled pawn [[Ricky Vasquez]] pointed [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (in his gun mode) at the giant Autobot. Because the majority of the Aerialbots were not programmed specifically to protect human life, Superion only saw a potential threat that needed to be eliminated. As the human fought against the Decepticons' control, Silverbolt too fought inside Superion's gestalt mind to protect the human. In the end, Silverbolt was forced to disengage Superion to keep him from destroying the human. Luckily, Ricky was more successful and managed to break the cerebro-shell's hold long enough to point Megatron at the drill and destroy it, ending the threat. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}

[[File:Aerialbots minds wiped marvel 22.jpg|thumb|As it turns out, Fireflight didn't have much of a mind to wipe.]]
After the near disaster at Hoover Dam, Optimus Prime had the Aerialbots shut down and their programming completely erased. Returned to a blank slate, he then inputed fully-programmed personalities for them with the Matrix before their next mission. It, uh...didn't help. In battle with [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] as Superion, the Aerialbots were attacked by [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]], deactivated, and captured by [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]]. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} As these humans' prisoners, the Aerialbots' bodies were disassembled for study, while their faces were mounted on Circuit Breaker's wall as trophies. They were only released, along with several other Autobot captives, after Circuit Breaker was forced to elicit their aid by combining them into a [[Circuit Breaker's Autobot suit|giant mechanical suit]] to defeat the [[Battlecharger]]s. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

{{GIJoeTransformersfiction}}
Optimus Prime sent Fireflight and the Aerialbots to back up Bumblebee as he investigated possible Decepticon activity at the unveiling of [[Power Station Alpha]]. They arrived just in time to see Bumblebee being blown away by the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] team guarding the power station and combined into Superion in an attempt to retrieve Bumblebee's body. {{storylink|Blood on the Tracks}} Upon learning that Optimus Prime had died in battle while the Aerialbots were on their mission, Superion immediately disengaged and returned to the Ark. {{storylink|Power Struggle}} Fireflight and the other Autobots aboard the Ark watched as [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] tried and failed to revive Optimus Prime. After their leader was declared irreparable, the Autobots held funerary services for him, and launched Optimus Prime's remains into space. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} Much later, the Autobots united with both G.I. Joe and [[Cobra]] against the Decepticons, who planned to use Power Station Alpha to destroy the world. Fireflight and the Aerialbots entered the battle and once more formed Superion, this time to defeat [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|...All Fall Down!}}

''The Aerialbots would battle Menasor again at a Blackrock plant, and this time the fusion worked so well everyone found out the others' weaknesses and neuroses. Silverbolt's shame over his fear of heights being found out by the others drove Superion into a vicious, brutal fury.'' {{storylink|...Perchance to Dream}}

''Later, Fireflight and the other Aerialbots fell under Jetfire's command, investigating enemy activity in a small East Coast town. Little did the group suspect that Jetfire had been tasked with undermining them throughout the mission in order to test their psychological limits. Upon pinpointing the Decepticons' signatures, Jetfire turned to Skydive for battle tactics, then immediately shot down his advice upon hearing it. Fireflight spoke up in defense of Skydive, only for Slingshot to also argue the point and rush a surprise attack. The rest of the team were forced to follow, lest Slingshot find himself at the enemy's mercy.''

''The Autobots were met with Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp, the latter holding [[Danny Phillips|a boy]] hostage. The human was taken from Skywarp's grasp, while a stray shot impacted the Decepticons' energon cache. Jetfire ordered Fireflight to take the boy to safety before the cache detonated. Fireflight was nervous over getting picked for the task, knowing full well that he was the most hazardous flier in his squad. Jetfire dismissed any objections, and Fireflight was forced to comply. As he had feared, the rough trip that followed banged up the human. The boy was safely brought to [[Jennifer Phillips|his mother]] outside, but upon seeing her son so shaken up, the woman shrieked at Fireflight to leave them alone. The Aerialbots were then called upon by Silverbolt to combine into Superion and chase down Starscream before he made himself scarce. But the combiner proved as destructive and slow-witted as ever, and his target escaped nonetheless. Despite the mission ending on a sour note, Jetfire gave the Aerialbots a positive review, having been unconscious during Superion's poor showing.'' {{storylink|The Return of the Transformers}}

As [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] took over the Autobots, Fireflight and the other Aerialbots took an extended leave of absence from the war, since the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] commander focused Autobot resources on repairing their fallen comrades and prepping the Ark to become spaceworthy again. The Autobot craft launched into orbit in pursuit of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who had been partaking in overtly mutinous behavior. Though the Autobots managed to capture Blaster's [[Blast Off (G1)|spaceship]], within it they only found a [[Spacehikers|quartet of small human children and a stuffed bear]]. In order to draw out his real target, Grimlock put the humans on trial, a procession which Fireflight attended. He was visibly displeased when Grimlock sentenced the kids to death for aiding Blaster, though thankfully this was all a ruse on Grimlock's end to draw Blaster into the open. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}}

''After the [[Nebulan]] [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] stole a power cell, Fireflight and Skydive were tasked with retrieving it. Their pursuit of Throttle's vehicle, the Decepticon [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]], took them over the ocean, where they accidentally shot him down, sending craft, passenger, and power cell all plunging down into the drink.'' {{storylink|Dreadwing Down!}}

[[File:Aerialbots buster marvel 50.jpg|thumb|left|And Fireflight's already wandering off to look for polar bears.]]
Sometime later, it was Fireflight, [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]], and [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] who were the first to respond to a distress call from Buster Witwicky, the Autobots' old human ally who had been the Decepticons' prisoner for nearly a year. They found the boy nearly frozen to death on an iceberg, and brought him to the care of his older brother, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], and the latter's binary bonded partner, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. But the Autobots had been led into a trap laid out by Starscream, who had planted Buster outside the Decepticons' secret base. Though a brief fire-exchange ensued, the Autobots and Decepticon forces joined when they realized that [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], planning to acquire the nigh-infinite power of the [[Underbase]], posed a greater threat. Together, they were able to prevent him from absorbing most of the Underbase's power. Unfortunately, the fraction Starscream did manage to take into himself still bestowed him with unimaginable power. In an effort to protect the Earth from his rampage, the Aerialbots were Starscream's first victims, wiped out in a single blast of cosmic power in the skies over [[New York City]]. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

Along with the other deactivated Autobots aboard the Ark, Fireflight and the Aerialbots were eventually revived by the [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] super-energy Grimlock and the Dinobots recovered from [[Hydrus Four]].

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[File:Aerialbots the house that wheeljack built.jpg|thumb|"Go that way, Fireflight! The way I'm pointing! No, the OTHER way!"]]
Fireflight was present with the entire Earthforce team outside Autobot Earthbase when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] unveiled his brand-new unbreachable defensive system. This was unfortunate, as Wheeljack had forgotten that, once activated, the system could only be turned off from the inside. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] elected to run the gauntlet and reach the shutdown console inside, and the Aerialbots provided air support for him. Fireflight and his buddies gunned down the [[Acid Bat]]s at the entryway, giving Prowl his chance to get through. {{storylink|The House that Wheeljack Built!}}

In a later battle, Fireflight and his team formed Superion... and were quickly taken over by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]. Superion never works out well in Marvel stories. {{storylink|Inside Story!}}

=====The Big Broadcast of 2006=====
{{NoteMarvelBB2006}}
[[File:Fireflight big broadcast of 2006.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
After receiving reports from [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] that [[Quintesson|strange goings-on]] were happening around the [[Junkion (planet)|planet of Junk]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]] sent Fireflight and the Aerialbots to investigate. Encountering a [[Quintesson Cruiser]] above the planet, they approached it only to be caught in a crossfire between it and the inhabitants on the world below. Fireflight managed to tag the Quintesson ship with his [[photon displacer gun]], giving the Aerialbots the opening they need to form Superion. The gestalt fired his jets at the ship's force fields, and the resultant explosion not only damaged the Quintesson craft, but also knocked Superion unconscious. He was recovered by Sky Lynx, who returned him to Cybertron for repairs. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|Transformers in Action: He Who Laughs Last ...}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 13|The Energon Trap}}}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:G28 skywarp to the rescue.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|Actually, he didn't notice [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] pop out in front of him. He was looking at a cloud shaped like a giraffe.]]
After the defeat of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his Decepticons on [[Klo]], the Autobots split into smaller combat units throughout the universe. Once Optimus Prime and Grimlock learned of the threat posed by the second generation [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian army]], though, the Autobot forces reconsolidated under their command. Fireflight and the other Aerialbots were first seen after the Autobots had retreated to an asteroid sanctuary for retraining. They were, um, outsmarted by [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] during the war games, and led into a Dinobot ambush. {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}}

Later on, Fireflight was fighting with his fellow Aerialbots in the skies of [[Ethos]], defending the planet against genocide by the [[Ethos raiding party|Cybertronian forces]]. Even Skydive's battle plans weren't doing any good, however, and Fireflight was about to give up the fight when the cavalry arrived, in the form of the Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] and [[Rotor Force]]. {{storylink|Escalation!}} The Autobot/Decepticon alliance soon stood against the Cybertronians at Autobase on Earth. Fireflight was seen working a one-two combo with [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]—he'd knock jets out of the sky, and the Dinobot would roast 'em when they hit the ground. {{storylink|Total War!}}

====''Regeneration One''====
[[File:Aerialbots destiny.jpg|thumb|He's not wandering off yet, but only because the mission got aborted before he could.]]
{{NoteRG1}}
After Silverbolt was reformatted into a new [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]]-free body, he was reunited with Fireflight and the rest of the Aerialbots, flying scouting missions for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s [[Cybertronian Civil Defense]]. They were recalled to base before they were able to stumble upon [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s Neo-Decepticons, which may have been fortunate as Soundwave had [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] waiting for them. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Three}} Soon after that Fireflight and the Aerialbots flew alongside [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] as he located Ultra Magnus, missing since his first bout with [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]], and updated him regarding the arrival of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s ''[[Warworld]]'' and its invading army of [[Blitz Engine]]s above Cybertron. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Four}} Fireflight and the Aerialbots then joined Blades, [[Doubleheader]], [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]], [[Dogfight (G1)|Dogfight]] and [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] in attacking the ''Warworld'' directly, providing a distraction so that the [[Wreckers]] could sneak aboard. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Five}}

===The Special Teams===
Fireflight was created on Cybertron, where Vector Sigma first ignited the spark of life within him. Fireflight, and the rest of the Aerialbots were nearly convinced to join the Decepticons upon their initial alliance with the Autobots. This was due to a fault in the Aerialbots’ programming, present due to a sudden drop in the mega-computer when they were being created. The Aerialbots were sent over by Optimus to help the Protectobots defend the [[Pullen Power Plant]] from the Decepticons. As they flew towards the plant, Skydive and Fireflight crossed paths with Blast Off, and recognized that he was wearing a Decepticon badge. The Aerialbots then combined into Superion to even the odds against Menasor and Bruticus. Bruticus fell early in the battle, prompting the Aerialbots to separate and give chase to Starscream while Defensor took over the fight with Menasor. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
When an Autobot salvage expedition was unexpectedly ambushed by Decepticons, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] became concerned that the Cons had developed a new form of surveillance. Silverbolt suggested his men perform a full scan of the area for any spy installation. The Aerialbots were unable to locate any sites on the ground, but a ghost of a radar contact at high altitude caught their attention. Forming Superion, they flew as high as possible and confirmed that ''something'' was out there in the upper atmosphere. {{storylink|Galvatron's Air Attack}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
At some point in Cybertronian history, roughly around the time of the [[Dark Ages]], Fireflight and his Aerialbot comrades became a combiner subgroup, able to merge to form Superion. Because Superion and his fellow super-robots began causing too much sheer devastation during the war, however, the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]]s were signed by the various factions, prohibiting the use of super-robots. Combiner sub-group members could either join different factions separately (like [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]) or remain together as a neutral, unaligned group (like the Protectobots). What Slingshot and the Aerialbots chose to do is unknown. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

[[File:PrimeDirective4 superion bombed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|At least he mostly avoided being drawn by [[Pat Lee]].]]
At some point in the late 20th century, Fireflight and the Aerialbots joined the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] in fighting the Decepticons on Earth. and his comrades fought alongside Optimus Prime and his crew until [[Operation Liberation]] eliminated the Decepticon threat in 1999. Tragically, they and the rest of the Autobots were believed destroyed following the explosion of the [[Ark II]], though in reality the ship was sabotaged by the rogue engineer-turned arms dealer Adam Rook, known as [[Lazarus]], and General [[Robert Hallo]], who planned on reprogramming the Transformers into the service of the United States military. The Aerialbots were some of the few Transformers who were not recovered by Lazarus for his reprogramming venture, now aimed at hiring out the Transformers to the highest bidder. Instead, they lay immobile in the Arctic waters until reactivated as Superion in 2002 by Optimus Prime, using the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}}

Fireflight and the Aerialbots in their Superion form, battled the Decepticons in the Northwest Territories of [[Canada]] {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} and again in [[San Francisco]]. However, during the initial skirmish, Superion was broken down into his individual components by the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], giving the Decepticons an advantage. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} When Megatron failed to convince Optimus Prime to join his cause, Silverbolt and his team were freed and eventually reunified in order to intercept a nuclear missile (launched by General Hallo) headed for the California coastline. Superion, and by extension the Aerialbots, were destroyed in stopping the missile. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

Their remains were collected secretly by [[Earth Defense Command]] and held in Area 51. {{storylink|Generation 1 issue 0|Generation 1 #0}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
The Aerialbots were awakened on the [[Fera Islands]] in [[1939]] and were reformatted as [[World War II]]-era fighter planes. After joining the battle against [[Cobra]] and the Decepticons, Fireflight and the others battled the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], forcing them back. {{storylink|Trial by Fire}} When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] fell off a cliff, the Aerialbots combined into Superion and rescued them. {{storylink|Wolves}}

As Superion, they came under fire from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], {{storylink|Trenches}} eventually succumbing to his firepower, and were destroyed. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Chaos Part Two: Numbers|''Transformers vol. 1'' #26]]
Early in the war, the Aerialbots responded to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime's]] rallying call for additional support against the Decepticons and fought against the Seekers in the battle that followed. {{storylink|Broadcast}} He and the Aerialbots also provided air cover when [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] emerged from the remains of the Toraxxis mega-refinery. {{storylink|The Illusion of Control}}

Thousands of years later, Fireflight was among the Autobots poised to fight against [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s army on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Led by [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], he and the other Autobot fliers attacked [[Kimia Facility]] and fought with the many [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s defending it. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers}}

[[File:StickTogether-Aerialbots.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.6]]
Fireflight and his fellow Aerialbots worked crowd control on the Decepticons after Ratbat was murdered. He later followed Silverbolt's lead along with the rest of the Aerialbots in deserting Bumblebee's fledgling government. {{storylink|Stick Together}}

Out in the wilderness, Fireflight and the Aerialbots fell victim to a mysterious signal produced by Megatron and Shockwave to disorient them, and turn them against one another. Their systems uniquely compensated for this phenomenon by becoming a naturally-occurring gestalt warrior, the five of them physically and mentally fusing into a new being named Superion. {{storylink|Night and the City}}

Superion soon fell in battle against a Prowl-controlled Devastator, leaving all the surviving Aerialbots comatose and on life support. {{storylink|Three Monologues}} They were eventually rebuilt and resuscitated through the efforts of [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] and the [[Enigma of Combination]], {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}}. As part of Starscream's political maneuvers, Fireflight and the new Aerialbots were deployed to [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] to stop Menasor. Superion was able to dispatch the Stunticon combiner. {{storylink|The Sum and Its Parts}} Following a clash with Devastator, Superion was briefly reduced to his components, although Starscream thought otherwise and forcibly reintegrated the Aerialbots back into Superion. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}}

[[File:LastStand FireflightBuzzclaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|Fireflight tries a jump kick in zero-g because of course he does.]]

Much to Optimus Prime's concern, Superion hadn't separated since the fight with Devastator; Prowl commented that for all intents and purposes Superion ''was'' the new default form for the Aerialbots. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}}

As Superion joined Optimus Prime's Autobots on [[Earth]], he disassembled into his individual Aerialbot components from time to time. Fireflight and the Aerialbots performed a "bombing" run in the arid desert, releasing payloads that caused dramatic botanical growth where they fell, providing food to support the local humans. Fireflight and the Aerialbots then fled the air resistance they faced, reluctantly holding to Prime's orders to not engage any human counter-strikes. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 2: Edge of the Earth|Edge of the Earth}}

During a conflict with [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]], however, the ancient Decepticon manipulated the power of the Enigma of Combination through the Onyx Interface's source code, creating new combiners under his control and disrupting existing ones. As a natural-born combiner, uncreated by the Enigma, Superion had some immunity. He copied and isolated the Onyx code into his own core-processor then dismantled himself, neutralizing the Onyx code so long as the Aerialbots remained separated. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}} Fireflight and the other discombobulated Aerialbots were recovered from the site of the ocean battle {{storylink|White Light}} and returned to the newly established [[Metrotitan (G1)|Autobot City]] to recover. {{storylink|White Heat}}

Fireflight and the Aerialbots returned to Cybertron and took to the skies when [[Shockwave (G1)|Onyx Prime]] descended on their homeworld in his [[Nemesis (BW)|personal vessel]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}} He was also part of Optimus Prime's fleet that confronted [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] and the [[Maximal]] army in orbit above [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]. During that battle, he fought hand-to-hand (or foot-to-face) with [[Buzzclaw (BW)|Buzzclaw]]. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} Fireflight engaged Unicron's forces again when the planet-eater attacked Cybertron. {{storylink|Our Finest}} On Earth, he combined with his fellow Aerialbots into Superion to help defeat Unicron for good. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

===''Kre-O'' comic===
Air Raid and Fireflight were surprised to learn the Aerialbots' leader Silverbolt was afraid of heights, but modified their fighting style as the combined Superion to compensate for Silverbolt's phobia. {{storylink|Kre-O Micro-Changers Combiners comic}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
Pursuing the [[AllSpark]] after it had been launched into space, Fireflight was one of the many Autobots who found their way to [[Earth]]. There, he participated in a great battle within a human settlement against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
Captured twice by Decepticon prison units, each of the Autobot's escapes have been followed by him changing his own name. Whether or not he views each prison break as a fresh start for his service record, it's definitely made it harder to track his history! {{storylink|Fireflight (G1)#Combiner Wars|''Generations Combiner Wars'' pack-in comic bio}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
During his invasion of Cybertron, [[King Sombra]] used his magic to enslave many Cybertronians, including Fireflight and the other Aerialbots. As Superion, the Aerialbots attacked the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, but [[Spike (MLP)|Spike]] broke through Sombra's mind control and forced them to de-combine. {{storylink|The Mightiest Dinobot}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Fireflight and the rest of the Aerialbots flew over a barren, rocky terrain to meet against the Stunticons. Both teams combined, and their gestalt forms engaged in a no-holds-barred slug-fest. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Aerialbots and Stunticons|Aerialbots and Stunticons commercial}}
*Fireflight and the Aerialbots received a message from Optimus Prime alerting them that [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] was wreaking havoc in a human city, and that the threat was "bigger than ever." The Aerialbots combined into Superion to better combat the Decepticon. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#2015|Transformers Generations: Combiner Wars commercials}}
*After being upgraded to their "Generation 2" bodies, the Aerialbots flew over some suburbs, greatly impressing a young boy. They then merged into Superion to duel against [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 2#Aerialbots and Combaticons|Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons commercial}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
When the Autobots learned that the Decepticons were planning to create a new batch of Decepticons, the Autobots responded by returning to Cybertron and building the Aerialbots. Both they and the Stunticons were broughtto life at the same time before Vector Sigma, and Fireflight and the Aerialbots fought to defend the supercomputer from the Decepticons. Though it seemed that the Decepticons might win thanks to the power of Menasor, the Aerialbots managed to rout the Decepticons and chase them away. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1 (Legends)|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} Fireflight and the rest of the Aerialbots clashed against the Stunticons once more on Earth, when the Decepticons attempted to use the power of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to transform the planet into a new Cybertron. He and his teammates merged into Superion, and they were ultimately victorious. {{storylink|Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

Silverbolt, Skydive, and Fireflight were sent to intercept [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]'s convoy, which was delivering part of a super weapon to Decepticon HQ. Their attack resulted in the Decepticons destroying their own weapon to keep it out of Autobot hands. {{storylink|Eagle Eyes}} During an attack by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], Fireflight and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] retrieved [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[transformation cog]] so that the giant could transform and counterattack. {{storylink|Monstrosity}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsFirefly.jpg|300px|thumb|You just know he's wandering off into Super Mario Brothers...]]
Firefly participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Uncommon character that could be recruited by collecting 65 units of Cybermetal, and 30 units of Transmetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:FireflyEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|"You see, Firefly is the most unreliable, because he flew off once. Well actually, more than once."
<br>"Not my fault. Slingshot did it."
<br>"SLINGSHOT'S [[The World of Tomorrow|DEAD]] YOU IDIOT!"]]

The opposite of covert, this recon specialist relies on his speed and daredevil evasive tactics. Firefly's color and markings are bold and brash, and that's his nature too - why hide when you can blast across enemy territory and out again before anyone can even react. He almost dares others to try and match him. But there's a shifty side to Firefly - He's changed his name more than once and no one quite knows why. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Firefly Bio}}

Firefly was sent to Earth during the battle of the Codex key, and as such with his Aerialbot brethren, helped perform key precision strikes on important buildings. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Codex Showdown Campaign}}

Firefly also combined with his teammates to form Superion! {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Combiner Wars Campaign}}

*'''Class''': Aerial
*'''Lowest Star rating''': 1 star
*'''Weapons''': Firefly uses a gun that zaps targets.
*'''Abilities: Air Strike''': Shoots down 4 precision rockets to deal moderate damage.
**'''Cost''': 4 ability points. +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:firefly Firefly at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
The absent-minded Fireflight was a member of the Aerialbots. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}} The Aerialbots were among the many Transformers summoned to the [[Apex (RPG)|Apex]], where they provided air support and covering fire for other heroes. {{storylink|Worlds Collide: Battle for the Multiverse}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1Fireflight toy.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Interchangeable Jet Dude 3]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Fireflight''' (Aerialbot, [[1986]]/[[1990]]/[[1991]])}}</ul>
:*''Team ID number'': '''A3'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''C-52'''
:*''Accessories'': [[photon displacer gun]]
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the third year of the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline (second in the European and Japanese toylines), Aerialbot Fireflight transforms into a red F-4 Phantom II with white wings. He can also combine with his fellow Aerialbots to form the super robot [[Superion (G1)#Toys|Superion]]. As a ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|Scramble City]]''-style combiner, he can form an arm or leg to any combination of compatible robots, but his nominal location is as Superion's right arm.

: In 1990, Fireflight was offered as a mail away by the Weetabix Breakfast Cereal in the UK. [[Stunticon (G1)#Toys|Stunticon]] [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] was available in the same offer.

: In Japan, the Aerialbots were also later all made available again as mail-away items during ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1991 (Return of Convoy)|Return of Convoy]]''. The smaller toys cost 1000 yen (120 more than their original retail price!) and 2 [[Robot Point|robot points]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Fireflight/fireflight.htm More information on Fireflight at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Superion}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Superion''' (Multi-pack, [[1986]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''C-55'''
:*''Accessories'': "Photon displacer gun"

: Fireflight was also available in a full Superion gift set, packed along with [[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]], [[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|Air Raid]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Toys|Skydive]], and [[Slingshot (G1)#Toys|Slingshot]].

: All of the toys in the set are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|1990Classic}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Fireflight''' (Aerialbot, 1990)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Photon displacer gun"

:Fireflight, along with his teammates, was rereleased without changes as part of the 1990 European "gold-box" [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] reissue line.
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-Fireflight-Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a2|'''Fireflight''' (Aerialbot, [[1994]])}}</ul>
:*''Team ID number:'' '''A3'''
:*''Accessories'': photon displacer gun
{{toydesigner|[[Jeffrey Mangiat]] (packaging artist)}}

:One of the few actual [[repaint]]s of the line, Fireflight retains the same colors as his G1 predecessor, but features more silver paint (primarily on the chest), an Autobot tampograph and different stickers.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Autobot/Fireflight/fireflight.htm More information on ''Generation 2'' Fireflight at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Classics2006 Legends Fireflight.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|"Huh? I got a new toy? When did that happen?"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Fireflight''' (Legends, [[2006]])}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

:Fireflight is a red and beige [[redeco]] of [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] [[Jetfire (Armada)#LOC|Jetfire]], transforming into a cargo plane. In his plane form, the tail section can be swiveled up to form an attack mode. He was going to be named "[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]]", but the [[trademark]] was unavailable, so his name and identity were changed.

:The [[redeco]] was also once conceived as [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], but there was too much white already in the toyline, thus it was changed to Powerglide, and then Fireflight. Identity crisis, anyone?

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Universe (2008)|Skydive]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsFireflight/fireflight.htm More information on ''Classics'' Fireflight at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe2008 Fireflight.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|We actually found this picture wandering off into Skydive's page.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Superion''' (Multi-pack, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' G1 Series
:*''Accessories:'' shield/double-cannon, Autobot-type [[energon star]]
:Available only as a component of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Superion, this version of Fireflight is a dark brown and grey redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Sky Shadow (Energon)#Toys|Sky Shadow]]/[[Terradive (Energon)#Toys|Terradive]] mold, transforming into an A-10 "Thunderbolt" plane. He can also form a leg or arm to any ''Energon''-series "[[Powerlinx]] [[Combiner]]" super robot, though his nominal placement is as the right leg to Superion. He comes with a shield/double cannon that can become a footplate or "hand" for his combined mode, plus a blue "super energon" Autobot-style energon star that fits over his [[spark crystal]].

:He shares his mold with fellow Superion pack-mate [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#2008Superion|Skydive]].

:Fireflight was first released, along with the others in this box set, in [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] packaging in Australia and Singapore. The set was later released as a Target-[[exclusive]] set in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] packaging for North America. Thus, this toy doubles as [[live-action film series|live-action continuity]] [[Fireflight (ROTF)|Fireflight]].

:This mold was also used to make [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]-[[exclusive]] ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Skyfall (Cybertron)#Toys|Skyfall]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Fireflight/fireflight.htm More information on Fireflight at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShots 5pack Firestrike.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Air Force''' (Five-pack, 2013)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': '''2'''
:*''Number'': '''T014'''
::*''Fist strength'': '''546'''
::*''Blaster strength'': '''858'''
::*''Sword strength'': '''206'''
:"Autobot Firestrike" is a redeco of the [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Starscream]] mold. As such, he turns into a super-deformed jet with a spring-loaded transformation back into robot mode. He was available in a five-pack with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Slingshot (G1)|Quickslinger]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], and [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSFirestrike/firestrike.htm More information on ''Bot Shots'' Firestrike at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy Firestrike.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Superion''' w/ [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], and Firestrike Kreons}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}
:Firestrike comes as part of the [[Superion (G1)#Kre-O|Superion]] [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, and can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a jet. He can also contribute his bricks to form Superion.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/Kre-OFirestrike/firestrike.htm More information on Firestrike at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Set number'': '''???'''
:*''Pieces'': '''245'''
:3 years later, the 3 Micro-Changer combiners, Superion, Bruticus, and Menasor were reissued and released as a 3-pack. The toys were unchanged from their individual releases, though the Firestrike's Kreon name was changed into "Firefly" due to trademark re-availability.
{{-}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:Generationstoy-Firefly.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Cobraaaaaa!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Firefly''' (Deluxe Class, 2015)}}</ul>
:*'''5 OF 5: [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]'''
:*''Accessories'': Rifle, gun/fist/foot
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}
:"Firefly" is part of the first wave of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Deluxe Class toys. He transforms from robot into a modified red and white {{w|Harrier Jump Jet}}, as well as either an arm or a leg for [[Superion (G1)#Generations|Superion]] or into one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber]]'s legs. To help this latter portion along, he comes with a weapon that transforms into either a foot or a hand. He is also be able to form either an arm or leg on any Voyager Class toys from the ''Combiner Wars'' subline or any ''Unite Warriors'' figure as well. His instructions state that he forms the left leg of Superion and highlights this leg in red, the image however shows Skydive with Firefly actually shown being the left arm. He is also officially associated with [[Ultra Prime#Generations|Ultra Prime]]. Firefly comes with a collector card featuring art from the "[[Eagle Eyes]]" episode of ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]''.

:Unlike his teammates, Firefly's head design is based off that of his G1's toy rather than his cartoon model.

:The design of ''Combiner Wars'' Firefly's gun is inspired by [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]'s [[nega-gun]], presumably as a direct or indirect result of his and Fireflight's weapons being swapped in their [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[package art]].

:As a part of the first and second wave promotion in Hasbro's Asian markets, a free sticker sheet for the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s was given out when purchasing any four Deluxe Class toys from those waves. As such, Firefly was given Generation 1 toy-esque stickers for the owner to apply if they wanted.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-generations-combiner-wars-free-g1-sticker-sheet-with-tru-singapore/32469/ Aerialbot and Stunticon sticker promotion on Seibertron.com]</ref>

:Firefly was [[retool]]ed into ''Combiner Wars'' [[Slingshot (G1)#Generations|Quickslinger]]/''Unite Warriors'' Sling, who was then [[redeco]]ed into ''Combiner Wars'' [[Blast Off (G1)#CombinerWars|Blast Off]], with the original version of the mold being [[redeco]]ed into [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service|TFSS]] 4.0 [[Needlenose (G1)#Generations|Needlenose]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/CWFirefly/firefly.htm More information on Combiner Wars Firefly at TFU.info]''
{{CWFireflyMold}}
{{-}}
{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|GenerationsG2}}
[[File:Generations-Combiner-Wars-G2-Firefly.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|They really didn't change me much...]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Superion''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' rifle, individual Aerialbots guns/fists/feet
:A G2-themed redeco of ''Combiner Wars'' Firefly is packed along with the other Aerialbots (including [[Powerglide (G1)#CWG2|Powerglide]]), and sold as a [[giftset]].

:The Superion "Collection Pack" was (at least in theory) a "shared exclusive" between various online retailers (such as [[Hasbro Toy Shop]],[[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], [[BigBadToyStore]], and Entertainment Earth) and the online storefronts of major "big box" retailers (such as [[Toys"R"Us]], [[Walmart]], [[Target]], and [[Kmart]]). It was still available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets, though.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/CWFirefly/firefly.htm More information on Combiner Wars G2 Firefly at TFU.info]''
{{CWFireflyMold}}
{{--}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW01-Fireflight.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Superion''' (Multi-pack, [[2015]]/[[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''UW-01'''
:*''Release date'': [[June 27]], 2015 / [[February 23]], 2019
:*''Accessories'': Rifle, gun/fist/foot
{{toydesigner|[[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:Takara's ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' "Firebolt" is a redeco of his ''Combiner Wars'' iteration, now decoed to be ''extremely'' cartoon "accurate". So accurate that there are black stripes on the top of his jet mode, details from the animation model replicating the black support struts for the nosecone and tail from the original Fireflight toy.

:He can also transform into either an arm or a leg for any ''Combiner Wars''-style combiner, or into [[Godbomber#Legends|Godbomber]]'s legs, but his nominal placement is as the right arm for [[Superion (G1)#Unite Warriors|Superion]]. Thus he also comes with a large weapon that transforms into either a foot or a hand for the combiner.

:Firebolt was only available in a Superion multi-pack with the other Airbots, which was also reissued nearly four years later.
{{CWFireflyMold}}
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Blunderbuss & Broadside''' (Voyager Class, 2017)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}
:''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Broadside (G1)#Generations|Broadside]] comes with tiny Aerialbot jets (specifically in the alternate modes of their ''Combiner Wars'' figures) molded on a sprue; once cut off this sprue, the jets can be attached to his carrier and robot mode ports.

===''Legends''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Broadside''' ([[November 25]], [[2017]])}}</ul>
**''ID number'': '''LG53'''
:The ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' release of Broadside also includes the sprue holding the five Airbots, redecoed in a different shade of gray to match Broadside's cartoon-accurate appearance.

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:AOTP-Fireflight.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Geewunner purity test - name which Aerialbot is which without looking it up.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aerialbot Fireflight''' (Deluxe Class, [[2025]])}}</ul>
:*'''4 of 5: [[Superion (G1)#Age of the Primes|Superion]]'''
:*'''Accessories''': blasters
:Part of the third wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' Deluxes, "Aerialbot Fireflight" is a retool of [[Slingshot (G1)#Age of the Primes|Aerialbot Slingshot]], with almost everything being new, turning from a cartoon-accurate robot into an unlicensed approximation of a F-4 Phantom.

:He comes with two identical double-barreled blasters which can store under his wings in jet mode.

:His biggest feature, however, is his ability to transform into an arm (which involves bisection at the waist) to connect to the frame included with Commander Class [[Silverbolt (G1)#Age of the Primes|Silverbolt]] to help form Superion. Unlike the ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' [[Stunticon (G1)#Legacy|Stunticons]] before him, though, he can alternate between either of the combiner's arms instead of being confined to one. However, his nominal position is as the right arm.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W2Fireflight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Fireflight, Sky High Recon''' (2019)
**'''Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T25/T46'''
**''Stars: ''5
:Fireflight, Sky High Recon was released as part of the ''[[Transformers Trading Card Game]]'' Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners. Like all other members of [[combiner]] teams released in the set, Fireflight, Sky High Recon is a folding card, with the Bot and Alt modes being depicted when the card is folded in half, and a holofoil portion of the the combined mode depicted when unfolded. The reverse of Fireflight, Sky High Recon depicts [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]'s left leg, which is formed by Air Raid in the artwork.

:The artwork for Bot Mode is reused from the ''Combiner Wars'' Firefly toy's packaging art, and is based on said figure.

:Fireflight, Sky High Recon can be used to form Superion, Sky Protector with the use of the Action card [[Enigma of Combination|Aerialbot Enigma]] while he and the other Wave 2 Aerialbots are in Bot mode on the battlefield or KO area.
{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Superion and Menasor.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Superion & Menasor Set''' ([[February 6]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''37 & 38'''

:Released as part of the sixth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (with his components Fireflight, [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] and [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]) and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (with ''his'' components [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] and [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]]) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#37|Translation of Superion's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
*Fireflight's [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] robot mode [[character model]] is a little hard to follow. His wings on his legs are drawn spread out, much like the ones on his back, yet from the back view they are drawn folded against his legs. This seemed to cause confusion for animators too, as his wings are positioned differently throughout his various appearances in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]]. Speaking of the back view, Fireflight's robot arms are hilariously still in their folded up vehicle mode positions on his compact jet backpack. The wings and tail fins also seem to have been swapped around.
*According to James Roberts in an online interview, Fireflight was intending to join the crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' during the events of [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|''More Than Meets The Eye'' #1]] but was talked out of it at the last minute by "someone with a vested interest." <ref>http://www.craveonline.com/comics/interviews/182693-james-roberts-and-the-transformers-renaissance</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Firebolt''' (ファイアボルト ''Faiaboruto'')
*''French:'' '''Boule de Feu''' (Canada, ''Generation 1'', "Fireball"), '''Flammèche''' (Canada, ''Generation 2'', "Fireflight")
*''Italian:'' '''Optor'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Fēihuǒ''' (China, 飞火, "Flying Fire")
*''Russian:'' '''Ognemjot''' (Огнемёт, "Flame Thrower")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Age of the Primes Autobots]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Aerialbots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]