Mobile Battle Bunker

As opposed to those mobile shopping bunkers you see everywhere.

A Mobile Battle Bunker is a multipurpose vehicle capable of assuming armored personnel carrier, assault vehicle, or battle base modes. At least one such vehicle is commanded by Bumblebee as part of a vast array of specialized equipment the Autobot can use as he deems necessary.

Games

Cyberverse Battle Builder

Bumblebee joined the rest of the Autobots in combating the Decepticons on battlefields on Earth, the Earth's Moon and on Cybertron. Sometimes he was armed with the Mobile Battle Bunker. Cyberverse Battle Builder

Toys

Dark of the Moon

• Bumblebee / Mobile Battle Bunker (Cyberverse Action Set, 2011)

• Series / Number: 1 / 001
• Japanese ID number: CV02
• Accessories: jetpack, turret, missile, backdrop
• Known designers: Joe Kyde (Hasbro), Hisao Nishimoto (TakaraTomy)

Part of the first wave of Dark of the Moon Cyberverse Action Sets, the Mobile Battle Bunker is a green and gray APC, included with a redeco of Cyberverse Legion Class Bumblebee. Bumblebee or any similarly-sized Legion-class figure can be carried on either of two car-carrier-like trays, such as the one on the roof, and the one forming a trailer of sorts at the rear. There are three ports on each side, as well as two on the roof, to attach Cyberverse 3mm post weapons.

The APC can convert into a “Battle Base” mode, featuring a ramp that can launch Legion Class cars (or other similarly-sized wheeled vehicles), two mounting ports for MechTech 5mm post weapons, and an articulated firing missile launcher which can be left in a central location, moved to either MechTech port, or handheld (via 5mm post) by either Cyberverse figures or larger toys. Interestingly, the missile has a 3mm handle on the middle, allowing it to be held as a gun by Bumblebee or other Cyberverse figures. The base also has a C joint bar and clip at the extreme ends so that it can be combined with other Cyberverse bases.

The Mobile Battle Bunker also has an “Assault Vehicle Mode”, wherein the vehicle mode is essentially turned backwards, with the missile launcher deployed and the trailer/ramp folded up as a shield.

Also included is a jetpack resembling a B-2 Spirit with hinged wings that can clip to Bumblebee. For the initial United States release, the jetpack allows for the wings to move freely into any position unrestricted. The European version, at least, features a minor retool that adds a small notch/peg system that helps to lock the wings in either "shield/armor" mode or jetpack.

Like the other action sets, this set's packaging includes a cardboard display backdrop. This time, it is of an industrial area, with a power plant of some sort in the background, with storage tanks to the sides. Oh, and there's fire and explosions everywhere.

The stock photos used on the packaging and in the instructions are at odds with the actual instructions themselves: For example, the stock photos show the jetpack attached to Bumblebee with its wings pointed down, whereas the instructions depict them pointing upwards. Furthermore, for the APC mode, the stock photos show the jetpack resting on its roof, where there is no way to actually attach it on the toy. The instructions instead correctly show how to store the jetpack (and the missile) underneath the rear platform (though in base mode this will prevent the ramp from folding down properly).

• More information on the Mobile Battle Bunker (with Bumblebee) at TFU.info

• Cybertronian Warriors Pack (Cyberverse multi-pack, 2011)

• Accessories: jetpack, turret, missile
• Known designers: Andrew Scribner (deco artist)

For this Toys"R"Us exclusive multi-pack commemorating a hilarious and probably very expensive moment of stupidity on the Dark of the Moon set, the Mobile Battle Bunker was redecoed in gray and black. It was packaged with redecoed versions of Bumblebee, Ironhide, Crankcase, and Barricade.

With matching paint jobs (the dark grayish black and bronze are near perfect matches), it appears as if this version is intended to go with the included Ironhide more so than the included Bumblebee.

The jetpack included with the Mobile Battle Bunker is the retooled version with the added pegs and notches.

• More information on Cybertronian Warriors Mobile Battle Bunker (with Bumblebee) at TFU.info

Notes

• The Mobile Battle Bunker's APC mode is called such because it is based on that type of human vehicle, but thanks to its car carrier features, it can serve a similar purpose for Autobots as well.
• Neither version of the Mobile Battle Bunker is mentioned in its own package bio.
• The Mobile Battle Bunker shares its name with a G.I. Joe vehicle. The two vehicles bear only the vaguest of resemblances to each other.