Combat Deck (G1)

Combat Deck is a component of Autobot leader Optimus Prime from the Generation 1 continuity family.

The Combat Deck as it flies through space and attacks Devastator's hand. Hubba-jubba-wha?!

When transforming out of vehicle mode, Optimus Prime splits into three components:

• His primary robot mode, occasionally called the Brain Center.^[1]
• A wheeled drone module known as Roller.
• A Combat Deck, the transformed form of his trailer.

Although Optimus Prime can function as three independent modules, injury to any one module is felt by the other two.

Prime can operate by remote-control his Combat Deck module up to a distance of 1500 feet. The Auto-Launcher mounted on the deck can use a variety of artillery and radiation beam weapons, including most of those used by his fellow Autobots. The launcher also includes a highly dexterous grapple-arm which allows it to load itself and change its weaponry. The communications disk antenna mounted on the launcher provides a link between Optimus and all his fellow Autobots within a radius of 50 miles. It can be adapted to a satellite hook-up that increases its effective range tenfold. (Occasionally, though, the antenna can be replaced by a second claw, as indicated in the photo to the right.)

Unlike Roller, the Combat Deck does not possess autonomous intelligence, but it has shown several times the strange ability to come and go out of nowhere. Spooky...

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

Marvel The Transformers comics

Marvel decided to go with the lucky draw version.

When the Ark's computer was awakened by the eruption of Mount St. Hilary in 1984, it dispatched "revival drones" to reanimate the Autobots and Decepticons on board. Two of these drones bore a striking resemblance to the Combat Deck, and they were the ones that reactivated most, if not all of the Ark's passengers. The Transformers

Later, a drone assisted Ratchet in repairing the Ark. Prisoner of War!

As part of a plan to fake his own death, Optimus Prime stored a facsimile construct of himself in his trailer and went off alone. He was ambushed by Megatron and the Predacons and thrown clear of his trailer. Showing uncommon sportsmanship, Megatron gave Optimus a ten minute head start before he sent the Predacons to hunt for him. Thinking he lost them, Optimus Prime doubled back to his trailer and started to remove the facsimile. Megatron was waiting for him and fired his fusion cannon. He missed Prime's robot component but hit his trailer component, causing Prime pain. The Predacons returned and betrayed Megatron, stealing his fusion cannon and leaving him alone to fight Prime. Prime got the upper hand and Megatron opened up a space bridge to flee. Both Prime and Megatron went through, with Prime leaving behind his trailer. Prey! ...The Harder They Die!

On Cybertron, Prime transformed without his trailer, confirming that he left it on Earth. Under Fire! In the meantime, the Autobots had discovered the deactivated facsimile construct and buried it, thinking it was really Optimus Prime. No mention was made of the trailer and whether or not they buried that component as well. Resurrection!

Optimus Prime (and his trailer) drove to Energy Futures Industries. Prime transformed and left his trailer off-panel. After losing a video game, Optimus Prime's robot component was destroyed and carried away. It was not clear where the Combat Deck was at the time or what happened to it. Afterdeath!

Generation 2

Optimus Prime was back in his original body, except his trailer was black and had more weapons. Transformers: Generation 2

The Transformers cartoon

Combat Deck, the alternate mode of Optimus Prime's trailer, exists within Optimus Prime's trailer. ...Wait, what?

The Combat Deck was used by Optimus Prime during a battle with Megatron; the two fired at each other at the same time. While the Combat Deck's blasts knocked Megatron's fusion cannon off his arm, Megatron's blast blew the Combat Deck cannon to pieces. More than Meets the Eye, Part 3

Optimus Prime later used the Combat Deck to help the Autobots with a battle in the Arctic. The Combat Deck managed to damage Skywarp's stabilizers, causing him to crash into Thundercracker in midair and taking out both Seekers. Fire in the Sky

When Optimus Prime was briefly turned evil, he activated the Combat Deck and Roller to attack his fellow Autobots when they tried to help him. It didn't hit anything, and stopped firing at them as soon as it was hit with an attitude exchanger. Attack of the Autobots

The Combat Deck's arm lifted the body of the ailing Elita One into Prime's Trailer. The Search for Alpha Trion

Coloring book continuity

The Combat Deck, taking care of Starscream.

Optimus Prime used the Combat Deck in defense of a forest in danger of being cleared by the Decepticons to make way for a Decepticon factory. It looks somewhat familiar. Forest Rescue Mission

2005 IDW continuity

When the Autobots arrived in the former Russian state of Brasnya, Optimus Prime deployed the Combat Deck for remote tactical assistance. Escalation #3 It detected the optically camouflaged Blitzwing, enabling Roller to take the Decepticon out of commission. Escalation #4

After being savagely beaten by Megatron, Optimus Prime funneled his consciousness into the memory buffers of the Combat Deck and commanded the Autobots through Prowl from there. After Megatron assumed victory, Optimus moved his higher functions back into his body and showed Megatron the error of his ways. Escalation #6

Energon Universe

As Optimus Prime was rebuilt and revived in the Ark, his "Tactical Trailer" was likewise rebuilt into a trailer based on Earth designs. When caught in a battle against the Decepticons shortly after being revived, Optimus realized that the Autobots would soon be outnumbered, so he ordered Ratchet to load as many dormant Autobots as he could into his trailer so they could retreat. Transformers #1

Once the Autobots had taken refuge in an abandoned quarry, Ratchet used the Trailer's energon supply, as well as metals from the quarry, to revive Cliffjumper. Transformers #2

Toys

The Transformers

Combat Deck. Also, some guy who pulls it around.

• Optimus Prime (1984)
  • Takara ID number: 01
  • Accessories: 4 missiles, fuel pump, hose, nozzle

• Known designers: Shōji Kawamori (TakaraTomy)

The trailer portion of Optimus Prime's vehicle mode opens up into his Combat Deck, splitting down the middle and unfolding into a symmetrical battlefield headquarters for Prime and the Autobots, wide enough to accommodate one vehicle-mode Autobot car in each of its three bays. The central feature of the Combat Deck is the "Auto-Launcher" artillery/repair drone mounted upon a boom lift arm, which features a rotating radar dish, an articulated claw arm, and two missiles. Situated at the base of this boom arm is a spring-loaded launcher that can be used to deploy either Roller or any Autobot car out of the Combat Deck via the ramp formed from the trailer's tailgate. The Combat Deck includes three small peg holes moulded into its walls and floor, scaled to accommodate Optimus Prime's laser rifle (storing it while the figure is in vehicle mode) and the handle of the fuel pump accessory.

In trailer mode, the Combat Deck can accommodate one Autobot car (if you remove Roller), and the launcher still functions. The Auto-Launcher can still be used in this mode, as it fits through either of the two square holes in the trailer's roof and front. The Transformers release of the figure does not mention the Combat Deck's rudimentary "third" mode, a "repair bay" of sorts, which involves standing the open trailer upright while Prime stands in the middle, so the Auto-Launcher can "tend" to him. The Prime figure can also fit within the closed trailer.

As a former Diaclone toy, the Combat Deck features several vestigial features associated with that toyline, including two small, dark blue consoles on its floor, and an opening cockpit on the Auto-Launcher, which can each seat one Diaclone pilot figure. Instead of stickers, the floor of the Combat Deck originally featured large metal plates, to which the Diaclone pilots' magnetic feet could attach. These plates were included on some of the earliest releases of the Transformers version of the toy, but were soon done away with.

The Auto-Launcher is also the subject of several significant variations. Its missiles were customarily black, but slightly smaller grey versions were available. The original Transformers release of the figure did not feature spring-loaded launchers for these missiles, but subsequent Japanese editions of the toy included the feature. When Hasbro reissued the figure in its Generation One Commemorative Series, the launchers were enabled, necessitating that the missiles be lengthened for safety reasons.

When the Optimus Prime mold is recolored or reissued (see this list for all those times), the Combat Deck is almost always included with it. Significant changes in the appearance of the Combat Deck included its being decorated with Pepsi stickers for a limited promotional edition, and being recolored black for Generation 2 in 1993 and JAFCON in 2000.

Generation 2

• Optimus Prime (1993, 1994)
  • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (light blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, sound and lights module

The first Generation 2 Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original Generation 1 figure release. While his cab robot retained his original red and blue color scheme, his trailer was recast in black, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one displaying Optimus's name. The traditionally dark blue internal components of the trailer are a lighter blue. He comes with an electronic "sound and lights module" that can plug into the front of the trailer.

• More information on Generation 2 Combat Deck (with Optimus Prime) at TFU.info

Smallest Transforming Transformers

Honey, I shrunk the Combat Deck

• G1 Convoy Trailer (2003)
  • ID Number: GTF-01B (trailer)

The Combat Deck was available separately from the Optimus cab toy as a shortpacked figure. It is a tiny, simplified replica of the Generation 1 Combat Deck.

In wave 2.5, Optimus was available in cartoon colors, with the chase figure being the trailer painted in cartoon colors.

• More information Smallest Transforming Combat Deck at TFU.info

Masterpiece

You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.

• Convoy Perfect Edition (2006)
  • ID number: MP-4

• Known designers: Hisashi Yuki (TakaraTomy)

For the re-release of Masterpiece Convoy, Takara packed him with a proper, full-size, fully transforming, plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer can open up to reveal his Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional Auto-Launcher. The interior has enough room to accommodate one Alternators toy in vehicle mode.

• Convoy (September 24, 2011)
  • ID number: MP-10

• Known designers: Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy), Junichi Akutsu (concept artist)

MP-10 Convoy is an entirely new, smaller tooling of Generation 1 Optimus Prime, and comes with a new version of his trailer/Combat Deck. It now features a pull-out ramp and opening doors, can mount and be towed by either Optimus Prime or Roller, and the trailer has two flip-down supports underneath, allowing it to stand alone. The interior has enough room to accommodate one Alternity toy in vehicle mode.

As usual, the trailer can open up into the Combat Deck, with the lower portions of the trailer splitting open and to the side to function as supports, and with the ramp being deployed. In this mode, he features the standard Auto-Launcher with a flip-up rotating radar dish and articulated repair arm, as well as a floor-mounted console on each side, all of which can be manned by the included Spike Witwicky figurine. The trailer can also be configured to stand upright for Prime to use in robot mode, with his Ion blaster and energon-axe being stored near the consoles.

Finally, the Combat Deck also features small panels on its sides that can be folded in, forming a small gap that's just the right size for the Auto-Launcher's neck, allowing the Auto-Launcher to be mounted on top and used in trailer mode. Awesome.

Let's see what you can see... This article is in need of images.

• Convoy Mode "Eva" (November 28, 2014)
  • ID number: MP-10

Transformers × Evangelion Convoy Mode "Eva" is a redeco of MP-10 Convoy complete with Combat Deck, which is decoed in white with Nerv insignias as a Nerv"Project Evangelion Movable Base". This toy was limited to 1,000 pieces.

All this for the low, low price of an arm, a leg, and your firstborn son!

• Convoy (August 24, 2019)
  • ID number: MP-44

An entirely new mold, this Combat Deck is included with the third Masterpiece Convoy, MP-44. Designed to resemble the animation model more closely than previous MP depictions, it can be towed in trailer mode by Optimus Prime in his truck mode, works in repair bay mode when positioned vertically, and has cutaways in the top enabling the drone arm to be extended out of the interior when in trailer mode for lots of Decepticon-shooting action. The Auto-Launcher can also separate from the Combat Deck and deploy wheels to replicate an animation error, in this mode it can also be towed by Roller. The drone arm additionally doubles as a flight-stand for when Optimus Prime dons his included jetpack.

Hybrid Style

Also stores fishing tackle.

• G1 Convoy (2006)
  • ID number: THS-02

• Known designers: Shōji Kawamori (TakaraTomy)

This version of Optimus comes with a highly detailed Combat Deck, featuring all the familiar trappings of the original toy, including the Auto-Launcher, Roller, and storage space for Prime's gun and fuel pump. The toy lacks the spring-loaded launcher for Roller or the firing missiles for the Auto-Launcher, and the vestigal Diaclone cockpits are naturally removed, but in their place are storage compartments for Prime's numerous fists and energon axe, and numerous other extra features: the Auto-Launcher now features two handles that Prime can grip onto in order to aim its cannons; instead of merely flipping downward, the trailer's tailgate splits in two and swings open, and a spring-loaded ramp pops out from under the doorway to allow Roller to roll into action; the fuel pump and nozzle are connected by a poseable wire, instead of a rubber tube; when the trailer is opened, the support struts swing out automatically; and the front of the trailer has two little holes to attach Sideswipe's jet pack.

Transformers (2010)

• Masterpiece Optimus Prime (2012)

The Hasbro Toys"R"Us-exclusive Transformers release of MP-10 Convoy also redecoes the trailer, giving it brighter blue plastic and paint, and removing the silver paint of its interior. It retains all of the functionality and gimmickry from the previous release.

Platinum Edition

(Almost) invisible.

• Year of the Horse Optimus Prime (2014)

• Known designers: Mark Maher (deco artist)

Released to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Platinum Edition "Year of the Horse" Optimus Prime is a redeco of MP-10 Convoy, featuring darker reds and gold-chromed parts, among other deco changes. The Combat Deck is now almost completely transparent. The Autobot logos on the side are now red and gold. The Auto-Launcher is cast in transparent blue plastic. Because of the transparency, one has to look closely when the toy is in its packaging to see the actual trailer body.

War for Cybertron: Earthrise

• Optimus Prime (Leader Class, 2020)
  • ID number: WFC-E11
  • TakaraTomy name: Optimus Prime with Trailer
  • TakaraTomy ID number: ER-02
  • TakaraTomy release date: April 25, 2020

• Known designers: Yūya Ōnishi (TakaraTomy)

Earthrise Optimus Prime comes with a new version of Combat Deck. In trailer mode, it can hold small Deluxe Class figures. In battle station mode it features numerous 5 mm ports, a ramp with an A.I.R. Lock connector on its end, and an articulated Auto-Launcher. The center of the ramp can be removed and used as a shield and the Auto-Launcher (now fully grey in color) can be detached and pegged onto a 5 mm port as a backpack or weapon. When towed by either the Siege or Earthrise Optimus Prime molds, the trailer cannot turn if the landing gear is facing forward.

In a cute reference to Heavy Metal War, Kingdom Huffer can tow the Combat Deck in his truck mode.

• Alternate Universe Optimus Prime (Leader Class, 2020)

Like Optimus, the Combat Deck also gets a "sleep mode" redeco.

War for Cybertron Trilogy

• Nemesis Prime Spoiler Pack (Leader Unboxing, 2020)

This War for Cybertron Trilogy Leader Unboxing set contains a Combat Deck redecoed from Earthrise Optimus Prime's trailer, although the Nemesis Prime figure itself is actually a redeco of Siege Optimus. The Combat Deck can connect with the included Fangtron to form a ramp.

War for Cybertron: Kingdom

• Optimus Prime (Leader Class, 2020)
  • ID number: WFC-K11

Earthrise Optimus Prime was re-released in the first wave of the Kingdom Leader Class toys, including the Combat Deck. It featured no notable changes.

Robosen Collector's Edition

• Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Trailer and Roller (2022)

This version of the Combat Deck is a companion piece to the earlier Robosen Optimus Prime programmable robot. It forms a 3-foot-long trailer with internal and external lighting, and upon voice command or app control it uses 60 microchips and 18 motors to move some of its 2,000 individual parts, self-transform and rise into its interactive battle station / repair tower mode, move its various doors and ramps, and deploy a remote-controlled Roller. It costs $750 - as much as Robosen Prime himself - but what price is the pain of not having one?

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

Holiday Optimus Prime

Repair drone elf costume not included.

• Holiday Optimus Prime (December 2022)

• Known designers: Lenny Panzica and Mark Maher (Hasbro), Mario Carreiro and Christina Murphy (packaging)^[2]

This festive incarnation of the Combat Deck is a redeco of the one included with Earthrise Optimus Prime in white with red stripes and features a tampographed Autobot insignia wearing a Santa hat. The Auto-Launcher is cast in pure white.

The figure was made available for sale exclusively at Hasbro Pulse on November 1, 2022 and is slated for a December 2022 release.

• Designer commentary on Holiday Optimus Prime from Mark Maher on Instagram

Collaborative

• VNR Optimus Prime (2023)
  • Accessories: Ion blaster, Matrix of Leadership, trailer, artillery robot, ramp/shield, trailer hitch

• Known designers: Sam Smith (Hasbro)^[3]

Volvo VNR 300 Optimus Prime includes yet another redeco of the Earthrise Combat Deck, now packed with the above Holiday Optimus Prime figure in traditional Optimus Prime colors. The trailer features a more full-throated version of Optimus Prime's traditional blue stripe, now with white backing, and the Auto-Launcher is finally, FINALLY cast in multiple plastic colors with the "head" and base rendered in black while the arms remain in gray.

This figure was made available exclusively at Hasbro Pulse in the United States, and was available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets- which stocked the figure months before it was officially acknowledged by Hasbro themselves.

Legacy

The Masterpiece for $400, or this for $40. It's up to you.

• Optimus Prime & Bumblebee (Multi-pack, 2023)

• Accessories: Ion blaster, stinger blaster, axe, trailer, Roller, repair drone, trailer hitch/shield panel
• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro), Ittoku Kuwazu (TakaraTomy)^[4]

A Hasbro Pulse exclusive, this adorable Core Class-scaled Combat Deck takes center stage in this Legacy combo pack with repaints of Core Class Optimus Prime and Core Class Bumblebee. This cutesy, vaguely SD offering was somehow the most comprehensive Generations update to the Generation 1 trailer upon its release, featuring an immaculate, at last color-accurate Auto-Launcher with the original antenna and longer multi-jointed repair arm which nonetheless retains the modular features of the Earthrise version. Accompanying the Command Deck is a teeny inhalable Roller also able to tow the entire trailer(!) as well as carry around the Auto-Launcher on its own MP-44 style. The trailer was noted by designer Evan Brooks to be proportionally rightfully huge in contrast to the infamously undersized Earthrise version, and is scaled to fit the included Bumblebee, though it isn't quite long enough to fit Bumblebee, Roller, and the repair drone all at once. The set also includes Prime's signature ion blaster and Energon-axe, Generation 1-style "stinger blaster" for Bumblebee, and a shield/hitch panel to allow Prime to tow the trailer, all of which have places to stow inside the trailer. While Roller fits inside, it has no secure tabbing point.

The set was revealed and put up for preorder on the June 20 Hasbro Pulse Fanstream.

Studio Series

The $90 upgrade kit
Free robot included!

• Optimus Prime (Commander Class, 2024)

• Movie: The Transformers: The Movie
• Hasbro ID number: 86-31
• TakaraTomy ID number: SS-142
• TakaraTomy release date: March 29, 2025
• Accessories: Ion Blaster, Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership, Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, Auto-Launcher repair drone, 2 beam effects, 2 truck jump effects, "Battle of Autobot City" backdrop (3rd version)
• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro), Tomoki Tatsumi (TakaraTomy)^[5], Mario Carreiro (packaging), Marcelo Matere (packaging illustration)^[6]

Studio Series '86 Optimus Prime includes a new trailer based on its cartoon appearance along with Roller and the Auto-Launcher repair drone, finally bringing the side stabilizers to Generations. It is designed to store all of Prime's accessories with enough space left to fit store one Deluxe Class car. Of course, the trailer can transform into its Combat Deck command station^[7] or repair bay configurations. The interior of the trailer is based on the MP-44 trailer’s sculpt, itself inspired by the original trailer’s stickers, along with some MP-10 influence on the bottom side. The Diaclone consoles have been rendered as unpainted sculpted detail due to their space being used for accessory storage. The Auto-Launcher drone features its traditional antenna and claw arm, and has an opening cockpit, though the space is too small for even a Diaclone pilot to fit. Unfortunately, the drone cannot poke out of the trailer like previous versions, but it is removable and can be carried by Roller MP-44 style, who can also tow the trailer.

Merchandise

Imaginarium Art

• Optimus Prime (2017)

Imaginarium Art's first statue of Optimus Prime stands 24 inches tall and features multiple LEDs, two varieties of his laser rifle, and his energy axe. The statue's chestplate can open, revealing the Matrix of Leadership. The sculpted base for this figure also features the Combat Deck and Roller. Only 500 of this item were produced.

Notes

• In the cartoon, when Optimus Prime transforms into robot mode, the combat deck disappears, only to reattach itself to Prime whenever he goes into vehicle mode. According to an early Japanese catalog circa 1985, after Optimus Prime transforms into robot mode, the trailer is teleported to the base via a special signal.^[8] IDW's The Transformers: Escalation uses a similar idea, by having the trailer arrive at Prime's location using orbital jump.
• Marvel's G1 comics generally kept better track of Prime's trailer. If he didn't bring it with him, he would transform without it. It seemed to pop in and out in the G2 comic, though.
• The Combat Deck was referred to as Autobot Headquarters in several different sources.
• Among the sticker displays in the original Combat Deck toy is a map of the Romulan Neutral Zone from Star Trek. Really!

Foreign names

• Japanese: Combat Container (コンバットコンテナ Konbatto Kontena)

See also

• Star Trailer

References

External links

• Combat Deck (with Optimus Prime) at TFU.info.