Stratosphere

The Autobots being primarily a group of robots who turn into cars and trucks sometimes need help from some high-flying, heavy lifting comrades. Stratosphere fulfills this task with gusto.

Stratosphere starts off as a military transport plane. His exact design is an amalgamation of several different real life planes include the C-17, C-5, and An-225. He’s actually quite convincing in this mode.

Stratosphere rests on 11 landing wheels (although only 3 are actually functional) and features a smattering of typical military aircraft markings as well as many Autobot symbols.

Stratosphere’s main gimmick is a spring loaded cargo bay where he can store the miniature Optimus Prime. Simply rotate the tailfin assembly downward to open the bay.

In robot mode, Stratosphere uses all his hidden bulk to expand into a really intimidating robots. Despite the odd choice of orange for his arms, Stratosphere manages to invoke images of a gaunt, giant of a machine.

There’s something very traditional about Stratosphere’s head design. The combination of canopy windows on his head and the small markings around his eyes give him the visage of a strong soldier.

The light piping gimmick works really well with this toy.

Stratosphere features plenty of articulation in his arms, legs, head, and hips. His arms feature small gears that move as you position the arms. His claws are articulated and can hold things pretty well.

The in-scale Optimus makes reinforces the “giant Autobot warrior” effect.

The miniature Optimus Prime is a grat accessory in its own right. For me, this guy is like a new version of Micromaster Overload which was one of my favorite toys.

In robot mode the Micromaster aesthetic is in full effect. He really feels like a toy right out of my youth.

Overall, Stratosphere is a great toy. From a solid jet mode to a strong robot mode you really can’t go wrong with this one.