Turbomaster

Turbomasters were a European-exclusive line of Transformers, a subgroup of the Autobots who first appeared near the end of the 1st generation of the toyline, and were carried into the second. (Specifically, they were released in 1991, when American "Generation 1" Transformers were no longer in production.) There were 6 Turbomasters in all. The common thread in their toy design was their missile launchers, which featured spring-powered projectiles so powerful that they were not released in the U.S. because they violated toy regulations.

The Turbomasters first appearance took place during the last phase of Generation 1 in Japan, during the title "Operation: Combination". However, this period of Transformers took place when interest in Japan was beginning to rapidly decline, and "Operation: Combination", as well as "Battlestars: The Return of Convoy" which occurred prior to it, were not animated. The stories were told through sparse manga pages and text-based stories.

The Turbomasters only modern-day appearance was in the third volume of Dreamwave Productions's "" series, where the four smaller Turbomasters (Boss, Flash, Hurricane and Scorch) appeared as bodyguards to the Autobot scientist Perceptor. Specifically, Flash's role was being built up to seemingly large proportions, but the company went bankrupt before the story arc was fully published.

Members

The Turbomasters consisted of:
* Thunderclash - Tech-Spec Bio: Turbomaster commander. Possesses a razor-sharp mind and intuitive flare for plucking his troop from disaster. Massively strong and versatile, just his fearless presence on the battlefield is said to quell any Decepticon retaliation. Commands the instant respect and loyalty of every Autobot and the fear and loathing of the Predators. His incredible speed and strategic genius more than matches the evil Predators' supersight and ultra-communication powers. His trailer is able to convert into a powerful command center/battle station armed with handheld weaponry and 12 missile-power defense.Thunderclash's mold would later be reused for Optimus Prime in Machine Wars .

* Rotorstorm - Tech-Spec Bio: The only airborne Turbomaster. Ruthless and without fear. Through his super technology, eavesdrops on Decepticon communications and predicts their evil plans. Uses an extra sense 'Dodge' to guide the Turbomaster ground team through danger. Feared and respected by even the most hardened Decepticon for his brilliance and speed. As helicopter, swoops into battle, to do terrible damage with two turbines and seven missiles. As robot, thunders impressively through all in his path with hand held turbo power.Rotorstorm's mold would later be reused in Machine Wars Sandstorm and Whirl.

* Boss - Tech-Spec Bio: Leads with courage and cunning, whilst being fearless in front line battles. Is able to outwit even the smartest Decepticon with the sheer skill of his combat strategies. As vehicle, his central, forward facing turbine elevates to fend off attack from high fliers. As robot, armed with a powerful hand-held turbo defender.

* Hurricane - Tech-Spec Bio: A brilliant analyst, he pins his defense plans down to the most minute detail. He is almost clairvoyant in his forward thinking. As vehicle, rear facing turbine elevates for all round defense power. As robot, an imposing turbo-armed figure on the battlefield.

* Flash - Tech-Spec Bio: Fastest and most ambitious of the Turbomasters; a flashy, streamlined dare-devil. The group tolerates his stunts because they usually pay off in the end. Uses super speed and maneuverability to get out of tight corners. As a vehicle, central elevating turbine brings high flying targets within range. As robot, wades in with massive turbo defense power.

* Scorch - Tech-Spec Bio: A formidable defense shield. Fiercely loyal to Thunderclash and courageous to the point of recklessness. He is proud of his position in the Autobot ranks and enjoys teamwork. As vehicle, central turbine provides super defense power. As robot a formidable turbo-shielded presence.