Cobra H.I.S.S. II (1989)

Overview

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The Cobra H.I.S.S. II (High Speed Sentry) was released in 1989 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and included the exclusive Track Viper driver. It is the direct successor to the legendary 1983 H.I.S.S. Tank, expanding on the original design with greater firepower, a larger cockpit, and a rear troop compartment.

While the original H.I.S.S. remains Cobra's most iconic tank, the H.I.S.S. II is often considered its most capable and heavily armed evolution.

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Key Features

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1. Includes Track Viper

Every Cobra H.I.S.S. II originally included Track Viper, Cobra's elite armored vehicle operator.

His distinctive blue-and-black armor makes him one of the most recognizable Cobra drivers of the late 1980s.

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2. Two-Person Cockpit

Unlike the original single-seat H.I.S.S., the H.I.S.S. II features an enlarged cockpit capable of seating two Cobra figures.

This gives the tank a more realistic command-and-gunner configuration.

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3. Rear Troop Compartment

A major improvement over the original is the sliding rear troop carrier, which can transport up to four Cobra soldiers.

This makes the H.I.S.S. II both an assault tank and an armored personnel carrier.

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4. Upgraded Firepower

The H.I.S.S. II is equipped with:

• Tri-barreled thermal-propulsion cannon

• Twin 100 mm laser machine guns

• Dual "SLAM" surface-hover missiles

Its expanded arsenal made it one of Cobra's most formidable ground vehicles.

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5. Improved Armor

The larger chassis offers better protection while maintaining the sleek profile that made the original H.I.S.S. famous.

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Fun Facts

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Bigger Than the Original

The H.I.S.S. II is noticeably larger than the 1983 H.I.S.S., offering more interior space and significantly improved play value.

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Inspired by the Comics

Several elements of the H.I.S.S. II, including the wider cockpit, resemble how H.I.S.S. tanks were depicted in Marvel's G.I. Joe comic series.

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One of Cobra's Best Tanks

Many collectors consider the H.I.S.S. II to be the ultimate vintage Cobra tank thanks to its combination of troop transport capability, heavy weapons, and iconic styling. Recent collector discussions frequently rank it among the best Cobra vehicles ever produced.

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Exclusive Track Viper

The Track Viper was only available with the H.I.S.S. II, making complete sets especially desirable.

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Excellent Display Piece

With room for multiple Cobra Troopers, Alley Vipers, or Frag-Vipers, the H.I.S.S. II creates an impressive centerpiece in Cobra army displays.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting collector value are:

• Original Track Viper figure included

• Complete troop compartment and sliding tray

• Tri-barreled cannon intact

• Both side laser cannons and SLAM missiles present

• Clean decals with minimal wear

• Unbroken cockpit assembly

• Original instruction sheet

• Original box and inserts

Because the H.I.S.S. II includes numerous removable accessories and the exclusive Track Viper, 100% complete examples command a substantial premium.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Cobra H.I.S.S. II is considered one of the finest Cobra ground vehicles because it offers:

• the exclusive Track Viper driver

• a larger and more capable successor to the original H.I.S.S.

• room for multiple Cobra troops

• outstanding firepower and play features

• iconic Cobra styling with modernized engineering

More than 35 years after its release, the Cobra H.I.S.S. II remains one of the most desirable armored vehicles in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Whether displayed alongside the original H.I.S.S., the Maggot, or the Rage, it stands as one of Cobra's greatest battlefield machines.

Grab your free checklist of the Cobra HISS II! Track all the figures, vehicles, and parts so you know what you have—or what’s missing.