G.I. Joe Dreadnok Air Assault (Sears Exclusive) (1986)

 

Overview

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The Dreadnok Air Assault was released in 1986 as a Sears Exclusive for G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Rather than introducing brand-new vehicles, the set combined recolored versions of two earlier aircraft:

• the Cobra F.A.N.G. (Fully Armed Negator Gyrocopter) from 1983

• the G.I. Joe Sky Hawk VTOL from 1984

Both were repainted in bold Dreadnok-inspired colors to create a unique air support package for Zartan's biker gang.

Although the box artwork depicted Torch and Monkeywrench flying the aircraft, no figures were included in the set.

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Key Features

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1. Two Aircraft in One Package

The Dreadnok Air Assault included:

• one Gyrocopter (based on the Cobra F.A.N.G.)

• one VTOL Copter (based on the G.I. Joe Sky Hawk)

This gave collectors two playable aircraft in a single boxed set.

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2. Exclusive Dreadnok Color Scheme

Instead of the original Cobra blue or G.I. Joe green, both vehicles received a striking repaint featuring:

• bright red

• dark blue

• black accents

The unusual colors reflected the wild and improvised style of the Dreadnoks.

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3. Based on Proven Vehicle Molds

Hasbro reused two fan-favorite molds:

• the F.A.N.G., already one of Cobra's most popular helicopters

• the Sky Hawk, a compact vertical takeoff aircraft

This combination gave the Dreadnoks an instant air force without requiring new tooling.

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4. Compatible with Standard 3.75-Inch Figures

Both aircraft accommodate standard vintage G.I. Joe figures.

Collectors often display them with:

• Monkeywrench

• Torch

• Buzzer

• Ripper

• Zandar

even though none were packaged with the set.

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5. Sears Exclusive Packaging

The Dreadnok Air Assault was sold only through Sears stores and catalogs in North America, making it much scarcer than standard retail vehicles.

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Fun Facts

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A Repaint Collection Before Repaints Became Common

Today, repainting molds is routine, but in 1986 this Sears-exclusive strategy was relatively unusual and helped create a distinct identity for the Dreadnoks' vehicle lineup.

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The Box Art Is Misleading

The packaging artwork prominently features Torch and Monkeywrench piloting the aircraft.

However, buyers discovered that the set included vehicles only.

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One of Four Sears Dreadnok Vehicle Sets

The Dreadnok Air Assault was released alongside other Sears exclusives such as:

• Dreadnok Ground Assault

• Swampfire

• Thunder Machine

Together they significantly expanded the Dreadnoks' vehicle roster in 1986.

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Often Overlooked by Casual Collectors

Because both aircraft reuse earlier molds, many collectors initially mistake them for ordinary F.A.N.G. or Sky Hawk releases until they notice the distinctive colors.

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Highly Regarded Today

Modern collectors appreciate the set for its rarity and nostalgia. One recent fan commented:

"I got this set for Christmas in 1986... wish I still had it today."

showing the strong sentimental value attached to this Sears exclusive.

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Value Drivers

The most important factors affecting value are:

• both aircraft included

• complete weapon accessories

• intact rotor assemblies

• original stickers in good condition

• Sears-exclusive box

• instruction sheets

• absence of broken mounting tabs

Because the set contains two separate vehicles with numerous removable parts, complete examples are considerably rarer than incomplete ones.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Dreadnok Air Assault has become one of the standout Sears exclusives because it offers:

• two aircraft in one package

• eye-catching Dreadnok-exclusive colors

• classic F.A.N.G. and Sky Hawk molds

• strong nostalgia value

• genuine rarity within the vintage line

For many vintage G.I. Joe collectors, it represents the perfect blend of exclusive packaging, creative repaints, and Dreadnok attitude, making it one of the most desirable specialty releases from 1986.