G.I. Joe Cobra Sea Ray (1987)

 

Overview

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The Cobra Sea Ray was released in 1987 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and included the exclusive Sea Slug driver. One of the most innovative vehicles in the Cobra Navy, the Sea Ray is a hybrid airborne and underwater assault craft that can separate into two independent vehicles: a powered glider and a mini-submarine.

Its manta ray-inspired shape and dual-purpose design make it one of the most imaginative Cobra vehicles of the late 1980s.

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Key Features

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1. Includes Sea Slug

Every original Sea Ray came with Sea Slug, a Cobra Navy specialist trained to operate the vehicle.

Sea Slug was exclusive to the Sea Ray during its original release and was never sold separately.

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2. Splits into Two Separate Vehicles

The Sea Ray's signature feature is its ability to divide into:

• a one-man powered glider

• a compact attack submarine

Each section can be used independently, greatly increasing its play value and tactical versatility.

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3. Airborne Submersible Delivery System

According to its official file card, the Sea Ray is an Airborne Submersible Delivery System, capable of rapid aerial insertion before transitioning into underwater operations.

This allows Cobra forces to launch surprise attacks from both the air and the sea.

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4. Heavy Weapons Loadout

The Sea Ray is equipped with:

• 2 × 30 mm "Pulverizer" sealed-combustion cannons

• 8 × 200 lb "Snake Attack" air-to-surface missiles

Despite its medium size, it carries substantial offensive firepower.

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5. Distinctive Manta Ray Design

Its sweeping wings and streamlined body were inspired by the shape of a manta ray, giving the vehicle one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the Cobra arsenal.

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Fun Facts

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One of Cobra's Most Innovative Naval Vehicles

Few G.I. Joe vehicles combine two completely different modes of operation as effectively as the Sea Ray, making it a standout design among 1987 releases.

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Sea Slug Was Vehicle-Exclusive

For many collectors, the only way to obtain Sea Slug was by purchasing the Sea Ray, increasing demand for complete sets.

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The Split Feature Is Its Biggest Selling Point

Collectors often cite the transformation into a glider and submarine as one of the toy's most enjoyable play features and a reason it remains popular today.

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Inspired Endless Childhood Adventures

Many fans repurposed the separated sections as entirely different vehicles, using the glider or tail section as drones or futuristic aircraft during play.

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A Cult Favorite

Although overshadowed by larger Cobra vehicles like the Mamba or Maggot, the Sea Ray has developed a loyal following among collectors who appreciate its originality and engineering.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting collector value are:

• inclusion of the original Sea Slug figure

• both glider and submarine sections present

• complete missile loadout

• intact cockpit canopy and hinges

• clean factory decals

• original instruction sheet and packaging

Because the vehicle separates into multiple pieces, complete examples with all original accessories are considerably more valuable than incomplete ones.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Cobra Sea Ray has become a highly regarded vehicle among vintage G.I. Joe enthusiasts because it offers:

• an imaginative 2-in-1 transforming design

• exclusive Sea Slug driver

• seamless combination of air and underwater operations

• distinctive manta ray-inspired styling

• excellent display potential alongside Cobra Eels and other naval units

Nearly 40 years after its release, the Cobra Sea Ray remains one of the most creative and memorable vehicles in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, earning its place as a cult classic in Cobra collections.