G.I. Joe S.L.A.M. (Strategic Long-Range Artillery Machine) (1987)

 

Overview

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The S.L.A.M. (Strategic Long-Range Artillery Machine) was released in 1987 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. One of the most innovative vehicles of the year, the S.L.A.M. is a 2-in-1 artillery system that transforms from a heavily armed ground artillery vehicle into a high-speed hovercraft/scout vehicle.

The vehicle included the exclusive Downtown figure, G.I. Joe's artillery specialist, making it one of the most complete combat packages in the 1987 lineup.

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Key Features

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1. Includes Downtown

Every original S.L.A.M. came with Downtown, the G.I. Joe Team's long-range artillery expert.

Downtown was exclusive to the S.L.A.M. during its original release and remains highly sought after by collectors.

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2. Two Vehicles in One

The S.L.A.M.'s most famous feature is its ability to separate into:

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Artillery Mode

• Long-range missile artillery platform

• Heavy battlefield support weapon

• Defensive emplacement

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Hovercraft Mode

• Fast reconnaissance vehicle

• Rapid deployment platform

• Independent scout craft

This dual-function design significantly increased play value.

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3. Long-Range Missile System

The main artillery platform carries a large missile battery capable of providing support fire for advancing G.I. Joe forces.

The launcher can be adjusted to simulate different firing angles.

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4. High-Speed Hovercraft

After separation, the front section becomes a compact hovercraft-like vehicle capable of rapid movement across a variety of terrain.

This feature made the S.L.A.M. unique among G.I. Joe artillery vehicles.

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5. Multiple Figure Positions

The complete system allows several figures to participate in operations simultaneously, with positions for:

• driver

• gunner

• support crew

This makes it particularly effective in large display scenes.

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Fun Facts

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One of the Most Creative Joe Vehicles of 1987

The S.L.A.M. perfectly captured the late-1980s G.I. Joe philosophy of combining realistic military concepts with futuristic engineering.

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Downtown Was Vehicle Exclusive

For years, the only way to obtain Downtown was by purchasing the S.L.A.M., making complete sets especially desirable.

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Spiritual Successor to Earlier Artillery Units

Many collectors view the S.L.A.M. as an evolution of earlier support weapons such as the:

• PAC/RAT

• Mountain Howitzer

• Missile Defense Unit

but with far greater mobility.

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Popular in the Marvel Comics Era

The S.L.A.M. appeared in promotional artwork and supporting media during the late 1980s, helping establish it as a core G.I. Joe battlefield asset.

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Frequently Missing Missiles

The original missiles are among the most commonly lost accessories, significantly affecting collector value today.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting collector value are:

• inclusion of the original Downtown figure

• complete missile complement

• both vehicle sections present

• intact separation mechanism

• clean original decals

• instruction sheet included

• original packaging

Because the missiles and Downtown figure are frequently separated from the vehicle, fully complete examples command a substantial premium.

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Why Collectors Love It

The S.L.A.M. is highly regarded among vintage G.I. Joe collectors because it offers:

• a unique 2-in-1 transforming vehicle concept

• the exclusive Downtown artillery specialist

• long-range support fire capability

• excellent play and display value

• a perfect blend of realism and late-1980s innovation

Nearly four decades after its release, the Strategic Long-Range Artillery Machine (S.L.A.M.) remains one of the most memorable support vehicles in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and is considered a standout release from the outstanding 1987 vehicle lineup.